Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors with our chocolate-frosted éclairs, a classic French pastry that combines delicate choux pastry with a luscious chocolate ganache filling and a rich chocolate glaze. These pastries are not only visually stunning but also a textural delight, offering a crispy outer shell that yields to a soft and airy interior, perfectly complemented by the velvety ganache and the decadent glaze.
The journey to creating these éclairs begins with mastering the art of choux pastry, a unique dough that puffs up during baking, resulting in a hollow interior perfect for filling. Once the éclairs have been baked and cooled, they are filled with a rich and creamy chocolate ganache, made by combining melted chocolate with heavy cream, creating a luscious filling that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pastry. Finally, the éclairs are enrobed in a glossy chocolate glaze, adding an extra layer of richness and decadence.
This comprehensive guide provides you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure success in crafting these delectable pastries. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary adventures, our detailed recipes will guide you through the process, providing insights into the techniques and secrets behind creating perfect chocolate-frosted éclairs.
In addition to the classic chocolate-frosted éclairs, we also present variations to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. For those who love the tangy brightness of citrus, the lemon-filled éclairs offer a refreshing twist, while the coffee-flavored éclairs provide a delightful caffeine kick. If you have a sweet tooth, the dulce de leche-filled éclairs are an absolute treat, offering a luscious caramel filling that pairs perfectly with the chocolate glaze.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to create these exquisite chocolate-frosted éclairs. With our guidance, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with these delectable pastries, perfect for any occasion.
CHOCOLATE-FROSTED ECLAIRS
For an old-fashioned treat that two can even prepare together, try these pretty eclairs, created by our Test Kitchen. The tender pastry shells, thick and creamy vanilla filling and rich chocolate frosting make them special.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 50m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add egg; beat well until dough is smooth and shiny. , Using a tablespoon or a pastry tube with a #10 or larger tip, form dough into two 5-in. x 2-in. strips on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until puffed and golden. Remove to a wire rack. Immediately cut a slit in eclairs to allow steam to escape. , Place pudding in a small bowl; set aside. In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into pudding. Split eclairs; remove soft dough from inside. Fill with pudding mixture. , For frosting, place chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds; stir. Microwave 15-20 seconds longer or until melted. Stir in confectioners' sugar and enough water to achieve a smooth consistency. Frost eclairs. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts :
CHOCOLATE ECLAIRS
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 3h55m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Filling: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean to a boil over medium heat. Immediately turn off the heat and set aside to infuse for 15 minutes. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cornstarch and whisk vigorously until no lumps remain. Whisk in 1/4 cup of the hot milk mixture until incorporated. Whisk in the remaining hot milk mixture, reserving the saucepan. Pour the mixture through a strainer back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and slowly boiling. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Let cool slightly. Cover with plastic wrap, lightly pressing the plastic against the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill at least 2 hours or until ready to serve. The custard can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate until 1 hour before using.
- Pastry: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a large saucepan, bring the water, butter, salt and sugar to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, immediately take the pan off the heat. Stirring with a wooden spoon, add all the flour at once and stir hard until all the flour is incorporated, 30 to 60 seconds. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Scrape the mixture into a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer). Mix at medium speed. With the mixer running, add 3 eggs, 1 egg at a time. Stop mixing after each addition to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix until the dough is smooth and glossy and the eggs are completely incorporated. The dough should be thick, but should fall slowly and steadily from the beaters when you lift them out of the bowl. If the dough is still clinging to the beaters, add the remaining 1 egg and mix until incorporated.
- Using a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip, pipe fat lengths of dough (about the size and shape of a jumbo hot dog) onto the lined baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between them. You should have 8 to 10 lengths.
- Egg Wash: In a bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Brush the surface of each eclair with the egg wash. Use your fingers to smooth out any bumps of points of dough that remain on the surface. Bake 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375 degrees and bake until puffed up and light golden brown, about 25 minutes more. Try not to open the oven door too often during the baking. Let cool on the baking sheet. Fit a medium-size plain pastry tip over your index finger and use it to make a hole in the end of each eclair (or just use your fingertip). Using a pastry bag fitted with a medium-size plain tip, gently pipe the custard into the eclairs, using only just enough to fill the inside (don't stuff them full).
- Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat just until it boils. Immediately turn off the heat. Put the chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Set aside and keep warm. The glaze can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, and rewarm in a microwave or over hot water when ready to use.
- Dip the tops of the eclairs in the warm chocolate glaze and set on a sheet pan. Chill, uncovered, at least 1 hour to set the glaze. Serve chilled.
CLASSIC CHOCOLATE ÉCLAIRS
Master pâte à choux (choux pastry dough) and a world of dreamy, airy desserts opens up to you: éclairs, croquembouches, profiteroles, gougères and even churros. Choux pastry dough is unique in that it is typically prepared in a saucepan over heat, which might sound intimidating, but it is much more approachable than you might think. If you don't have a pastry bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag to pipe these éclairs - or turn them into cream puffs by simply dropping the dough in 2-tablespoon scoops about 3 inches apart onto a baking sheet. The pastry starts to soften as soon as the éclair is filled with custard, so indulge immediately. It won't be difficult. Save any leftover chocolate glaze in the refrigerator. Reheated, it makes perfect hot fudge sauce.
