Chocolate eclairs are a beloved French pastry made from choux dough, filled with creamy custard, and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. This recipe gives a delightful twist by infusing the cream filling with vanilla and a hint of coffee, making every bite an indulgent experience.
Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Vanilla Coffee Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
Instructions:
- Make the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 4-inch long strips onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Vanilla Coffee Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and dissolved coffee, mixing until well combined and stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag.
- Fill the Eclairs:
- Once the eclairs are cool, use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the side of each pastry. Pipe the vanilla coffee cream into each eclair until filled.
- Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Eclairs:
- Dip the top of each filled eclair into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the eclairs on a serving platter and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set the glaze.
Enjoy your homemade chocolate eclairs! These delightful treats are perfect for special occasions or as an everyday indulgence.