Eclairs with vanilla cream

Vanilla Cream Eclairs

Eclairs are a classic dessert, beloved by many for their light texture and delicious cream, which melts in your mouth and brings an inexplicable joy. This recipe for vanilla cream eclairs is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, an anniversary, or simply a pampering evening at home. I will carefully guide you through the steps, providing tips and tricks to achieve the best eclairs.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 eclairs

Ingredients for eclairs
- 300 ml water
- 150 ml oil
- 1 cup (approximately 150 g) flour
- 5 eggs

Ingredients for vanilla cream
- 600 ml milk
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g flour
- 3 eggs

Step 1: Preparing the eclair dough
1. Start by adding the water and oil to a larger pot. Place it over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point.
2. When the water starts to boil, remove the pot from the heat and add all the flour at once. Stir quickly with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
3. Allow the dough to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a crust from forming.
4. Once the dough has completely cooled, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. You can use a wooden spatula or a mixer with paddles to incorporate the eggs. The dough should be smooth and shiny.

Step 2: Baking the eclairs
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 180°C for a fan oven).
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Use a spoon or a piping bag to form dollops of dough on the tray, leaving enough space between them as they will rise during baking.
3. Bake the eclairs for 30-35 minutes, without opening the oven door in the first 25 minutes, to avoid letting the steam escape. The eclairs are ready when they have a golden color and are firm to the touch.

Step 3: Preparing the vanilla cream
1. In a pot, add 300 ml of the 600 ml of milk and place it over medium heat. Add the seeds from the vanilla pod (by slicing the pod lengthwise and scraping out the seeds) and the pod itself for an intense flavor.
2. In a separate bowl, separate the eggs, adding the yolks to the remaining 300 ml of milk, along with half of the sugar (100 g) and the flour. Mix well with a mixer or whisk until you achieve a smooth mixture.
3. When the vanilla milk is almost boiling, remove the vanilla pod and pour the egg mixture into the pot, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. Continue stirring until the cream thickens (about 5-10 minutes).
4. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form with the remaining sugar (100 g) and, once the vanilla cream has thickened, gently fold in the whipped egg whites to maintain the air in the mixture.

Step 4: Assembling the eclairs
1. Once the eclairs have completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the tops off, being careful not to cut them completely. You can just cut the top part, creating a small "lid".
2. Fill each eclair with the vanilla cream using a piping bag or a teaspoon. Make sure to fill them well, but without ruining their shape.
3. For an extra touch of flavor, you can glaze the eclairs with melted chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving suggestions
Vanilla cream eclairs can be served alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also pair them with caramel sauce or fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits
Eclairs contain eggs, which are rich in protein and vitamins, and milk, which provides essential calcium for bones. However, it's important to note that eclairs are a dessert, so they should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use plant-based milk instead of cow's milk for the cream?
Answer: Yes, you can use almond or coconut milk, but the flavor will be different.

2. How can I keep the eclairs fresh?
Answer: Eclairs are best kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but it is recommended to consume them on the same day to avoid sogginess.

3. What other flavors can I use in the cream?
Answer: You can experiment with chocolate, coffee, or citrus flavors by adding cocoa, coffee extract, or citrus zest during the cream preparation.

Possible variations
If you want to add a personal touch to your recipe, you can use different flavors for the cream, such as chocolate, coffee, or even a splash of liqueur. You can replace the vanilla cream with lemon cream or chocolate cream for added variety.

Vanilla cream eclairs are a dessert that combines tradition with the pleasure of taste, and making them can be a delightful and satisfying experience. So grab the necessary ingredients and enjoy a cooking activity that will indulge your senses! Enjoy your meal!