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Perfect Classic Chocolate Eclairs

Perfect Classic Chocolate Eclairs

This recipe will guide you in making classic chocolate eclairs filled with delicious pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate glaze.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 eclairs
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Choux Pastry for the Eclairs
  • 8 fl oz water
  • 4 oz unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt use less, if you’re using fine salt or table salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
  • 5 oz bread flour sifted (or AP flour, I prefer bread flour for eclairs)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • 8 oz eggs about 4 large eggs
Filling for the Eclairs
  • 1 ½ batches Vanilla Pastry Cream OR: 1 ½ batches of Chocolate Pastry Cream
Chocolate Glaze
  • 12 oz semisweet chocolate
  • 6 fl oz whipping cream ¾ cup
  • 1 pinch kosher salt A generous pinch
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoon corn syrup optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Piping bag

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Heat until the butter melts, then add the flour and stir until the mixture forms a ball.
  3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
  4. Transfer the choux pastry to a piping bag and pipe onto the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Let cool before filling.
  6. Prepare the filling by making either Vanilla or Chocolate Pastry Cream.
  7. Fill the cooled eclairs with the pastry cream.
  8. To make the chocolate glaze, heat the whipping cream and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth, then add salt, butter, and corn syrup (if using).
  9. Dip the filled eclairs into the chocolate glaze and let set before serving.

Notes

For best results, chill the pastry cream before filling the eclairs. You can store the filled eclairs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.