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Delicate, airy choux pastry filled with sweet cream – a classic French indulgence made accessible in your own kitchen.

Choux Pastry — Eclairs

Delicate, airy choux pastry filled with sweet cream – a classic French indulgence made accessible in your own kitchen.

Total: 1 hrActive: 30 minDifficulty: MediumYield: 8 servingsTemp: 400°F
FrenchEggsDessert

Key move

Cook the panade properly until a film forms on the bottom of the pot, ensuring proper starch gelatinization.

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The Setup

  • Saucepan
    medium
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Mixing Bowl
    large
  • Electric Mixer
  • Piping Bag
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

The Mise en Place

5 of 9

Your prep station before cooking begins

Choux Pastry (0/4)

1 cupwater
½ cupsunsalted butter(Cut into cubes)
1 cupall-purpose flour(Sifted)
4 wholelarge eggs(At room temperature)

Cream Filling (0/3)

1 cupheavy cream(Cold)

Eclairs are not puffing up.

Make sure the oven temperature is correct and avoid opening the oven door during baking.

Eclairs are collapsing after baking.

Let the eclairs cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

Chef's Notes

Tip

Ensure your pan is evenly heated before adding the dough. This promotes consistent puffing and prevents pale spots.

Tip

For perfectly crisp shells, bake them until they feel light and sound hollow when tapped. Avoid opening the oven door too early.

Make Ahead

Bake choux shells up to 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temp once completely cooled to maintain crispness.

Serving

Dust cooled eclairs with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a classic finish. Serve chilled.

The Method

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