Éclair

Éclair Cake – An Irresistible Delight for Everyone

Who hasn’t heard of the famous Éclair cake? This pastry gem has captured the hearts of food lovers around the world with its fluffy texture and decadent cream. The Éclair cake is perfect for any occasion, from parties with friends to a romantic dinner, and it will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. Let’s discover together how to prepare this quick and delicious dessert, step by step!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

*For the Éclair dough:*
- 200 ml water
- 120 g butter
- 1 cup flour (approximately 150 g)
- 5 large eggs
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling cream:*
- 500 ml milk
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 packets vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 150 ml whipped cream (ready-made)

*For decoration:*
- 1 melted chocolate (for sauce)
- Extra whipped cream (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 200 ml of water and 120 g of butter along with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
2. Once the butter has completely melted, add 1 cup of flour, stirring vigorously with a spatula. You will notice the mixture thickening quickly, forming a ball of dough.
3. Allow the dough to cool for about 10 minutes. It’s important not to add the eggs to the hot dough, as you risk cooking them.
4. After the dough has cooled, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You will achieve a creamy and glossy dough.
5. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and use a spatula to spread the dough evenly on the sheet.
6. Bake the dough for 25 minutes or until it turns golden and slightly elastic. Do not open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to allow the dough to rise evenly. When ready, let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. In a large pot, combine 500 ml of milk with 3 packets of vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of rum (optional, for extra flavor). Bring the milk to a boil.
2. In a separate bowl, beat 4 large eggs with 150 g of sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well until you obtain a smooth mixture.
3. When the milk begins to boil, pour the egg mixture in a thin stream while stirring constantly. This step is essential to prevent the eggs from curdling.
4. Reduce the heat and continue stirring constantly for 15 minutes, until the cream thickens. Make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot!
5. Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. After it has cooled, carefully fold in 150 ml of whipped cream, mixing gently to maintain the airy texture.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. When the dough has cooled completely, cut it lengthwise in half. Use a spatula to fill each half with the delicious cream. Don’t hesitate to add a generous amount of cream!
2. Place the other half of the dough on top, pressing gently.
3. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave (be careful not to burn it!). Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the cake and let it cool slightly.
4. Decorate the cake with whipped cream and, if desired, add some fresh fruit for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Serving and Pairing

The Éclair cake is served chilled, and a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea pairs perfectly with it. It’s also delicious alongside a glass of sparkling wine or prosecco, making it ideal for a special occasion.

Helpful Tips

- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps achieve a more homogeneous dough and a fluffier cream.
- You can experiment with different flavors for the cream, adding, for example, a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract.
- If you want a healthier version, try replacing some of the sugar with a natural sweetener.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, although delicious, is high in calories, having approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. However, the eggs and milk provide essential proteins, and chocolate can offer antioxidants when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the Éclair cake a day in advance?
Yes, the cake keeps well in the refrigerator, but make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

2. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I prevent the dough from collapsing?
Make sure not to open the oven door during baking and that the dough is well mixed and aerated.

The Éclair cake is truly a dessert for everyone, and with a little patience and skill, you can prepare it at home, enjoying an impressive result. I invite you to experiment and let yourself be inspired by this delicious recipe! Happy cooking!