Strawberry Eclairs: A Delightful Pastry Treat

Strawberry Eclairs are a whimsical twist on the classic French pastry, filled with a luscious strawberry custard and topped with a charming pink chocolate glaze. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a delicate yet indulgent dessert, these eclairs are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Ingredients

For the Eclair Pastry:

• 1 cup water
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, plus 1 extra if needed

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons water

For the Filling:

• Strawberry Custard (see note below)

For the Pink Chocolate Glaze:

• 8 oz white chocolate, coarsely chopped
• Pink gel food coloring

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eclair Pastry (Pâte à Choux):

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Heat over medium until it reaches a boil, making sure the butter melts completely.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the fourth egg if needed to achieve the right consistency.
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Pipe 3–4 inch long strips onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

2. Apply the Egg Wash and Bake:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash. Lightly brush it over the eclairs to give them a golden, glossy finish.
2. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dish is puffed up and golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking.
3. Remove from the oven and pierce each eclair with a skewer to release steam. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Make the Strawberry Custard Filling:

Prepare a strawberry custard by combining milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and pureed strawberries. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then let it cool. Chill before using.

4. Fill the Eclairs:

1. Using a small piping tip, poke holes into the ends or bottom of each eclair.
2. Fill a piping bag with the chilled strawberry custard and pipe the filling into the eclairs until full.

5. Prepare the Pink Chocolate Glaze:

1. Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
2. Add a small amount of pink gel food coloring to the melted chocolate and mix until the desired shade is achieved.

6. Glaze the Eclairs:

1. Dip the top of each eclair into the pink chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set.
2. For extra flair, decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or a drizzle of contrasting chocolate.

Conclusion

Strawberry Eclairs are a delightful fusion of vibrant strawberry flavor and classic French pastry elegance. The airy choux pastry, creamy strawberry filling, and sweet pink glaze create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for celebrations or a touch of indulgence, these eclairs are sure to impress everyone at the table!