Mini eclairs

Mini éclairs filled with chocolate pudding and coffee glaze

Who doesn't love éclairs? This classic dessert, with a light texture and various fillings, has managed to win the hearts of sweet lovers around the world. Today, I propose a recipe for mini éclairs, filled with a delicious chocolate pudding and topped with a coffee glaze, perfect for treating your family or friends. This recipe is an ideal combination of fluffy dough and rich cream, bringing a touch of indulgence and comfort in every bite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12 mini éclairs

Ingredients:

For the éclair dough:
- 200 ml water
- 80 ml oil
- 7 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 2 eggs

For the chocolate pudding cream:
- 1 packet of chocolate pudding powder (approximately 40 g)
- 400 ml milk
- rum essence (to taste)

For the coffee glaze:
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 100 g chocolate (preferably 50-70% cocoa)
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a medium saucepan, bring 200 ml of water and 80 ml of oil to a boil. Wait until the mixture starts to bubble. At that moment, add all 7 tablespoons of flour in one go. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a compact ball. This step is essential to achieve a fluffy dough, so don’t skip it.

2. Cooling the dough:
Once the dough is homogenized, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. It is important that the dough is not hot when you add the eggs, so as not to cook them.

3. Incorporating the eggs:
After the dough has cooled, add the 2 eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg until fully incorporated. The dough will become shiny and easy to handle. A useful trick is to use a mixer with paddles to give it an even finer texture.

4. Forming the mini éclairs:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Prepare a baking tray lined with baking paper. Using a pastry bag (or a plastic bag with a cut corner), form sticks about 5-6 cm long, leaving space between them, as the dough will rise while baking.

5. Baking:
Bake the mini éclairs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy. Avoid opening the oven in the first 20 minutes, as this can cause the éclairs to deflate.

6. Preparing the chocolate pudding:
While the mini éclairs are baking, prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the package, using 400 ml of milk. Add rum essence to taste to enhance the flavor. Allow the pudding to cool completely before using it.

7. Coffee glaze:
In a small saucepan, heat 150 ml of liquid cream, 100 g of chocolate broken into pieces, and the 2 teaspoons of instant coffee over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture becomes homogeneous. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

8. Assembling the mini éclairs:
Once the mini éclairs have cooled completely, cut them lengthwise, but not all the way through, so that you create a "pocket" for the filling. Use a spoon or a small-tipped pastry bag to fill each éclair with the chocolate pudding.

9. Glazing:
After filling all the mini éclairs, pour the coffee glaze over each éclair, allowing it to gently drip down the sides. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the dough is not too hot when adding the eggs, or you risk cooking them.
- You can also add other essences to the pudding, such as vanilla or almond, to vary the flavors.
- The coffee glaze can be replaced with a simple chocolate glaze if you prefer a more classic taste.

Estimated calories:
Each mini éclair contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on their size and the amount of filling. This dessert can be an indulgent snack, but in moderation, it is an excellent choice to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Nutritional benefits:
Chocolate pudding provides antioxidants from cocoa, while the eggs in the dough contribute to protein intake. Of course, consuming this dessert should be part of a balanced diet.

Delicious combinations:
Mini éclairs pair perfectly with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, for a truly decadent experience, you can serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh fruits.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
- While whole wheat flour can add an interesting flavor, it may affect the texture of the éclairs. We recommend using white flour for optimal results.

2. How can I store the éclairs?
- Filled éclairs store best in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. Consume them within 2-3 days to enjoy their freshness.

3. Can I freeze the éclairs?
- It is recommended to freeze only the unfilled dough. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container. You can fill them after thawing.

These mini éclairs filled with chocolate pudding and topped with coffee glaze are a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a party, a birthday, or simply an afternoon treat. Enjoy!