Eclairs

Eclairs with Vanilla Cream and Cocoa Glaze

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 eclairs

Eclairs are a refined dessert cherished by generations. This simple yet delicious recipe will guide you step by step in preparing these delights filled with fine vanilla cream and glossy cocoa glaze. With every bite, you will feel the airy texture and sweet pleasure, and your family and friends will be impressed by your culinary talent.

Necessary ingredients:

For the eclair dough:
- 1 cup water (approximately 250 ml)
- 1/2 cup oil (approximately 125 ml)
- 1 cup heaped flour (approximately 150 g)
- 4 large eggs
- A pinch of salt

For the vanilla cream:
- 1 liter milk (preferably whole)
- 3 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons flour (approximately 75 g)
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g butter
- Vanilla essence (to taste)

For the cocoa glaze:
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 5 tablespoons water or milk (for a creamier glaze)
- 50 g butter
- A dash of vanilla

Step by step: Preparing the eclairs

1. Boiling the ingredients: In a saucepan, add water, oil, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Make sure the water and oil are well combined.

2. Adding the flour: Once the mixture has started to boil, gradually add the flour. Stir continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon. The mixture will begin to thicken, forming a dense and homogeneous dough. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.

3. Cooling the dough: Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. This step is essential to avoid cooking the eggs when you add them.

4. Incorporating the eggs: When the dough has cooled, add one egg at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition. It is important to ensure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. You will achieve a dense and sticky dough, perfect for eclairs.

5. Shaping the eclairs: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place a baking sheet on a tray. Using a pastry bag or, in its absence, a teaspoon, shape the dough into desired forms on the prepared tray. Eclairs can be round or elongated, according to preference. Make sure to leave enough space between them, as they will expand during baking.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the eclairs bake for 35 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door during baking, as this will prevent the eclairs from rising. The eclairs are ready when they have a brown and firm crust.

7. Cooling the eclairs: Once the eclairs are baked, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool for 20-25 minutes. Then, use a serrated knife to gently score them. This step will allow steam to escape and make filling them with cream easier.

Preparing the vanilla cream

1. Beating the eggs with sugar: In a bowl, mix the eggs with sugar until you obtain a whitish foam. It is important for the sugar to dissolve completely to achieve a fine texture.

2. Adding flour and milk: Gradually incorporate the 6 tablespoons of flour, stirring continuously. Then add the milk at room temperature and the vanilla essence. Mix well to avoid lumps.

3. Boiling the cream: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and boil over low heat, stirring constantly. When the cream begins to thicken, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

4. Incorporating the butter: Once the cream has cooled, gradually add the butter, mixing with a mixer. You will achieve a creamy and fluffy vanilla cream, perfect for filling the eclairs.

Preparing the cocoa glaze

1. Boiling the ingredients: In a small saucepan, add sugar, cocoa, and water or milk. Boil over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.

2. Adding the butter: Once the glaze has thickened, add the butter and a dash of vanilla essence. Mix well until the butter completely melts and you obtain a glossy glaze.

Assembling the eclairs

1. Filling the eclairs: Use a pastry bag to fill each eclair with the vanilla cream. Make sure to fill each eclair well, so they are rich in flavor.

2. Glazing: After filling all the eclairs, pour the cocoa glaze over each one, covering them evenly.

Serving suggestions

Eclairs are delicious served cold, but you can also give them some time in the fridge to intensify the flavors. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, and for a decadent experience, you can accompany them with a caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream.

Possible variations

This classic dessert can be adapted in numerous ways. You can experiment with fillings of chocolate, fruits, or even cream cheese to add a unique touch. Additionally, instead of cocoa glaze, you can use a white glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an interesting contrast.

Nutritional information

Eclairs are a rich source of carbohydrates, but also of proteins due to the eggs and milk. Each eclair has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. Although they are an indulgent dessert, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, but wheat flour is the most suitable for achieving a light and airy texture.

2. How can I keep the eclairs fresh?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. It is recommended to add the glaze only before serving to prevent sogginess.

3. What other drinks pair well with eclairs?
Eclairs pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a sweet wine.

These eclairs with vanilla cream and cocoa glaze will surely become a favorite recipe. Enjoy every step of the preparation and savor the final result!