Strawberry Eclairs

Strawberry Eclairs

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance and indulgence, look no further than Strawberry Eclairs! These delightful pastries are the perfect blend of flaky choux pastry and fresh strawberry filling, topped off with a luscious vanilla glaze. Eclairs have a long history in French cuisine, and they never fail to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself on a casual weekend, these Strawberry Eclairs are sure to delight your taste buds. Not only are they visually stunning, but they’re surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Plus, they’re perfect for when you want a sweet treat that’s light yet satisfying. If you enjoy other delectable desserts like cream puffs or fruit tarts, you’re going to love this recipe! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create something beautiful and delicious!

What are Strawberry Eclairs?

So, what exactly are Strawberry Eclairs? Well, let’s break it down! Imagine airy little pastries filled with creamy strawberry goodness and topped with a shiny glaze that practically sings "eat me!" The name “eclair” is French for “lightning,” and you might be wondering—what’s the connection? Legend has it that the pastries were named for their swift preparation and how quickly they disappear once served! Isn’t that a cheeky coincidence? The saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” Well, Strawberry Eclairs are the ticket you need to win hearts and taste buds alike. So, why not try your hand at making these delightful treats? You’re bound to impress!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Eclairs

There are plenty of reasons why Strawberry Eclairs should become a staple in your dessert repertoire! First and foremost, the main highlight of these pastries is the combination of fresh strawberries and rich cream that creates a flavor explosion with every bite. Secondly, making them at home can save you a trip to the bakery and a few bucks as well! Once you master the choux pastry, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Adding a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top enhances the experience as well! If you enjoy light desserts, you might also want to explore other delightful treats like strawberry shortcake. So grab those strawberries and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth!

How to Make Strawberry Eclairs

Quick Overview

Strawberry Eclairs are not just easy to make, but they also offer a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. The flaky pastry pairs wonderfully with the sweet strawberry filling, making it a delicious dessert. Plus, in just under an hour, you’ll have a plate full of beautiful eclairs ready to serve!

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Eclairs

To make your own Strawberry Eclairs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Choux Pastry

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

• For the Strawberry Filling

  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

• For the Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Choux Pastry: In a saucepan, combine the water and butter, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour and salt until it forms a ball.

2. Incorporate the Eggs: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth.

3. Shape the Eclairs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pipe the choux pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming long tubes.

4. Bake: Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Allow them to cool before filling.

5. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix the whipped cream, chopped strawberries, and sugar until combined.

6. Fill the Eclairs: Once the pastries are completely cooled, slice them open and fill with the strawberry mixture.

7. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

8. Glaze the Eclairs: Dip the tops of each filled eclair into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.

9. Serve: Arrange your Strawberry Eclairs on a serving platter and enjoy!

What to Serve Strawberry Eclairs With

For a well-rounded dessert experience, consider pairing your Strawberry Eclairs with a light, fruity sorbet or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The refreshing flavors complement the rich creaminess of the eclairs beautifully—making a perfect dessert oasis! You might also consider topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Eclairs

1. Don’t Open the Oven Door: When baking the choux pastry, resist the urge to peek! Opening the door too soon can cause the eclairs to collapse.

2. Pipe with Precision: Use a piping bag or a Ziplock bag with the corner cut off to ensure that your eclairs are uniform in size.

3. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add lemon zest to your glaze for a zesty touch, or mix in other berries with your cream for varied flavors.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Strawberry Eclairs fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within a couple of days. However, if you have leftovers, don’t worry! You can store the unfilled eclairs for up to a week in the freezer, keeping you set for dessert anytime you crave them. Just remember to fill them up right before serving for the best texture and flavor!

In conclusion, Strawberry Eclairs are a marvelous way to bring a touch of French culinary flair into your kitchen. With their fruity filling and delightful glaze, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So why wait? Dive into this recipe today and experience the joy of creating and sharing these beautiful pastries!

Strawberry Eclairs

Delightful pastries with flaky choux pastry filled with fresh strawberry cream and topped with a vanilla glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Choux Pastry

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

For the Strawberry Filling

• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a saucepan, combine the water and butter, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour and salt until it forms a ball.
2. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pipe the choux pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming long tubes.
2. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Allow them to cool before filling.

Filling and Glazing

1. In a bowl, mix the whipped cream, chopped strawberries, and sugar until combined.
2. Once the pastries are completely cooled, slice them open and fill with the strawberry mixture.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Dip the tops of each filled eclair into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.

Serving

1. Arrange your Strawberry Eclairs on a serving platter and enjoy!

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best enjoyed within a couple of days. Fill unfilled eclairs right before serving for best texture and flavor.