Eclairs with cream filling

Eclairs with Cream Custard

If you're looking for a dessert that will delight your senses, bring a smile to your face, and is easy to prepare, then eclairs with cream custard are the perfect choice. This classic dessert, with its fluffy texture and delicious cream, is ideal for any occasion - whether it's an anniversary, a gathering with friends, or simply a weekend treat.

A bit of history: Eclairs originated in French cuisine but quickly spread around the world due to their versatility and unique flavor. These pastries are usually filled with various creams, and the combination with cream custard gives them a distinctive touch, thanks to the fine texture and delicate flavors.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 eclairs

Ingredients

For the shells:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 cup flour
- 5 eggs
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- one box of cream custard from Dr. Oetker
- 750 ml milk

For the glaze:
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 50 g butter

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the eclair shells: Start by placing 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of oil, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Put the pot on medium heat and wait until the mixture starts to boil. It is important to be patient during this step, as the water and oil need to reach an optimal temperature to activate the flour.

2. Adding the flour: Once the mixture has started to boil, add 1 cup of flour in one go. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or a dough mixer. You will notice that the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the pot and becomes homogeneous. This is the desired consistency, and the moment it pulls away is a sign that you have done everything correctly.

3. Cooling the dough: Remove the pot from the heat and let the dough cool for about 5-10 minutes. It is essential that the dough is not hot when you add the eggs, as they could cook instantly.

4. Adding the eggs: Start adding the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will become softer and shinier. Continue until all 5 eggs are incorporated. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy and airy eclairs.

5. Shaping the eclairs: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a piping bag to form long, even strips of dough on the tray. Make sure to leave enough space between them, as they will puff up during baking.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the eclairs for 15 minutes at high heat. Then, reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, until the eclairs are golden and crispy. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can lead to a drop in temperature and, consequently, less successful eclairs.

7. Preparing the cream: While the eclairs are baking, you can prepare the cream custard according to the instructions on the box. If you prefer to use a homemade cream, you can combine milk with beaten eggs, sugar, and cornstarch, stirring over low heat until thickened. I recommend Dr. Oetker's cream, which is quick and delicious.

8. Filling the eclairs: Once the eclairs have completely cooled, cut them in half with a sharp knife. Use the same piping bag to fill each eclair with the cream custard. Make sure to fill each shell completely to enjoy a perfect contrast between the crispy dough and the fine cream.

9. Glazing: To prepare the glaze, melt the chocolate with the milk and butter in a bain-marie, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once the chocolate has melted and the mixture is homogeneous, carefully pour the glaze over each filled eclair.

10. Serving: Arrange the eclairs on a platter and let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious both cold and at room temperature. You can decorate them with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.

Useful tips

- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before use, especially the eggs.
- If you want to experiment, you can add flavors like vanilla or almond essence to the cream custard for a personal touch.
- Eclairs can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is advisable to consume them within 2 days to enjoy their freshness.

Nutritional information (per serving - 1 eclair):
- Calories: approximately 200 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get to work and enjoy these eclairs with cream custard! Whether you prepare them for a special event or simply to treat yourself, these pastries will surely be a hit. Enjoy!