Strawberry Eclairs Recipe

Eclairs are a classic French pastry that exude elegance, and this strawberry eclair recipe takes them to the next level with a rich, strawberry custard filling and a gorgeous pink chocolate glaze. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a special event or indulge in a delicious homemade treat, these strawberry eclairs are sure to delight. The crispy, airy éclairs paired with a smooth, creamy filling and topped with a sweet and colorful glaze create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for more.

The process of making eclairs might seem intimidating at first, but with the right technique, it’s quite manageable. This recipe guides you through each step—from preparing the delicate pastry dough to whipping up a luscious strawberry custard filling and finishing off with a glossy pink chocolate glaze. Once you’ve made these strawberry eclairs, you’ll be able to create them for any occasion, whether it’s for a celebration, tea time, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Elegant and Impressive

Strawberry eclairs are visually stunning and perfect for impressing guests at a special gathering or celebration.

2. Delicious Strawberry Custard Filling

The creamy, luscious strawberry custard filling brings a fresh, fruity flavor to the eclair that pairs perfectly with the light pastry.

3. Beautiful Pink Chocolate Glaze

The vibrant pink chocolate glaze adds a beautiful touch to these eclairs and makes them even more irresistible.

4. Perfect Balance of Texture

The light, crisp pastry combined with the smooth filling and glossy glaze creates a balanced and satisfying bite.

5. Customizable for Any Flavor

While this recipe features a strawberry custard filling and a pink glaze, you can easily swap in other flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or lemon to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Eclair Pastry:

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

For the Egg Wash:

• Egg
• Water

For the Filling (Strawberry Custard):

• (Ingredients for strawberry custard, typically include strawberries, milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, etc.)

For the Pink Chocolate Glaze:

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

Variations

• Chocolate Eclairs: Substitute the strawberry custard filling with a chocolate custard or pastry cream for a classic chocolate eclair.
• Lemon Eclairs: Swap the strawberry filling for a lemon custard and add a lemon glaze on top for a zesty variation.
• Fruit Glaze: You can use other food coloring, like raspberry or blueberry, to create a different hue for the glaze or use fruit puree to enhance the flavor.
• Whipped Cream Filling: For a lighter alternative to custard, fill the eclairs with sweetened whipped cream or mascarpone cream.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Eclair Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter has melted and the water is boiling, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Continue to cook the dough for about 1-2 minutes.

Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition. The dough should become smooth and glossy. If the dough is too thick, add an extra egg, one at a time, until the dough is smooth but still thick enough to hold its shape.

Step 2: Pipe the Eclairs

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming long, slender eclair shapes (about 3 inches long). Use a wet finger to smooth out any rough edges.

Step 3: Apply the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash. Brush the eclairs gently with the egg wash for a glossy, golden finish when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Eclairs

Bake the eclairs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to ensure the eclairs rise properly.

Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the eclairs in the oven for an additional 5 minutes to dry out. Then, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Custard Filling

For the custard filling, follow your favorite strawberry custard recipe or use pre-made pastry cream as a base. Typically, the custard will include ingredients like strawberries, milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla. Cook the custard mixture until thickened, then let it cool completely before filling the eclairs.

Step 6: Fill the Eclairs

Once the eclairs have cooled completely, use a small knife or pastry tip to make a small hole in each eclair. Fill a piping bag with the cooled strawberry custard and pipe the custard into each eclair until they are full.

Step 7: Prepare the Pink Chocolate Glaze

In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth. Once the chocolate has melted, add a small amount of pink gel food coloring and stir until the color is evenly distributed. If you want a deeper color, you can add a little more food coloring.

Step 8: Glaze the Eclairs

Dip the top of each filled eclair into the pink chocolate glaze, ensuring the glaze covers the entire top. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the eclairs on a wire rack to set.

Step 9: Serve

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. These eclairs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Ensure Pastry Consistency: The dough for the eclair pastry should be thick but smooth. If it’s too runny, add a little more flour, or if it’s too thick, add an extra egg.
• Do Not Open the Oven: While baking, avoid opening the oven door too early, as this can cause the eclairs to collapse.
• Cool Completely Before Filling: Make sure your eclairs are completely cooled before filling them to prevent the custard from melting.
• Smooth Glaze: If you want a smooth and glossy glaze, ensure the white chocolate is fully melted and doesn’t have any lumps.
• Food Coloring: Be cautious when adding food coloring—start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach the desired color.

How to Serve

These strawberry eclairs make a stunning addition to any dessert table, afternoon tea, or celebration. They can be served as an elegant treat for guests or enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Pair with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the filled eclairs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pastry will stay crispy for a little while, but the custard may start to soften the dough after a day or so.

Freezing

Eclairs are best served fresh, but you can freeze the unfilled pastry shells. To freeze, place the cooled shells on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, thaw and fill with fresh strawberry custard and glaze.

Reheating

If you want to refresh the eclairs, you can warm the pastry shells in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, then fill with fresh custard and glaze.

FAQs

1. Can I make these eclairs without the strawberry custard?

Yes, you can replace the strawberry custard with other fillings like vanilla pastry cream, whipped cream, or even chocolate mousse.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries for the custard?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well in the custard, though fresh strawberries will give a more vibrant flavor.

3. Can I make these eclairs ahead of time?

You can prepare the pastry shells and custard in advance, but it’s best to fill and glaze the eclairs right before serving to ensure the pastry stays crisp.

4. Can I substitute the white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor, but keep in mind that the glaze won’t be pink unless you add food coloring.

5. How do I prevent the eclairs from becoming soggy?

Ensure that the pastry is fully baked and cooled before filling to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the custard and becoming soggy.

6. Can I freeze the filled eclairs?

It’s best to freeze unfilled eclairs, as the custard can change texture after freezing. Fill them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

7. Can I use a different food coloring?

Yes, you can use any food coloring of your choice, such as red, purple, or even green for a fun variation.

8. Can I use pre-made custard?

Yes, you can use store-bought custard if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s well-chilled before filling the eclairs.

9. How long will the eclairs last?

The eclairs are best eaten within 2 days when stored in the refrigerator.

10. Can I add a different glaze flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or caramel glaze for a unique twist.

Conclusion

These strawberry eclairs are a show-stopping dessert that combines delicate pastry with creamy, fruity filling and a sweet, glossy glaze. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to impress with their flavor and presentation. With a bit of patience and care, you can create these elegant treats that will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Print