Eclair cake

Eclair Cake with Vanilla Cream – An Unmistakable Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Who hasn't fallen in love with an eclair cake? This elegant dessert, with a fluffy interior and fine cream, has won the hearts of many. Its history is lost in the mists of time, but it is known that eclairs were created to bring a touch of joy to each day. Today, I will show you how to prepare this delicious eclair cake, a simple yet impressive recipe that will make you the star of any party!

Necessary ingredients

For the eclair shells:
- 400 ml water
- 200 ml oil
- 300 g flour
- 6 eggs

For the vanilla cream:
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 liter of milk
- 200 ml cream

For decoration:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 100 ml plain chocolate
- 100 ml milk for glazing

Step 1: Preparing the eclair shells

Start by putting the water and oil in a pot over medium heat. It is important for the ingredients to reach the right temperature. When the water starts to boil, remove the pot from the heat. Now, add all the flour at once and mix vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon. It is essential not to leave lumps, so mix vigorously!

Return the pot to the heat for another 2 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. The dough will become dense and form a ball that easily pulls away from the sides of the pot. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture of the eclair shells.

Once you have the dough, let it cool for 10-15 minutes. It is important not to add the eggs when the dough is hot, as they will cook immediately.

Once the dough has cooled, add the eggs one by one. Mix well after each egg to ensure it is fully incorporated. In the end, the dough should be smooth and shiny.

Step 2: Baking the eclair shells

Preheat the oven to 220°C. On a baking tray lined with parchment paper, use a piping bag to form mounds of dough in the shape of circles. Make sure to leave enough space between them, as they will rise during baking.

Bake the eclair shells at high heat for 10-15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until they are golden and crispy. Do not open the oven in the first 20 minutes, as this may cause the shells to collapse.

After baking, let them cool on a wire rack.

Step 3: Preparing the vanilla cream

In a pot, add the two packets of pudding, sugar, and milk. Mix the ingredients well to avoid lumps. Place the pot over medium heat and boil the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

Once the pudding is ready, let it cool to room temperature. When cooled, incorporate the cream, mixing gently to achieve a light and delicate cream.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

Once the eclair shells have completely cooled, cut each shell in half horizontally. Fill each piece with the vanilla cream, adding a generous layer of liquid cream, which you will prepare from 200 ml of whipped cream mixed with 3 tablespoons of honey.

Place the top half of the eclair shell over the filling, thus forming a mini cake.

Step 5: Glazing

For the glaze, melt the plain chocolate in milk over low heat, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth consistency. Let the glaze cool slightly, then pour it over the eclair cake, allowing it to drip gently down the sides.

Step 6: Serving and suggestions

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, so the flavors blend perfectly. You can decorate with some extra whipped cream or chocolate shavings for a more attractive appearance.

This eclair cake is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. It is ideal for any occasion – whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday party, or simply a family weekend afternoon.

Nutritional benefits

Although desserts are not always the healthiest choices, this eclair cake offers a combination of carbohydrates from flour, protein from eggs and cream, as well as calcium from milk. It is a treat that can be enjoyed in moderation, but also provides a small dose of energy.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture of the eclair shells may be denser.

2. How can I make the cream less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the pudding or use sour cream.

3. Can I freeze the eclair cake?
It is recommended not to freeze the assembled cake, but you can freeze the eclair shells separately. Fill them with cream only before serving.

4. Are there variations of this recipe?
Certainly! You can add flavors such as almond or rum extract to the vanilla cream for a unique taste.

I hope this recipe has been not only informative but also inspirational! The eclair cake will surely bring joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!