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Chocolate eclairs are a delightful French pastry featuring a light and airy choux pastry filled with creamy pastry cream and topped with rich chocolate ganache. This recipe guides you through making each component for a delicious homemade treat.
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry (Pâte à Choux):
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Pastry Cream:
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- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Make the Choux Pastry:
a. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
b. Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
c. Add the Eggs:
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
d. Pipe the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Pipe 4-inch long strips onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
e. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Pastry Cream:
a. Heat the Milk:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
b. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
c. Temper the Eggs:
- In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in the sugar mixture until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
d. Cook the Cream:
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
e. Cool the Cream:
- Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate until completely chilled.
3. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
a. Heat the Cream:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
b. Melt the Chocolate:
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy.
4. Assemble the Eclairs:
a. Fill the Eclairs:
- Once the choux pastries are completely cooled, cut them in half lengthwise.
- Fill a piping bag with the chilled pastry cream and pipe it onto the bottom half of each éclair.
b. Dip in Ganache:
- Dip the top half of each éclair into the chocolate ganache, letting any excess drip off.
- Place the tops back onto the filled bottoms.
c. Chill:
- Refrigerate the assembled eclairs for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Eclairs
- Choux Pastry: Ensure the dough is smooth and glossy after adding the eggs. If it’s too thick, add an additional egg or a bit of water to achieve the right consistency.
- Pastry Cream: Strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra smooth texture before chilling.
- Ganache: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Assembly: Fill the eclairs just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Storage: Store assembled eclairs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Unfilled choux pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy these classic chocolate eclairs as a delightful treat for any special occasion or simply as a luxurious dessert!
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