Eclairs with chocolate glaze
Chocolate-glazed eclairs - a sweet and crispy delight
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 eclairs (depending on size)
Eclairs are a classic dessert, emblematic in the cuisine of many cultures, and often bring smiles to the faces of those who enjoy them. These delicate choux pastry treats are filled with delicious creams, and today we will focus on an irresistible combination: chocolate-glazed eclairs. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, you'll find that these eclairs are easier to make than you might think!
Ingredients needed
For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 260 ml water
- 80 ml oil
- 5 eggs
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
For the cream:
- 1 box of cream for custard (from Dr. Oetker)
- 700 ml cold milk
- 400-500 ml cold liquid cream
- 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar
For the chocolate glaze:
- 80 ml water
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons of cocoa
- 100 g butter
Step by step to perfection
Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Heating the ingredients: In a saucepan, place the water and oil over low heat. Wait until the mixture starts to boil. This is the critical stage, as you want the dough to become easy to shape.
2. Adding the flour: When the water and oil are boiling, add the flour mixed with vanilla sugar and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes homogeneous and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. This will be a sticky dough, but don't worry, it's perfect!
3. Cooling the dough: Once the dough has cooled (about 10-15 minutes), add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. You will obtain a soft but consistent dough.
Step 2: Baking the eclairs
1. Preparing the tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it with oil and sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking.
2. Shaping the eclairs: Fill a pastry bag with the prepared dough. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can use a spoon to form circles of dough. Make sure each eclair is of uniform size for even baking.
3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Bake the eclairs for 15-20 minutes without opening the oven door in the first 10 minutes. You want the eclairs to become golden and fluffy.
4. Cooling the eclairs: Once baked, remove the eclairs from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Step 3: Preparing the cream
1. The cream: Follow the instructions on the packaging of the custard cream, using the 700 ml of cold milk. Make sure to mix well to avoid lumps.
2. Whipping the cream: In another bowl, whip the cold liquid cream with the 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar until it becomes firm. This will add an airy texture to the eclairs.
Step 4: The chocolate glaze
1. Preparing the glaze: In a saucepan, place the water and sugar over low heat, stirring until dissolved. Add the cocoa and continue to stir until you achieve a homogeneous consistency, similar to thick sour cream.
2. Incorporating the butter: Add the butter in pieces and stir until completely melted. Let the glaze cool slightly.
Step 5: Assembling the eclairs
1. Filling: Cut the eclairs in half. On the bottom half, add a layer of cream and a layer of whipped cream. This balance between creamy and crispy is what makes these eclairs so delicious!
2. Glazing: Dip the top half of each half in the chocolate glaze, ensuring it is evenly covered. Place the top half of the eclairs over the whipped cream.
3. Final cooling: Place the eclairs on a plate and let them chill for at least an hour. This resting time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.
Helpful tips
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings. Instead of custard cream, try chocolate or vanilla pudding. You can also add some fresh fruit pieces between the layers of cream and whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Serving: Eclairs can be served alongside a fragrant coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot chocolate would perfectly complement this dessert.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of eclairs (about 2-3 eclairs) has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and exact ingredients used. They are rich in carbohydrates and fats but also provide a quick energy boost. So, enjoy in moderation!
Frequently asked questions
1. Why shouldn't I open the oven door in the first 10 minutes? Opening the oven door can cause a sudden drop in temperature that will prevent the dough from rising properly, resulting in flat eclairs.
2. Can I use another type of oil? Yes, you can use sunflower or corn oil. It is recommended to avoid oils with strong flavors, such as olive oil.
3. How can I tell if the eclairs are baked? Eclairs are ready when they have a golden color and are slightly firm to the touch. If they are soft, they need a few more minutes.
4. Can I prepare them a day in advance? Of course! Eclairs can be made a day in advance, but it is recommended to fill and glaze them a few hours before serving to maintain their crispy texture.
These chocolate-glazed eclairs will surely become a favorite for both you and your loved ones. Experiment with various fillings and flavors, and don't forget to enjoy them with joy!
Ingredients: Dough ingredients: 200g flour, 260ml water, 80ml oil, 5 eggs, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt. Cream: 1 box of cream for cream puffs from Dr. Oetker, 700ml cold milk, 400-500ml cold liquid cream, 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar. Chocolate glaze: 80ml water, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 4-5 tablespoons of cocoa, 100g butter.
