Eclair donuts with vanilla cream and strawberries

Doughnuts are a delight that not only pleases the taste buds but also brings a touch of joy to any occasion. To prepare these fluffy doughnuts filled with delicious vanilla cream, we will start by making the dough. In a large pot, we bring water and oil to a boil. It's time to focus on the technical aspect: when the water starts to boil, we take the pot off the heat and add all the flour at once. It's essential to mix quickly, either with a mixer or a whisk, to achieve a smooth dough. Once the flour is incorporated, we add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The egg whites will add extra aeration to the dough, and the flavor will be enhanced by the vanilla extract and grated lemon zest, which gives a fresh and pleasant aroma.

After the dough is well mixed, we line a baking tray with parchment paper and, using a piping bag, form small doughnuts that we will bake in the preheated oven. It is important to set a higher temperature for the first 5 minutes to help the doughnuts rise nicely, then adjust to a moderate temperature, where we let them brown evenly for about 20-25 minutes. When they are golden and fluffy, we take them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

In the meantime, we prepare the vanilla cream. In a bowl, we mix the egg yolks with sugar until they become a smooth paste, add the cornstarch and a few tablespoons of milk, mixing well to avoid lumps. We bring the rest of the milk to a boil, and when it reaches boiling point, we pour in the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously. We let it simmer on low heat until it thickens like a pudding. When the cream is ready, we cover it with plastic wrap and let it cool completely.

Once the cream is cold, we beat the butter with powdered sugar and add the vanilla extract. We gradually incorporate the vanilla cream, spoon by spoon, until we achieve a fine and creamy mixture. Now comes the fun part! We cut a small cap off the doughnuts, but not completely, and fill them with the vanilla cream using a piping bag.

To complete this delicious dessert, we wash the strawberries well, remove the stems, and cut them in half if they are small. In cups, we place pieces of strawberries and doughnuts filled with cream. On top, we melt chocolate in a double boiler and drizzle it over the doughnuts with a teaspoon, adding a touch of elegance. After we finish, we let the dessert sit in the cold for a few minutes before serving. These doughnuts with vanilla cream and fresh strawberries are perfect for enjoying on any occasion, whether it’s a party or a simple gathering with friends. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the donuts: 3 eggs + 1 egg white left from the cream 300 ml water 100 ml oil 150 gr flour 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel Vanilla cream: 450 ml milk 1 yolk 4 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons and 1/2 starch 1/2 vanilla pod 150 gr butter 65% fat 4 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract strawberries 100 gr dark chocolate

 Tags:  eggs milk unt flour oil sugar fruits lemon chocolate doughnuts strawberries eclairs