Best 5 Hearts Delight Eclair Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable Hearts Delight Éclair, a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This classic French pastry consists of a delicate choux pastry shell, filled with a rich and creamy vanilla pastry cream, and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. The éclair's elegant appearance, with its signature elongated shape and glossy finish, makes it a centerpiece for any special occasion. This article presents a comprehensive guide to crafting this exquisite dessert, including three variations that cater to different preferences: the classic vanilla éclair, the decadent chocolate éclair, and the refreshing lemon éclair. Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, ensuring that both experienced bakers and novices can achieve perfect results. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the art of creating this iconic French pastry.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

HEART-SHAPED CHOCOLATE ÉCLAIRS



Heart-Shaped Chocolate Éclairs image

These crisp, heart-shaped pastries filled with a luxurious, vanilla-flavored pastry cream and topped with a decadent ganache are perfect for Valentine's Day or any special celebration. Even first-time pastry makers will have success with this éclair recipe, and master three easy pastry techniques at the same time!

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Pastries

Time 4h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 vanilla bean
½ cup white sugar
5 tablespoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
2 large egg yolks
2 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup water
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup fresh raspberries, or to taste
1 teaspoon cocoa powder, or to taste
1 teaspoon powdered sugar, or to taste

Steps:

  • Prepare the pastry cream: Cut vanilla bean in half crosswise, then cut a slit lengthwise down each half. Use the edge of the knife to scrape out all the seeds. Discard the pods or reserve for another use.
  • Combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, egg, egg yolks, milk, and vanilla seeds in a saucepan; whisk until well combined.
  • Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom surface of the pan, until thick, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and whisk to release some steam. Add butter and keep stirring until melted. Pass through a fine sieve to remove any fibrous bits from the vanilla pod. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pastry cream to cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 to 3 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner (such as Silpat®).
  • Combine butter, water, and salt for the pate choux in a saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a simmer. Add flour and stir with a wooden spoon until a buttery dough forms. Continue to cook and stir until a starchy film forms on the bottom of the pan. Turn off the heat and continue stirring for 1 more minute.
  • Transfer to a bowl. Add one egg and mix it in with a little dough. Once that's incorporated, mix it in with the remaining dough. Repeat with the second egg. Continue stirring until you have a very sticky dough. Use a spatula to clean off the whisk if necessary.
  • Transfer the dough into a pastry bag and snip off the tip making a ½-inch opening. Pipe two 6-inch heart shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Start by making thin shapes and then pipe extra dough to make them thicker. To fine-tune the hearts, dip your fingers in water and fix any imperfections if desired.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until beautifully browned, about 30 minutes. Turn off the heat, leave the pastries in the oven, and prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon. Let sit until crispy and dried out, about 1 hour.
  • Use a serrated knife to slice the hearts in half horizontally.
  • Remove pastry cream from the refrigerator and transfer to a pastry bag. Generously pipe cream into the bottom half of each heart, then place the top halves on the cream.
  • Heat cream in a saucepan until simmering.
  • Place chocolate chips in a small bowl and pour hot cream over top. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then whisk until chocolate has melted and ganache is thick and shiny. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Spoon ganache on top of each heart. Reserve any remaining ganache for another use. Refrigerate éclairs until the ganache is firm, about 15 minutes.
  • Place éclairs on serving plates. Fill the center of each heart with raspberries and sift cocoa powder over top. Sift powdered sugar over just the raspberries and serve. (Each éclair is enough for two people.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 823 calories, Carbohydrate 80.1 g, Cholesterol 355.9 mg, Fat 52.7 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 12.7 g, SaturatedFat 32 g, Sodium 604 mg

HEARTS DELIGHT ECLAIR - MADE WITH PUFF PASTRY SHEETS



Hearts Delight Eclair - Made With Puff Pastry Sheets image

Originally found in Taste of Home magazine, listed as a "runner up" in one of their contests. Submited by Lorene Milligan of Chemainus, British Columbia. As a surprise for a good friend, it was a part of a carry in meal I prepared for her and her family for her birthday and has been requested over and over by everyone who has tried it since. Today I do not cut into a heart shape but instead leave it as a square (to get it to go as far as I can!) Ready made puff pastry sheets make this a breeze to prepare and the appearance is VERY elegant! A real show-stopper!

Provided by Lady Dancer

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

17 1/4 ounces frozen puff pastry, thawed
3 cups cold milk
1 (5 1/8 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix
2 cups whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 -3 tablespoons water (to spreading consistency)
1/4-1/2 teaspoon almond extract (to taste, we like 1/2)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening

Steps:

