Eclairs with vanilla cream

Eclairs with vanilla cream - a classic delight that never goes out of style

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 eclairs

Who can resist such an elegant and tasty dessert as eclairs? These light pastries, filled with rich vanilla cream and topped with chocolate glaze, are perfect for any occasion or simply to indulge yourself. Eclairs have a fascinating history and are a symbol of fine pastry, made in various forms over time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious eclairs!

Necessary ingredients

For the eclair dough:
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 250 ml water
- 175 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla sugar
- 4 large eggs

For the vanilla cream:
- 700 ml milk
- 5 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 150 g sugar
- 2 beaten egg whites
- 50 ml liquid cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:
- 120 g dark chocolate
- 50 ml liquid cream
- 10 g butter

Preparing the eclairs

1. Prepare the dough: In a saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the diced butter and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the butter completely melts. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.

2. Add the flour: Reduce the heat to low and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. This step is essential for achieving the perfect dough for eclairs.

3. Incorporate the eggs: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should have a smooth and glossy consistency.

4. Form the eclairs: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Using a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off, pipe the eclairs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave space between them as they will puff up during baking.

5. Bake: Bake the eclairs for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and firm to the touch. Do not open the oven door in the first 15 minutes to avoid the dough collapsing.

Preparing the vanilla cream

1. Boil the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk, being careful not to let it boil too hard.

2. Mix the yolks: In a bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar and flour until you get a smooth mixture. Gradually add the hot milk, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the yolks.

3. Cook the cream: Return the mixture to low heat, stirring constantly until the cream thickens.

4. Add the cream: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the liquid cream, beaten egg whites, and vanilla extract. Gently mix to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

Assembling the eclairs

1. Prepare the eclairs: Once the eclairs have cooled, carefully cut off the tops.

2. Fill the eclairs: Using a piping bag, fill each eclair with a generous layer of vanilla cream, then add a spoonful of whipped cream on top.

3. Glaze: In a bowl, melt the chocolate together with the liquid cream and butter, mixing well until smooth. Cover the tops of the eclairs with this delicious glaze.

Serving and variations

Eclairs are served immediately or can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. If you want to give them a twist, you can add a bit of Nutella or coffee to the vanilla cream for a different taste. Eclairs can also be decorated with fresh fruits or almond flakes for a more sophisticated look and taste.

Nutritional benefits

Eclairs are a source of carbohydrates and proteins, with a moderate fat content, especially due to the butter and cream. Consuming this dessert in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. Calories per eclair: approximately 200-250 kcal, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but the texture of the eclairs may be different.

2. How can I prevent the eclairs from collapsing after baking?
Make sure not to open the oven in the first 15 minutes of baking and let the eclairs cool completely before filling them.

3. Can I freeze the eclairs?
Yes, eclairs can be frozen before being filled. Thaw them at room temperature and fill them before serving.

Now that you know how to make perfect eclairs, all that's left is to get started! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 100 g butter 250 ml water 175 g flour 1 teaspoon salt vanilla 4 eggs Cream: 700 ml milk 5 egg yolks 5 tablespoons flour 150 g sugar 2 egg whites beaten to stiff peaks vanilla essence/vanilla sugar 50 ml liquid cream 150 ml whipped cream Glaze: 120 g chocolate 50 ml liquid cream 10 g butter

 Tags:  eclairs