Looking for a sweet treat to impress your friends? Learn how to make these delicious Vanilla Éclairs filled with smooth and creamy pastry cream. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to leave your guests raving!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for whipped topping)
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2:
In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
Step 3:
Stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball; remove from heat.
Step 4:
Beat in eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 5:
Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet in 4-inch lengths, spacing them apart.
Step 6:
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed; allow to cool completely.
Step 7:
In another saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla; heat until the mixture thickens.
Step 8:
Remove from heat and let it cool, whisking occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Step 9:
Slice the baked éclairs in half lengthwise and fill them with the pastry cream.
Step 10:
Top each filled éclair with whipped cream and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Pairings
- Tea: A cup of freshly brewed tea pairs perfectly with these sweet éclairs, balancing their richness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of flavor and color, complementing the dessert well.
Storage Tips
- Store filled éclairs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness.
- If you prepare the choux pastry ahead of time, bake and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.