Provided by Samantha Seneviratne
Categories pastries, dessert
Time 2h
Yield 12 to 14 éclairs
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Prepare the custard: Stir together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch and kosher salt in a medium saucepan until smooth. Whisk in the milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Add the vanilla bean and seeds and the butter and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a large heatproof bowl.
- Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and making sure to get the edges, until the mixture begins to thicken, 2 to 4 minutes. (It's helpful to have both a spatula and a whisk handy while making the custard. Switch between the two.) Let it come up to a very slow boil and cook for 1 minute more. Strain the custard through the sieve into the bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 1/2 hours.
- Prepare the puffs: Bring the butter, sugar, salt and 3/4 cup/175 milliliters water to a simmer over medium heat in a medium saucepan, stirring with a wooden spoon. As soon as it comes to a boil, add the flour, stirring constantly, until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring the dough occasionally.
- Heat oven to 450 degrees. Add the eggs to the dough in the pan, one at a time, stirring vigorously between each addition with a wooden spoon. The dough will break apart and slide around in the pot before it comes back together. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. (The author used Ateco #826.)
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pipe the dough into 4 1/2-inch-by-3/4-inch lengths about 3 inches apart. With a damp fingertip, flatten any points. Bake until éclairs are deep golden brown and puffed, rotating the sheets halfway through, 22 to 25 minutes. They should be very light and crisp. Turn the oven off. Poke each éclair on either end with a toothpick to allow some steam to release. Return the puffs to the oven and prop the door open a crack with a wooden spoon. Allow the puffs to dry out in the oven, about 15 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: Bring the heavy cream and salt to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate and corn syrup. Let the mixture stand for 1 minute and then whisk to make a smooth sauce.
- To finish the custard, whip the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream to soft peaks. Whisk the cooled custard to loosen it, then fold in the whipped cream. Transfer the custard to a pastry bag fitted with a fluted tip. Slice the top third off each éclair and fill the bases of the éclairs with custard. Dip the tops of the éclairs in the glaze and set them on top of the custard-filled bases. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 279, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 165 milligrams, Sugar 16 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CHOCOLATE ECLAIRS
With creamy filling and fudgy frosting, this chocolate eclair recipe is extra special. -Jessica Campbell, Viola, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h20m
Yield 9 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°. In a large saucepan, bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. , Using a tablespoon or a pastry tube with a #10 or large round tip, form dough into nine 4x1-1/2-in. strips on a greased baking sheet. Bake 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Remove to a wire rack. Immediately split eclairs open; remove tops and set aside. Discard soft dough from inside. Cool eclairs. , In a large bowl, beat milk and pudding mix according to package directions. In another bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar and vanilla; fold into pudding. Fill eclairs (chill any remaining filling for another use). , For frosting, in a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Stir in sugar and enough hot water to achieve a smooth consistency. Cool slightly. Frost eclairs. Store in refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 483 calories, Fat 28g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 174mg cholesterol, Sodium 492mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (37g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
CHOCOLATE ECLAIR CAKE
My favorite person in the world, my second mom Patty, gave me this easy and delicious recipe. Its the best.
Provided by mspms
Categories Desserts Chocolate Dessert Recipes
Time 12h20m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan with graham crackers. In a large bowl, combine the milk and vanilla pudding according to directions on box. Fold in the whipped topping. Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Alternate the graham cracker and pudding layers up to the top of the pan. Cook the container of prepared frosting, uncovered in the microwave for 1 minute on half power. Pour over the top of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.1 calories, Carbohydrate 40.3 g, Cholesterol 3.3 mg, Fat 10.8 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 287.2 mg, Sugar 29.2 g
CHOCOLATE ECLAIR DESSERT
This is a no-bake pudding dessert that's so quick and easy to make--everyone loves it. I always keep the ingredients on hand in case I need a quick dessert. It's best if it sits overnight before serving.
Provided by KBehrens2
Categories Desserts Chocolate Dessert Recipes
Time 2h15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan with graham crackers.
- In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and milk; stir well. Mix whipped topping into pudding mixture. Spread half of mixture over graham cracker layer. Top with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding.
- Top all with a final layer of graham crackers and frost with chocolate frosting. Refrigerate at least two hours before serving to allow the graham crackers to soften.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 400.5 calories, Carbohydrate 65.6 g, Cholesterol 4.9 mg, Fat 13.7 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 481.3 mg, Sugar 47.1 g
Tips:
- Make sure the éclairs are completely cool before frosting them. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and become runny.
- If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- To make the chocolate frosting even richer, add a tablespoon of melted butter.
- To decorate the éclairs, you can use sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even fresh berries.
- Éclairs are best eaten the day they are made. However, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Chocolate frosted éclairs are a classic French pastry that is perfect for any occasion. They are light and airy, with a rich chocolate filling and a decadent chocolate frosting. With just a little effort, you can make these delicious treats at home. So next time you are looking for a special dessert, give chocolate frosted éclairs a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love