Classic Chocolate Éclairs. Homemade French Pastry
Chocolate éclairs are a classic French pastry with a light, airy shell, creamy vanilla custard filling, and a rich chocolate glaze. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to bring the taste of a bakery into your home kitchen. Making éclairs takes a bit of time, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Ingredients
-
For the Choux Pastry
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
-
For the Vanilla Pastry Cream
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
-
For the Chocolate Glaze
- 4 oz (113g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Directions
Make the Choux Pastry. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine the butter, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and immediately add the flour, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 3-4 inch lines onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the butter and vanilla, and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and chill for at least 1 hour.
Make the Chocolate Glaze. In a heatproof bowl, heat the heavy cream in the microwave or over a double boiler until just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Assemble the Éclairs. Slice each éclair shell horizontally, or use a piping tip to make a hole at one end. Fill a piping bag with the chilled pastry cream and pipe it into each shell. Dip the top of each éclair into the chocolate glaze and let it set before serving.
Recipe tips
Make sure to cool the choux pastry dough slightly before adding the eggs to prevent them from cooking. For a smoother pastry cream, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling. Éclairs taste best fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
These classic sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion! They’re sweet, buttery, and have a crisp exterior with a soft center. With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a special event, or just a sweet snack, these sugar cookies are sure to be a hit.
Who can resist the warm, gooey comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls? This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls from scratch. Perfect for breakfast or as an indulgent snack, these rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.
A Raspberry Danish is a delicate and flaky pastry with a sweet raspberry filling, perfect for breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack. The buttery, golden crust is topped with a simple glaze, giving it the perfect balance of sweet and tart. This homemade recipe is easy to follow and will make your kitchen smell heavenly as the pastries bake. Enjoy the fresh burst of raspberry flavor with every bite!
Warm, gooey, and packed with rich pecan flavor, these Pecan Sticky Buns are the perfect indulgence for a special breakfast or brunch. The soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, then topped with a luscious caramel-pecan sauce, creates a treat that melts in your mouth. Whether you're hosting a holiday breakfast or simply treating yourself, these sticky buns will quickly become a favorite!
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are a perfect balance of bright lemon flavor with a light, fluffy texture and a slight crunch from the poppy seeds. These muffins make a refreshing breakfast or snack, providing a delicious burst of citrus with every bite. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they also fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’ll make everyone excited for a treat!
Chocolate Babka is a rich, sweet bread with a swirl of chocolate filling. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the chocolate creates a decadent, dessert-like flavor. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this bread pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Though it looks intricate, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding to make, leaving you with an irresistible loaf full of chocolatey goodness.
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a decadent dessert featuring a moist date cake topped with rich toffee sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The caramelized sauce soaks into the cake, creating a gooey, sticky delight that melts in your mouth. This classic British dessert is ideal for special occasions, cold evenings, or whenever you need a cozy, indulgent treat.
These delightful Peach Hand Pies are the perfect treat for a sweet snack or dessert. Made with a buttery, flaky pie crust and filled with juicy, spiced peaches, they are easy to make and perfect for any time of year, especially summer. You can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy them as a grab-and-go snack. The individual servings also make them ideal for picnics or parties.
A Chocolate Soufflé is a decadent and elegant dessert that’s light, airy, and full of rich chocolate flavor. It's the perfect way to impress guests or treat yourself to a fancy dessert at home. The soufflé rises beautifully in the oven, creating a tender crust on top with a soft, molten center. With just a few ingredients and careful preparation, you can master this classic French dessert.
Deliciously buttery, flaky, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, these Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This recipe is beginner-friendly and ready in under an hour, making it a delightful option for anyone craving a quick pastry without all the fuss!
Flaky, buttery, and filled with sweet almond paste, Bear Claws are a classic pastry that's perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack. These delightful pastries are made with puff pastry dough, shaped into a bear claw-like appearance, and filled with a rich almond filling. Topped with sliced almonds and a light drizzle of icing, they make for an irresistible treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
If you're craving a classic French pastry that’s crisp on the outside, light and airy on the inside, filled with smooth pastry cream, and topped with a rich chocolate glaze, look no further than éclairs. Making éclairs at home might seem intimidating, but with a little care and patience, you’ll find it’s easier than it looks. These delicate pastries are perfect for a special occasion or simply when you want to impress yourself or loved ones with something truly delicious.
If you're craving a comforting, home-cooked meal, these juicy and flavorful meatballs are the perfect solution. They are easy to prepare, versatile, and can be served with a variety of dishes, such as spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or even as a filling in a sandwich. This recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking their own meals, offering a blend of savory spices and tender meat. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you'll find these meatballs easy to make and absolutely delicious.
A fresh, vibrant Garden Salad is a perfect addition to any meal, or a light, satisfying dish on its own. Crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and colorful bell peppers come together in this easy-to-make salad, finished with a simple homemade vinaigrette. This healthy, versatile dish brings the flavors of a summer garden to your table, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch. Customize with your favorite vegetables or add-ons like cheese or croutons for extra flavor.
