Chocolate Eclairs 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate eclairs are the perfect combination of crispy pastry, creamy filling, and smooth chocolate glaze. The choux pastry is light and airy, providing the perfect contrast to the rich custard filling. The glossy chocolate glaze adds the final touch, making them look as elegant as they taste. While they may seem like a dessert fit for a bakery, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and will allow you to create these delicious treats in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the choux pastry:

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)

For the custard filling:

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 4 large egg yolks

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the chocolate glaze:

• 4 oz dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the choux pastry:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is fully melted.

• Once the mixture is boiling, add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Continue to cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball.

• Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

• Transfer the choux dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.

• Pipe the dough into 4-inch long strips on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave some space between each eclair.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the eclairs are golden brown and crisp. Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes to ensure they puff up properly.

• Once baked, remove the eclairs from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Make the custard filling:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

• Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and begins to boil. Once it starts to boil, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.

• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.

• Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the custard for at least 1 hour or until fully chilled.

3. Make the chocolate glaze:

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and add the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to soften.

• Stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and the glaze is smooth and shiny. Set aside to cool slightly before using.

4. Assemble the eclairs:

• Once the eclairs have cooled completely, use a small knife to make a slit along the side of each one. You can also use a piping bag to poke a hole in the end of each eclair and pipe the custard inside.

• Fill a piping bag with the chilled custard filling and pipe it into each eclair until fully filled. If you prefer, you can use a spoon to fill them as well.

5. Glaze the eclairs:

• Dip the top of each eclair into the chocolate glaze, or spoon the glaze over the top, making sure the entire top is covered with a smooth layer of chocolate.

• Place the glazed eclairs back on the wire rack and allow the chocolate to set for about 10-15 minutes.

6. Serve:

• Serve the eclairs fresh! They’re best enjoyed the same day they are made, but you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 eclairs

Total time: 3 hours (including chilling and resting time)

Variations

• Coffee Eclairs: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the custard filling for a delicious coffee-flavored eclair.

• Pastry Cream Filling: For a richer filling, you can substitute the custard filling with traditional pastry cream, which uses more egg yolks and milk.

• Fruit Eclairs: Add a layer of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, inside the eclair along with the custard for a fruity twist.

• Nutty Eclairs: Add finely chopped nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts on top of the chocolate glaze for added crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Chocolate eclairs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are still delicious the next day, though the pastry may soften slightly.

Reheating: If you want to re-crisp the eclairs, you can place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. However, the chocolate glaze may lose its shine upon reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make the choux pastry dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the choux pastry dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before piping and baking.

2. Can I freeze chocolate eclairs?

Yes, you can freeze the eclairs before glazing. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them and glaze them with fresh chocolate.

3. How can I prevent my eclairs from deflating?

Make sure to bake the eclairs at the proper temperature and avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking. This ensures the steam stays trapped inside and the eclairs puff up properly.

4. Can I use store-bought custard for the filling?

While homemade custard offers the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought custard or pastry cream as a shortcut if you’re short on time.

5. Can I make the chocolate glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chocolate glaze ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or over a double boiler before using.

6. How do I know when my choux pastry is done baking?

The eclairs should be golden brown and puffed up. You can also tap the bottom of the eclairs—if they sound hollow, they are done. Avoid opening the oven door during the initial baking phase to prevent the eclairs from collapsing.

7. Can I make the eclair filling dairy-free?

Yes, you can make the custard filling dairy-free by using plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and dairy-free butter. There are also vegan custard options available.

8. How can I make my eclair dough more airy?

To make your choux pastry extra airy, ensure that you’re not over-mixing the dough when adding the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time and mix just until the dough is smooth and glossy. The dough should be thick but still able to pipe easily.

9. Can I add other flavors to the chocolate glaze?

Yes! You can infuse the chocolate glaze with flavors like orange zest, vanilla, or even a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier for a unique twist.

10. How do I make the eclair dough the right consistency?

When making the choux pastry, the dough should be thick enough to pipe, but soft enough to flow out of the piping bag easily. If it’s too runny, add a little more flour, and if it’s too stiff, add a touch of water.

Conclusion

Chocolate eclairs are a classic French pastry that brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden-brown choux pastry, creamy custard filling, and glossy chocolate glaze make for a show-stopping dessert. While they may seem like a bakery treat, you can easily make them at home with this recipe. Perfect for any occasion, chocolate eclairs are a delicious way to impress your guests or indulge in a little sweetness yourself. Enjoy!