Classic French Éclairs Recipe | Homemade Chocolate Éclairs with Vanilla Pastry Cream
French Éclairs are elegant pastries made with light and airy choux pastry filled with rich vanilla pastry cream and topped with a smooth chocolate glaze. These classic bakery-style desserts are crisp on the outside, soft inside, and filled with silky custard for the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Ideal for celebrations, afternoon tea, or dessert, homemade éclairs are a timeless French favorite.
Cooking Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil. Stir in the flour and cook until a smooth dough forms.
- Cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe 4–5-inch strips onto the baking tray.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
- Prepare the pastry cream by cooking the milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, and butter until thick. Chill completely.
- Fill each éclair with the chilled pastry cream using a piping bag.
- Heat the cream and pour over the chocolate. Stir until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the filled éclairs into the chocolate glaze.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
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