This rich and creamy chocolate mousse is a classic dessert that’s both indulgent and surprisingly simple to make. The smooth, airy texture and deep chocolate flavor make it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself. With only a few ingredients, you can whip up a luxurious mousse that tastes as if it came straight from a patisserie!
Looking for a light, refreshing dish that’s packed with healthy fats, fresh veggies, and a burst of flavor? This avocado salad is perfect for you! It's quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and has a creamy, tangy dressing that pairs perfectly with the natural richness of the avocado. This is your go-to salad for a healthy lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
This Crockpot Gravy is a delicious, rich, and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or veggies. Making gravy in the crockpot is simple and allows you to set it and forget it until it’s time to serve. The slow cooking enhances the flavors and creates a deep, hearty gravy that’s perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.
If you're looking for a light yet satisfying meal that's packed with fresh flavors and textures, this Chopped Salad is the perfect choice. It's a combination of crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, savory cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing that brings everything together. Whether you're enjoying it as a main course or a side dish, this salad is versatile, nutritious, and ideal for anyone who wants to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences, so feel free to get creative!
Jalapeño poppers are a classic snack with a delightful combination of spicy, creamy, and crispy textures. These bite-sized treats are made by stuffing fresh jalapeños with a rich mixture of cream cheese and cheddar, then wrapping them in smoky bacon. The jalapeños are baked until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melted to perfection. This recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun appetizer at home.
Albondigas Soup, also known as Mexican Meatball Soup, is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made with tender beef and rice meatballs simmered in a rich, tomato-based broth, this soup is packed with vegetables and warm spices. It's a satisfying dish that brings together bold Mexican flavors, making it ideal for family dinners or a cozy meal on a cool day.
Beef enchiladas are a classic, hearty dish that combines soft tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with a rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This Mexican-inspired comfort food is perfect for a family dinner or when you're craving something flavorful and filling. You'll love how easy it is to prepare, and the results will have everyone coming back for seconds!
If you love a classic BLT sandwich, you’re going to enjoy this BLT Salad. It’s everything you love about bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, but in a fresh, flavorful salad form. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and creamy avocado (optional) are tossed together with a tangy homemade dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. This salad is simple, fresh, and packed with flavor—great for anyone who loves homemade food.
This classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or any family gathering. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. It's easy to prepare, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients like boiled eggs, pickles, or even a hint of mustard. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe delivers a delicious result every time.
Bruschetta is a simple yet delightful Italian appetizer that brings together fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil atop toasted slices of bread. The vibrant flavors and crunchy texture make it a perfect dish for entertaining or enjoying as a light meal. It's a great way to use up ripe tomatoes and takes very little time to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you want something quick, delicious, and satisfying.
Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish that brings rich layers of flavor with each bite. It’s a classic Italian meal that combines tender pasta sheets, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This recipe is ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, and its deep, satisfying taste makes it a favorite at the table. If you’ve never made lasagna from scratch before, don’t worry – with a little time and care, you’ll have a homemade lasagna that rivals any restaurant dish.
This refreshing corn salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a versatile dish that can be served on its own or as a side. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s ideal for summer barbecues or light lunches. The crisp corn kernels, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocado come together in a simple lime dressing, giving you a healthy, flavor-packed salad in no time.
Fudge brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and chewy texture. These decadent treats are easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re baking them for a snack, a dessert, or a special occasion, these brownies are sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. The secret to their moist and fudgy center lies in using real butter and high-quality chocolate. Follow these steps for a batch of irresistible brownies that will impress everyone!
If you're craving a quick, bold snack with a kick, these spicy peanuts are perfect for you! Coated with a blend of spices and lightly roasted, they deliver just the right amount of heat and crunch. This recipe is simple to prepare, ideal for parties, movie nights, or as a flavorful snack throughout the day. You can adjust the spice level to your taste and experiment with different seasoning combinations. Get ready for a snack that's both delicious and addictive!
Chicken Caesar Salad is a classic recipe that never disappoints. With tender grilled chicken, crispy romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a rich, creamy Caesar dressing, this salad is both satisfying and flavorful. It's a perfect dish when you're looking for something light yet filling, and it comes together in no time. Whether you’re making lunch or dinner, this Caesar salad will become your go-to favorite.
Marinated olives are a quick and delicious appetizer, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your meal. This simple recipe combines a mix of green and black olives with fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus for a Mediterranean-inspired treat. The olives soak up the marinade's aromatic goodness, becoming even more flavorful over time. Serve them as a snack, with a cheese board, or alongside grilled meats. This is a no-cook, make-ahead recipe that gets better the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for entertaining or meal prep!
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the rich taste of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, all topped with crispy tortilla strips. This soup is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal meal for any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a warming dinner, this recipe delivers a bowl of pure satisfaction that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
Churros are a classic treat that combines a crispy, golden shell with a soft, doughy center. Traditionally served with a dusting of sugar and cinnamon, churros are even better when dipped in a rich chocolate sauce. They’re simple to make and perfect for sharing, making them an ideal snack or dessert. This recipe walks you through each step, so you can recreate this popular Spanish street food at home.