  • On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet into a 12 inch square.
  • Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
  • (Original recipe calls for: "Using an 11 inch heart pattern, cut each pastry into a heart shape" - either way works well).
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. (Do not underbake - it's a good idea to check your oven temperature. If underbaked, the pastry will fall.).
  • Remove to wire rack to cool.
  • Meanwhile, whisk milk and pudding mix until thickened, 1-2 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat cream and 1/2 t vanilla until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold into pudding until consistent color but do not over stir.
  • Split puff pastry sheets horizontally with a serrated knife.
  • Place one layer on a serving plate and top with 1/3 of the pudding mixture.
  • Repeat twice.
  • Top with remaining pastry.
  • In a small bowl combine confectioners sugar, water, almond extract and remaining vanilla and stir until smooth. (If necessary you can use a few drops more water if you find it difficult to spread but do not thin too much or you lose the white color which adds to its appearance).
  • Carefully spread over top of dessert.
  • Melt chocolate chips and shortening. Pipe in diagonal lines in one direction over frosting (if you don't have tips for piping, place in a plastic zip lock baggie,seal the bag and cut a small piece off the corner of the baggie to do the piping).
  • Refrigerate until set - (remove from fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the top for easy cutting)
  • This holds well overnight but we never seem to have any leftovers to keep any longer than that!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 523.3, Fat 35, SaturatedFat 15.8, Cholesterol 62.9, Sodium 321.9, Carbohydrate 48.1, Fiber 1, Sugar 25.2, Protein 6.1

CHOCOLATE ECLAIRS



Chocolate Eclairs image

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

1 cup water
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, room temperature
FILLING:
2-1/2 cups cold whole milk
1 package (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FROSTING:
2 ounces semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons hot water

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 DELIGHT



Chocolate Eclair Delight image

It's amazing how the layers of this eclair torte soften overnight into a cake-like texture. Just before serving dessert, I like to dust the top with cocoa. -Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 30m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 can (12 ounces) fat-free evaporated milk
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING:
2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon baking cocoa, divided
9 whole graham crackers, halved

Steps:

  • In a large heavy saucepan, combine the first five ingredients. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer or until thickened. , Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg substitute; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in vanilla. Press plastic wrap onto surface of filling; cover and refrigerate until cooled. , Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine whipped topping and 1 tablespoon cocoa; set aside. Arrange half the crackers in a 9-in. square pan coated with cooking spray. Layer half of the filling and topping over the crackers. Repeat layers. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, sprinkle with remaining cocoa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 209 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

CHOCOLATE ECLAIR HEARTS



Chocolate Eclair Hearts image

Bake some sweet hearts for your sweetheart. In a twist on traditional oblong eclairs, the light French pastry known as pate a choux is piped into heart shapes and filled with milk-chocolate whipped cream. Topped with a glossy layer of dark chocolate glaze, these treats are perfect after a dinner party or dining a deux.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Yield Makes about 2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/4 cups bread flour
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon best-quality unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
4 ounces best-quality milk chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
9 ounces best-quality bittersweet chocolate (at least 61 percent cacao), coarsely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Using a 2 1/2-inch heart cookie cutter and a pencil, trace 12 hearts on a piece of parchment paper, spacing 1 inch apart. Repeat with another piece of parchment. Lightly coat 2 rimmed baking sheets with cooking spray; line with prepared parchment, traced side down. Set aside.
  • Make the pate a choux: Sift flour and cocoa powder into a medium bowl. Put milk, butter, sugar, and salt into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, and add flour mixture all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until flour has been incorporated.
  • Set pan over medium-low heat. Continue to cook, stirring, until dough pulls away from sides of pan and forms a ball, about 1 minute. Transfer dough to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-low speed until just warm to the touch.
  • Raise speed to medium. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Transfer dough to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain tip (such as Ateco #802). Pipe onto prepared parchment, tracing outlines of hearts and then filling centers. Pipe another heart on top of first layer.
  • Place hearts in oven. Reduce temperature to 400 degrees. Bake 10 minutes, then rotate sheets. Reduce to 350 degrees; bake 7 minutes. Transfer baking sheets to wire racks to cool slightly. Turn off oven.
  • Using a serrated knife, halve hearts horizontally. Arrange, cut sides down, on wire rack. Place rack on baking sheet; transfer to oven. Prop open door slightly, and let hearts cool completely, 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven; set aside.
  • Make the filling: Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Pulse chocolate in a food processor until finely chopped. Put 1 cup cream and the sugar into a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Add hot cream mixture to the food processor. Carefully pulse until completely smooth. Transfer to a large bowl set in the ice-water bath. Let cool completely, whisking occasionally, 30 to 45 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve into a medium bowl.
  • Put chocolate cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add remaining cup cream. Beat on low speed until medium peaks form (do not overbeat).
  • Make the glaze: Pulse chocolate in a food processor until finely chopped. Put cream and corn syrup into a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until syrup has dissolved. Add hot cream mixture to the food processor. Carefully pulse until completely smooth. Pour through a fine sieve into a bowl; use a rubber spatula to eliminate air bubbles.
  • To assemble: Spoon glaze over tops of hearts. Let stand until set, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, spread filling onto cut sides of bottoms of hearts. Sandwich tops and bottoms. Serve immediately, or refrigerate, uncovered, up to 4 hours.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate.
  • To make the éclairs ahead of time, bake them and let them cool completely. Then, freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the éclairs overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several hours.
  • To make the éclairs even more decadent, fill them with whipped cream or ice cream.
  • For a fun and festive touch, decorate the éclairs with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit.

Conclusion:

Hearts Delight Éclairs are a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With their light and airy choux pastry, rich chocolate ganache, and sweet raspberry filling, these éclairs are sure to please everyone. So next time you're looking for a special treat, give these éclairs a try. You won't be disappointed!

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