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Homemade Eclairs

Homemade Eclairs

These delightful pastries, made with a traditional pâte à choux dough, are light, fluffy, and perfectly divine. Don't be intimidated – it's easier than you might think!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Freezing 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups flour
  • 8 eggs

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream Filling:

  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla paste
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 4-6 egg yolks depending on size and desired consistency
  • 12 oz chocolate chips

Instructions
 

Making the Dough:

  • Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, milk, salt, and sugar.
  • Incorporate Flour: Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir until the flour is completely incorporated and a thick dough forms a ball.
  • Mix the Dough: Transfer the dough to a stand mixer and turn it on low. Add the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.
  • Prepare for Piping: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large tip.
  • Pipe the Dough: Pipe the dough into 4-inch strips on a silicone baking sheet, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart. Brush gently with egg wash.
  • Bake: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden. Allow the éclairs to cool completely before filling.

Making the Vanilla Pastry Cream:

  • Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla over medium heat until it reaches a low boil.
  • Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar to create a paste. Add the cornstarch and stir to incorporate.
  • Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
  • Thicken the Cream: Return the mixture to the saucepan and bring it to medium heat, whisking constantly. The mixture will thicken and come to a boil.
  • Finish the Cream: Remove from heat and fold in the butter, stirring until it is completely melted. Cover the cream tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to cool before transferring to a piping bag.

Assembling the Éclairs:

  • Fill the Éclairs: Use a small, pointy piping tip and piping bag to fill the éclairs with the cooled vanilla pastry cream.
  • Add the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips and dip the tops of the filled éclairs into the melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to cool and set before enjoying.
Keyword Homemade Eclairs