Eclairs with vanilla cream and chocolate glaze

Eclairs with vanilla cream and chocolate glaze

Eclairs are a classic dessert with a fascinating history, perfectly combining the crispy texture of the shells with the smooth and flavorful cream. This refined dessert is a favorite for many and is an excellent choice to impress guests or celebrate special moments. In today's recipe, we will learn how to prepare delicious eclairs with vanilla cream and a chocolate glaze, a combination that will delight anyone's taste buds.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 12-15 eclairs

Ingredients

For the shells:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of oil
- 2 cups of water
- A pinch of salt
- 3 eggs

For the vanilla cream:
- 400 ml milk
- 3 egg yolks
- Half a cup of sugar
- 50 grams of flour
- Vanilla essence (3 tablespoons)

For the glaze:
- 2 large cubes of dark chocolate
- Optional: 1 cube of white chocolate
- 4 tablespoons of oil (2 for each type of chocolate)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the shells

1. Start by bringing water, oil, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a large pot. Make sure the mixture is boiling well.
2. Once the water reaches boiling point, add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spatula. The dough will begin to gather and pull away from the sides of the pot. Continue mixing for 1-2 minutes until you achieve a smooth composition.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let the dough cool for 5-10 minutes. It is important that the dough is not too hot to prevent the eggs from cooking.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You will notice how the dough becomes softer and shinier. It is essential to ensure that each egg is completely incorporated before adding the next.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a baking tray with oil and use a piping bag to form the eclairs on the tray. Leave enough space between them, as they will puff up during baking.
6. Bake the eclairs for 30-35 minutes until they become golden and crispy. Avoid opening the oven in the first 20 minutes to prevent steam from escaping.

Step 2: Preparing the vanilla cream

1. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and flour until you obtain a smooth mixture.
2. In a pot, bring the remaining milk to a boil. Once it starts boiling, gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid coagulation.
3. Put the mixture back on the heat and stir constantly until the cream thickens. When it starts to boil, turn off the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the vanilla essence and mix well. Now, place the cream in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool completely.

Step 3: Preparing the glaze

1. Melt the dark chocolate and, optionally, the white chocolate, in a bain-marie, adding 2 tablespoons of oil for each type of chocolate.
2. Mix until you achieve a fluid consistency, similar to a sauce, that will perfectly coat the eclairs.

Step 4: Assembling the eclairs

1. Once the shells have completely cooled, cut them in half horizontally.
2. Use a spoon to fill the bottom half of each shell with the vanilla cream. Don't be stingy; the cream is delicious!
3. Cover with the top half of the shell, and then dip the top of the eclair into the melted chocolate. Place them on a platter and let them chill in the refrigerator to set.

Serving suggestions

Eclairs are excellent served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit compote. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra flavor. These delights are perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or aromatic tea.

Nutritional information

One eclair contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on size and the amount of cream and chocolate used. Eclairs are rich in carbohydrates and fats, but also in proteins due to the eggs. Surprisingly, eclairs can be a source of vitamins and minerals due to the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other flavors for the cream?
Yes, you can experiment with different essences, such as almond or citrus, to achieve a cream with a unique taste.

2. How can I make the eclairs less fatty?
You can reduce the amount of oil in the dough by up to one-third, but this may affect the final texture.

3. How do I keep the eclairs fresh?
Eclairs are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They are usually best consumed within 1-2 days.

Possible variations

- Chocolate eclairs: Replace the vanilla cream with chocolate cream by adding cocoa or melted chocolate.
- Fruit eclairs: You can add berry puree to the vanilla cream for a fresh note and vibrant color.

Whether you are a beginner cook or a professional, this recipe for eclairs with vanilla cream and chocolate glaze will bring smiles to your face and turn any occasion into a celebration. So, gather your ingredients and let’s venture into the world of sweet delights!