Ingredients
Scale
- For the Choux Pastry:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the Pastry Cream:
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer and the butter melts.
- Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 4-inch-long strips onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Pastry Cream:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam (do not boil).
- In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until pale and smooth.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly, then return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface) and refrigerate until chilled.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir gently until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Eclairs:
- Slice the cooled pastry shells in half horizontally. Fill a piping bag with the pastry cream and pipe it generously onto the bottom halves.
- Dip the top halves of the shells into the chocolate ganache to coat, then place them back on top of the cream-filled bottoms.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are measured accurately.
- Eclairs can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Serve chilled for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 eclair
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: eclairs, choux pastry, dessert recipe, chocolate ganache