These classic eclairs are made with a light and airy choux pastry, filled with a rich vanilla cream, and optionally dusted with powdered sugar. They are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 eggs
- 150 grams sugar
- 70 grams cornstarch
- 500 grams milk
- Vanillin (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 50 grams butter
For the Choux Pastry:
- 180 grams water
- 90 grams butter
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of sugar
- 130 grams flour
- 3-4 eggs
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Cream Filling:
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 150 grams of sugar until well combined.
- Add Cornstarch:
- Add 70 grams of cornstarch and mix until smooth.
- Heat Milk:
- In a saucepan, heat 500 grams of milk over medium heat until it starts to boil.
- Combine and Thicken:
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the cream thickens.
- Add Flavor and Butter:
- Remove from heat and add vanillin or vanilla extract, and 50 grams of butter. Stir until the butter is melted and fully incorporated.
- Cool the Cream:
- Allow the cream to cool completely before using.
Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Heat Liquid Ingredients:
- In a saucepan, combine 180 grams of water, 90 grams of butter, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of sugar. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture starts to boil.
- Add Flour:
- Remove from heat and immediately add 130 grams of flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cook Dough:
- Return the pan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the dough starts to stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Cool and Add Eggs:
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. The dough should be thick but fall slowly from a spoon.
Shape and Bake the Eclairs:
- Pipe Dough:
- Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Pipe 10-12 cm long strips of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each eclair.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the eclairs are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool:
- Allow the eclairs to cool completely on a wire rack.
Fill the Eclairs:
- Prepare Eclairs:
- Once the eclairs are cool, make a small cut on the side of each eclair or cut them in half lengthwise.
- Pipe Cream:
- Fill a piping bag with the cooled cream filling and pipe the cream into the eclairs.
Garnish and Serve:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Optionally, dust the filled eclairs with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the eclairs as a delightful dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.
- They make a perfect treat for special occasions, celebrations, or simply to indulge in a delicious pastry.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the cream filling is completely cooled before filling the eclairs to prevent it from melting.
- Bake the eclairs until they are golden brown and firm to avoid them collapsing when cooling.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in Protein: From the eggs and milk.
- Balanced Treat: A delightful treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Dietary Information
- Contains: Gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store the filled eclairs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: The unfilled choux pastry shells can be frozen for up to a month; thaw and fill before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Airy: These eclairs are light, airy, and filled with a rich, creamy filling.
- Impressive: Perfect for impressing guests with a classic French pastry.
- Easy to Follow: The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are deliciously rewarding.
Conclusion
Enjoy making and eating these classic cream-filled eclairs. Their perfect combination of light choux pastry and rich vanilla cream will make them a favorite dessert in your household.