Eclairs

Eclairs – a classic, elegant dessert loved by everyone! These delicious pastries have a fine, airy dough filled with a silky cream and topped with a decadent chocolate glaze. Whether you serve them for a special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself and your loved ones, eclairs are always an excellent choice. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the best eclairs, teaching you a few tricks along the way.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 eclairs

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 350 g wheat flour (it is recommended to use type 000 or 550 flour for a finer dough)
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough)
- 1 pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 cup water (about 250 ml, you can use sparkling water for a lighter dough)
- 75 ml oil (you can choose sunflower oil or light olive oil)

For the filling cream:
- 5 egg yolks (I recommend using fresh, high-quality eggs)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount to your taste)
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 vanilla essence (or a vanilla pod for a more intense flavor)
- 500 ml milk (whole milk for a richer cream)

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate (choose chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content)
- 100 ml heavy cream (you can use cream with 30% fat content for a creamier glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by boiling the water in a saucepan. Add the oil and salt, mixing well. When the water reaches a boiling point, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the sifted flour (I emphasize the importance of sifting to avoid lumps). Mix quickly with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the saucepan.

Let the dough cool to room temperature. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from curdling when you add them.

When the dough has cooled, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become soft and elastic. If you have a mixer with paddles, it can make the process easier.

Step 2: Shaping the eclairs
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a piping bag with a large tip to form strips of dough, making sure to leave enough space between them as they will rise during baking.

Bake the eclairs for 25-30 minutes, until they turn golden and firm to the touch. It is very important not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes, or they risk collapsing.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until creamy and light in color. Add the flour and vanilla essence, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

In a saucepan, heat the milk over low heat, but do not let it boil. Gradually add the egg yolk mixture to the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Transfer everything to a bain-marie and stir constantly until it thickens.

Once the cream has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool. If you want an even smoother cream, you can add a little cold milk and mix well.

Step 4: Preparing the glaze
In a bowl, place the broken chocolate and heavy cream. Heat them in a bain-marie or in the microwave, stirring until melted and well combined. Let it cool slightly before using to avoid melting the eclairs.

Step 5: Assembling the eclairs
After the eclairs have completely cooled, fill them with cream using a piping bag with a small tip. You can make a small hole at the base of each eclair for easier filling. Once filled, place them on a tray and pour the chocolate glaze over them, ensuring each eclair is evenly covered.

Serving and combinations
Eclairs are delicious served immediately, but can be kept in the fridge for a few days. You can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a fresh fruit sauce for a contrast of flavors. A fragrant coffee or black tea pairs perfectly with these delights.

Helpful tips
1. If you want to add a touch of creativity, you can flavor the cream with a tablespoon of orange liqueur or a few drops of almond extract.
2. Pay attention to the oven temperature – eclairs need a consistently warm environment to rise properly.
3. Don't rush to fill them immediately after baking; wait for them to cool completely to avoid soggy shells.

Nutritional information
A serving of eclairs (about 2 eclairs) contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They contain carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, providing a quick source of energy. The egg yolks provide vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D and B12, while dark chocolate is known for its antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour, but the eclairs may have a different and denser texture.

How can I tell if the eclairs are baked properly?
Eclairs should be golden and firm to the touch. If they are soft, they need a few more minutes.

Can I freeze eclairs?
Typically, eclairs are not recommended to be frozen after filling, but you can freeze the empty shells and fill them later.

Eclairs are not just a dessert, but also a satisfying cooking experience! Make sure to follow the steps carefully, and you will achieve a result worthy of the most elegant patisseries. I hope this recipe brings you joy and unforgettable moments with your loved ones! Enjoy!