Éclair with chocolate cream

Chocolate cream eclairs - a refined, crispy, and fluffy dessert that perfectly combines the intense flavors of chocolate with the delicacy of fine cream. Eclairs are undoubtedly a classic of pastry, and the recipe I propose today will help you achieve a delicious result, worthy of the best patisseries. With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you'll impress anyone with these eclairs!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 eclairs

Ingredients

For the eclair dough:
- 4 large eggs
- 100 g butter
- 250 ml water
- 200 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk for brushing

For the chocolate cream:
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- A little vanilla
- 4 egg yolks
- 115 g sugar
- 360 ml milk
- 125 g chocolate (for melting)
- 125 g whipped cream

For decoration:
- 75 g chocolate (for melting)
- 75 g cream

Brief history

Eclairs have a rich history, having been consumed as a dessert for over a century. These delights were originally created in France, and their popularity quickly spread worldwide. The choux pastry, the base for eclairs, is characterized by a light and airy texture due to the cooking process that encourages air formation within it. The chocolate cream, in this case, adds richness and a decadent taste, turning every bite into an unforgettable experience.

Preparation techniques

1. Preparing the eclair dough:
Start by bringing the water to a boil along with the butter and a pinch of salt. Once the butter has completely melted, remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the flour, stirring quickly with a wooden spoon. Continue mixing until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pot. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Adding the eggs:
Let the dough cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition. It is important that the eggs are well incorporated to achieve a uniform texture.

3. Shaping the eclairs:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with butter and sprinkle a little flour. Use a piping bag with a diameter of about 1 cm to shape the eclairs about 8-10 cm long on the tray. Don’t forget to brush them with the egg yolk to get a golden and shiny crust.

4. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the eclairs for 30-35 minutes until they become golden and fluffy. Do not open the oven in the first 20 minutes, as the eclairs may collapse.

5. Preparing the chocolate cream:
While the eclairs are baking, you can prepare the cream. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt until the mixture turns a deep yellow. Meanwhile, heat the milk in another pot.

6. Thickening the cream:
Quickly add the hot milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Place the pot over medium heat and continue mixing until the cream thickens. Remember to stir constantly to avoid lumps forming.

7. Adding the chocolate:
Once the cream has thickened, remove the pot from the heat and add the broken chocolate pieces. Mix well to obtain a smooth and shiny cream. Let it cool slightly and then gently fold in the whipped cream.

8. Filling the eclairs:
Use a piping bag to fill the eclairs with the chocolate cream, cutting a portion from each eclair beforehand to facilitate filling.

9. Decorating:
To decorate the eclairs, melt the chocolate together with the cream until it becomes a smooth mixture. Let it cool slightly, then use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over each eclair. You can dip the eclairs into the chocolate mixture (only on one side) for a spectacular effect.

Useful tips

- Flour: Use a good quality flour, ideally for pastries, to achieve perfect dough.
- Eggs: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
- Chocolate: Choose a good quality chocolate to achieve a rich and flavorful cream.
- Variations: You can experiment with various flavors in the cream, such as orange or rum essence, to add a personal touch.

Calories and nutritional benefits

Chocolate cream eclairs are a delicious dessert but also rich in calories. One serving (1 eclair) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These delights provide protein from the eggs and chocolate, but it is important to consume them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make the eclair dough a few hours in advance?
It is not recommended, as the dough needs to be fresh to rise well in the oven.

2. What can I do with the leftover dough?
The eclair dough can also be used for preparing other desserts, such as profiteroles or choux filled with various creams.

3. Can eclairs be frozen?
Yes, eclairs can be frozen before filling. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.

Serving

Chocolate cream eclairs are perfect for serving at tea time or a party. You can accompany the dessert with a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea to complete the culinary experience.

Certainly, this chocolate cream eclair recipe will quickly become your and your loved ones' favorite! So put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!