After mastering our no-fuss vanilla pastry cream, we set our sights on creating the perfect partner for it: eclairs. Our goal was simple – bake eclairs that are not just a treat to the taste buds but also a joy to make, echoing our love for straightforward, delicious recipes.
Ingredients for Eclairs:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
Chocolate Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Dough: In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Add flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously. Cook and stir until it forms a ball that doesn’t separate. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add Eggs: Beat in eggs, one at a time, into the dough until smooth.
- Pipe Eclairs: Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large nozzle. Pipe 4-inch strips onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 25 minutes until golden and puffed. Let them cool on a wire rack.
- Make Glaze (Optional): For the chocolate glaze, heat heavy cream until it simmers. Pour over chopped chocolate, let stand for a minute, then stir until smooth.
- Fill & Glaze: Once cool, slice each eclair open and pipe in the vanilla pastry cream. Drizzle or dip the tops with the chocolate glaze.
This recipe captures the essence of what we love: simplicity leading to incredible results. The eclairs, with their light, airy shell and the rich cream filling, are a testament to the joy of baking together, straightforward yet immensely rewarding. Perfect for any occasion, or simply when the craving hits, these eclairs are our celebration of shared flavors and love for easy, tasty baking.