Classic Chocolate Éclairs – Elegant, Creamy, and Irresistible

Classic Chocolate Éclairs are a timeless French pastry favorite. Light, airy choux pastry shells are filled with a creamy, luscious custard and topped with a smooth chocolate glaze. Perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or a luxurious treat at home, these éclairs deliver elegance and indulgence in every bite without feeling overly heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor: Rich custard and chocolate glaze make it feel like a bakery treat.
Light & Airy: Choux pastry puffs up perfectly to hold the creamy filling.
Show-Stopping Dessert: Elegant presentation with minimal fuss.
Customizable: Fill with vanilla, chocolate, or fruit-flavored custard.

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Pastry Cream Filling:

• 2 cups milk (or almond milk for lighter option)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 4 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp light cream or milk

Instructions

1. Make the Choux Pastry
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until dough forms a ball. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy. Pipe dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in 4-inch long strips. Bake 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden. Cool completely.

2. Prepare the Pastry Cream
In a saucepan, heat milk until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly whisk in hot milk, then return mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool completely.

3. Fill the Éclairs
Slice cooled choux pastries in half lengthwise or use a piping bag to fill from the side. Pipe in the pastry cream generously.

4. Make the Chocolate Glaze
Melt chocolate with cream over low heat or in a microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.

5. Glaze and Serve
Dip the tops of the filled éclairs into the chocolate glaze or spread with a knife. Chill briefly until set. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Choux Pastry Precision: Make sure to let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs to ensure proper puffing.
• Smooth Pastry Cream: Whisk constantly while cooking to prevent lumps.
• Chocolate Glaze: Slightly warm chocolate spreads easily and sets beautifully.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days, but assemble glaze just before serving for the best shine.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of airy pastry, creamy custard, and glossy chocolate creates a perfectly balanced dessert. The light texture of the choux contrasts beautifully with the rich filling, making these éclairs elegant yet satisfying.

Classic Chocolate Éclairs are a show-stopping treat that feels decadent yet manageable to make at home. With golden, airy shells, silky custard, and a luscious chocolate topping, these pastries are perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to impress with a French-inspired dessert.