Eclairs

Delicious Eclairs with Cream – An Unmistakable Recipe

Eclairs are a classic dessert that combines light and delicate textures with rich flavors. Although they originate from pastry tradition, eclairs have gained popularity worldwide due to their versatility and enticing taste. This recipe will guide you step by step through the process of making perfect eclairs, filled with delicious cream that will impress anyone who tastes them. Get ready to become a pastry master!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-60 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 eclairs

Ingredients

For the eclair dough:
- 125 g milk
- 125 g water
- 115 g butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 140 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 4 eggs

For the filling:
- 1 packet of cream for cream puffs from Dr. Oetker
- 750 ml milk (for preparing the cream)

Necessary utensils
- A medium pot
- A wooden spatula or a whisk
- A baking tray
- Baking paper
- Pastry spritz or a piping bag with a round tip
- A bowl for preparing the cream

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a medium pot, add the milk, water, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter completely melts and the mixture comes to a boil. It is important not to let the mixture boil too long, as you want to achieve a smooth base for the dough.

2. Adding the flour: Once the mixture has boiled, add all the flour at once. Using the spatula, mix quickly to incorporate the flour. You will notice that the dough will thicken immediately. Continue mixing for about 2-3 minutes, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pot and becomes homogeneous.

3. Cooling the dough: Turn off the heat and let the dough cool for about 10 minutes. It is essential that the dough is not too hot when adding the eggs, otherwise they will cook.

Step 2: Adding the eggs

4. Incorporating the eggs: Once the dough has cooled slightly, start adding the eggs one at a time. It is normal for the dough to seem to separate at first, but continue to mix vigorously. Add the next egg only when the first is fully incorporated. This process will give the eclairs a light and airy texture.

Step 3: Shaping the eclairs

5. Shaping the sticks: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line the baking tray with baking paper. Using the pastry spritz or piping bag, shape sticks about 10 cm long, leaving a space of 3-4 cm between them, as the dough will expand during baking.

Step 4: Baking the eclairs

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the eclairs for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and puff up nicely. Do not open the oven in the first 20 minutes, as the sudden temperature change can cause the dough to dehydrate, and you will not achieve the desired fluffy eclairs.

Step 5: Preparing the cream

7. Preparing the cream: While the eclairs are baking, prepare the cream according to the instructions on the package. Use 750 ml of milk and mix well to obtain a smooth and delicious cream. Let the cream cool completely before filling the eclairs.

Step 6: Filling the eclairs

8. Filling the eclairs: Once the eclairs have completely cooled, use a sharp knife to make a small cut on one side of each eclair. Using a spritz or spatula, fill each eclair with the prepared cream. Make sure to fill enough to achieve a rich taste.

Serving suggestions

Eclairs are delicious served plain, but for an extra touch of elegance, you can dust them with powdered sugar or glaze them with melted chocolate. Optionally, serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream or a caramel sauce for a memorable culinary experience.

Tips and tricks

- Checking for doneness: A simple method to check if the eclairs are baked is to gently touch them with your finger. If they are firm and feel elastic, they are ready.
- Variations: You can experiment with the filling of the eclairs with different creams, such as chocolate, vanilla, or even fruit mousse for a fresh twist.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each eclair has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the filling. Eclairs are rich in carbohydrates and proteins due to the eggs, providing a quick source of energy.

Frequently asked questions

What if the eclairs don’t rise?
If the eclairs don’t rise, they may not have been baked long enough, or the eggs were added too early to the dough. Make sure to adhere to the baking time and correct temperature.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Although eclair dough is best freshly made, you can freeze it after it has been shaped and baked. They can be baked directly from the freezer, adjusting the baking time.

Conclusion

Making eclairs is an art that requires a little practice and patience, but the result is well worth it. These cream-filled delights are perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress guests or indulge yourself with a delicious dessert. Experiment with flavors and variations, and don’t forget to share the joy of these eclairs with your loved ones! Enjoy!