Classic Chocolate Eclairs Recipe

Learn how to make delicious homemade chocolate eclairs with this easy recipe. These classic French pastries are filled with a creamy vanilla custard and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence!

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Remove from heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until the dough is smooth and shiny.
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
7. Pipe 4-inch long strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
9. Remove from the oven and let the eclairs cool completely on a wire rack.
10. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming.
11. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks until well combined.
12. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
13. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
14. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the custard cool completely.
15. Once the eclairs and custard are cooled, carefully slice each eclair in half horizontally.
16. Fill a piping bag with the custard and pipe the custard onto the bottom half of each eclair.
17. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
18. Dip the top half of each eclair into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
19. Place the chocolate-dipped tops on the filled bottom halves of the eclairs.
20. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is set.
21. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Interesting Facts