Strawberry Eclairs Recipe

Indulge in a delightful treat with these homemade Strawberry Eclairs! This exquisite dessert features light, golden eclair pastry filled with a luscious strawberry custard and topped with a beautiful pink chocolate glaze. Perfect for any special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these eclairs are a stunning combination of flavor and elegance. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicate pastry and creamy, fruity filling. Plus, they look as beautiful as they taste, making them perfect for serving at any gathering or celebration.

Eclairs are a French classic, and with this version, you get the perfect balance of light and airy pastry, rich custard filling, and a touch of sweetness from the pink glaze. This Strawberry Eclairs recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for anyone who loves the combination of pastry and fresh fruit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Delicate Pastry: The eclair dough is light and airy, creating a crispy shell that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
2. Lush Strawberry Flavor: The strawberry custard filling adds a fresh, fruity flavor that elevates the classic eclair to a new level of deliciousness.
3. Stunning Presentation: With its vibrant pink glaze, these eclairs are not only tasty but also look beautiful on any dessert table.
4. Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether for a birthday, tea party, or holiday dessert spread, these eclairs are sure to impress.
5. Homemade Goodness: There’s something special about homemade pastries, and making eclairs from scratch adds that extra touch of love and care.

Ingredients

Eclair Pastry:

• Water
• Unsalted butter
• Salt
• White sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs (3 plus 1 extra if needed)

Egg Wash:

• Egg
• Water

Filling:

• Strawberry custard (recipe follows)

Pink Chocolate Glaze:

• White chocolate (coarsely chopped)
• Pink gel food coloring

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Swap the strawberry custard with a lemon or vanilla custard for a different flavor experience.
• Chocolate Glaze: You can use a milk or dark chocolate glaze instead of the pink chocolate for a rich contrast with the strawberry filling.
• Fresh Fruit: Add fresh sliced strawberries on top of the glaze to give the eclairs a fruity touch and extra color.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk for the pastry and custard to make a vegan-friendly version of these eclairs.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Eclair Pastry

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 8 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once it reaches a boil, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour until well combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
3. Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the dough seems too thick, add an extra egg.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Using a pastry bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off, pipe the dough into long eclair shapes (about 4 inches long) onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 2 teaspoons of water for the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of the eclair dough.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Let the eclairs cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Custard Filling

1. Prepare your favorite strawberry custard or use a pre-made strawberry custard mix if you prefer. Ensure it is thickened to the right consistency for filling eclairs.
2. Once the eclairs are completely cooled, use a small knife or pastry tip to create a small hole at the end of each eclair.
3. Fill each eclair with the strawberry custard, ensuring it is well-filled but not overstuffed.

Step 3: Prepare the Pink Chocolate Glaze

1. In a heatproof bowl, melt the coarsely chopped white chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
2. Add a few drops of pink gel food coloring and stir until the glaze is evenly tinted pink.
3. Dip the tops of each eclair into the pink glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed eclairs on a wire rack and let the glaze set.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let the glaze fully set before serving, and enjoy these beautiful and delicious homemade strawberry eclairs!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Piping the Dough: If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off, or you can use a spoon to shape the dough on the baking sheet.
• Check for Doneness: Ensure your eclair shells are golden and crispy on the outside. If they are soft or doughy, they need more baking time.
• Chill the Glaze: If the glaze is too runny when you dip the eclairs, let it cool for a few minutes to thicken up before glazing.
• Custard Consistency: If your custard is too runny, you can thicken it by cooking it a bit longer, or refrigerating it before using it to fill the eclairs.

How to Serve

These strawberry eclairs make an elegant addition to any dessert spread or tea party. Serve them with a cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea for the perfect treat. They are also a delightful dessert to bring to a potluck or family gathering, as they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover eclairs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the custard filling, it’s best to enjoy these eclairs within a day or two.

Freezing

While eclairs can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the pastry shells alone. Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the shells and fill them with fresh strawberry custard and glaze just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat the eclair shells, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until crispy. Once reheated, fill with custard and glaze.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the custard?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work great in the custard. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.

2. Can I make the custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the custard up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

3. Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! You can use vanilla custard, chocolate mousse, or even whipped cream in place of the strawberry custard.

4. How do I store the eclairs?

Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can make the eclair dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just allow it to come to room temperature before piping and baking.

6. What if the eclairs deflate after baking?

If the eclairs deflate, it might be because they weren’t baked long enough or the oven temperature was too low. Be sure to bake at the correct temperature and check for a crispy, golden exterior.

7. Can I use food coloring for the glaze?

Yes, you can use gel food coloring for the glaze. Just a few drops will provide a beautiful, vibrant pink color.

8. How do I make sure my eclair shells are crispy?

Ensure the dough is baked long enough for a golden brown, crispy exterior. Don’t open the oven door too early to avoid the shells collapsing.

9. Can I make these eclairs gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to follow a recipe specifically designed for gluten-free éclairs.

10. How can I prevent the custard from being too runny?

Ensure the custard is thickened properly before filling the eclairs. If it’s too runny, let it cool or refrigerate it before using it as a filling.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Eclairs are the perfect blend of light, fluffy pastry, sweet strawberry custard, and a beautiful pink glaze. With a little time and love, you can create these stunning and delicious treats at home. Perfect for special occasions, or just to add a touch of elegance to any dessert table, these eclairs are sure to be a hit every time. Enjoy!

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