Chocolate Eclairs
Indulge in these delightful Chocolate Eclairs featuring a crisp exterior, creamy filling, and a velvety chocolate glaze. Perfect for impressing your family and friends during any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Use unsalted for better control of flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs Make sure eggs are at room temperature.
For the Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup chocolate chips Use high-quality chocolate for better flavor.
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting Optional, for a decorative touch.
Instructions
Preparation of Choux Pastry
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup water and 1/2 cup unsalted butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Incorporate the Eggs
- Once cool, beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next. Your dough should be smooth and glossy.
Shape and Bake Eclairs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 4-inch long strips onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Cream Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Fill the Eclairs
- Use a small knife to poke a hole in the side of each eclair. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream and pipe it into each eclair until filled.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 cup of chocolate chips until melted. Stir until smooth.
Glaze the Eclairs
- Dip the tops of each eclair into the melted chocolate or use a spoon to drizzle it over them. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Dust and Serve
- If desired, dust the eclairs with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Eclairs!
Notes
To keep your Chocolate Eclairs fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If storing longer, freeze the unfilled eclairs for up to a month. Consume them fresh after filling to preserve texture.