Best 2 Traditional Eclairs Recipes

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Eclairs, with their delicate choux pastry and creamy filling, are a classic French dessert that have delighted taste buds for centuries. These elegant pastries, traditionally filled with a rich vanilla custard or a decadent chocolate ganache, are a true testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of pastry chefs. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to perfect your eclair-making skills or a curious home cook eager to try your hand at this classic dessert, this article will guide you through the steps to create perfect eclairs that will impress your family and friends.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TRADITIONAL ECLAIRS



Traditional Eclairs image

Over the years, family, friends, co-worker and students have enjoyed this tried-and-true desert. For birthdays, our sons prefer it over birthday cake!-Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h10m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
FILLING:
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2-1/2 cups 2% milk
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon butter
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar or chocolate frosting

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar and salt to a boil over medium heat. Add flour all at once; stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until smooth and shiny. , Insert a large round tip into a pastry bag; add batter. Pipe into 12 strips (about 3 in. long) 3 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. , Bake at 400° until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Remove to a wire rack. Immediately cut a slit in each for steam to escape; cool. , For filling, combine sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan; gradually add milk until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat. , Stir 1 cup hot filling into egg yolks; return all to pan. Bring to a gentle boil; cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cool. , Split puffs; remove and discard soft dough from inside. Fill eclairs just before serving. Replace tops; dust with confectioners' sugar or spread with frosting. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts :

TRADITIONAL ECLAIRS



TRADITIONAL ECLAIRS image

Categories     Cake     Egg     Dessert

Yield 1 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup water
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes)
1 teas white sugar
1/4 teas salt
1 cup flour
4 eggs
FILLING:
1/3 cup white sugar
3 Tbsp cornstarch
2 1/2 cups milk
2 egg yolks
1 Tbsp butter (no substitiutes)
1 1/2 teas vanilla
Powdered sugar of chocolate frosting

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water, butter, sugar and salt to a boil. add flour all at once; stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon after each addition. Beat until smooth. Cut a 1/2 inch hole in the corner of a heavy duty plastic bag; add batter. Pipe into 12 strips (about 3 inches long) 3 inches apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire rack. Immediately cut a slit in each for steam to escape; cool. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch; gradually add milk until smooth. Cook and stir over med-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cool. Split puffs; remove and discard soft dough from inside. Spoon filling into puffs. Replace tops; dust with powdered sugar or spread with frosting. Refrigerate until serving.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly affect the taste of your éclairs. Use real butter, fresh eggs, and high-quality chocolate.
  • Make sure your dough is the right consistency: The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape, but not so thick that it's difficult to work with. If the dough is too thick, add a little more milk. If the dough is too thin, add a little more flour.
  • Pipe the dough evenly: When piping the dough onto the baking sheet, make sure to pipe it evenly so that the éclairs are all the same size and shape.
  • Bake the éclairs until they are golden brown: The éclairs should be baked until they are golden brown and have a slight crust on top. If the éclairs are not baked long enough, they will be soft and doughy. If the éclairs are baked too long, they will be dry and hard.
  • Let the éclairs cool completely before filling them: Once the éclairs are baked, let them cool completely before filling them. This will help to prevent the filling from leaking out.
  • Fill the éclairs with your favorite filling: There are many different types of fillings that you can use for éclairs, such as custard, whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or fruit preserves. Choose a filling that you enjoy and that will complement the flavor of the éclairs.
  • Glaze the éclairs with chocolate or icing: Once the éclairs are filled, you can glaze them with chocolate or icing. This will give them a shiny and delicious finish.

Conclusion:

Éclairs are a classic French pastry that is loved by people all over the world. They are made with a choux pastry dough that is filled with a variety of different fillings and then glazed with chocolate or icing. Éclairs are a delicious and versatile pastry that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. With a little practice, you can make éclairs that are just as good as the ones you would find in a bakery. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

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