Eclairs with vanilla cream and chocolate glaze

Eclairs with Vanilla Cream and Chocolate Glaze

If you’ve made it this far, it means your love for sweets has led you to the path of eclairs, a classic dessert that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones. With a long history in international cuisine, eclairs are truly a symbol of elegance and refinement in desserts. So, let’s embark on a journey together to prepare these delicious crispy shells filled with smooth vanilla cream and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze.

Total Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes
- Baking Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 eclairs

Ingredients

For the Eclair Shells
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 2 cups flour
- 6 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 1 vial vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Cream
- 5 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 vial vanilla extract
- 1200 ml milk
- 8 heaping tablespoons flour
- A pinch of salt
- 250 g mascarpone

For the Chocolate Glaze
- 100 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 100 ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (helps achieve a glossy glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Eclair Shells
Start by preparing the eclair shells. In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil along with 1 cup of oil and a pinch of salt. When the mixture reaches a boil, quickly add the 2 cups of flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spatula. Remove the saucepan from the heat and continue to stir until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

2. Cooling the Dough
Allow the dough to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This step is essential to avoid cooking the eggs when you add them. Once cooled, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become smooth and glossy.

3. Shaping the Eclairs
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a large piping bag or a spoon to shape the eclairs on the baking sheet. You can choose to make them longer or shorter, depending on your preference. Make sure to leave enough space between them, as they will puff up while baking.

4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the eclairs for 35 minutes, without opening the oven door in the first 25 minutes to prevent them from collapsing. The eclairs will turn golden and crispy.

5. Preparing the Vanilla Cream
While the eclairs are baking, you can prepare the vanilla cream. In a saucepan, heat the milk along with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 5 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes frothy. Add a little cold milk and the flour, mixing well. Once the mixture is smooth, gradually add the hot milk while stirring constantly.

6. Cooking the Cream
Place the mixture over low heat and continue to stir until the cream thickens and bubbles 2-3 times. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat, add the vanilla extract, and let the cream cool covered with plastic wrap. When the cream is completely cool, fold in the mascarpone for a velvety texture.

7. Filling the Eclairs
Once the eclairs have completely cooled, slice them in half horizontally. Fill each half with the vanilla cream using a piping bag. Make sure to fill the eclairs well, but do not overfill them to maintain their appearance.

8. Preparing the Chocolate Glaze
To make the glaze, melt the dark and milk chocolate together with 100 ml of heavy cream. Add the olive oil to achieve a glossy and smooth glaze. Mix well until the chocolate is completely melted and combined.

9. Glazing the Eclairs
Immediately after preparing the glaze, spread it over the eclair halves, covering the cream well. Place the eclairs in the refrigerator until the glaze sets.

10. Serving
Eclairs are most delicious served cold, straight from the refrigerator. You can decorate them with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh fruits for an even more appealing look.

Helpful Tips
- If you prefer sweeter desserts, feel free to add more sugar to the vanilla cream.
- You can experiment with different flavors in the cream, such as almond or orange extract, to create a unique taste.
- Eclairs can be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect dessert for a relaxing afternoon.

Nutritional Benefits
Eclairs offer a combination of carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from the eggs and milk, and healthy fats from the mascarpone. When consumed in moderation, they are a delicious choice to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the eclair shells?
- While it is possible, whole wheat flour may change the texture and crispiness of the shells.

2. How can I tell when the eclairs are done?
- Eclairs are done when they turn golden and significantly increase in volume.

3. Can I make the eclairs in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the shells and cream a day ahead, but make sure to store them in the refrigerator.

Possible Variations
- Instead of chocolate glaze, you can use caramel glaze or a fruit mousse.
- Eclairs can be filled with chocolate cream or various flavored creams.

These eclairs with vanilla cream and chocolate glaze are surely a treat that will bring joy to any special moment. I invite you to make them and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!