Strawberry Eclairs

Introduction

Strawberry Eclairs are a delightful twist on the classic French pastry. These delicate eclairs are filled with a rich, creamy strawberry custard and topped with a fresh strawberry glaze. The light, airy choux pastry provides the perfect base, while the strawberry-flavored filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness.

I first made these eclairs for a special gathering, and they were an instant hit. The combination of fresh strawberries and silky custard creates a memorable treat that’s both elegant and indulgent. What I love about these eclairs is how they elevate any occasion, whether it’s a tea party or a summer get-together. The fresh glaze on top gives them a beautiful, shiny finish that makes them look as impressive as they taste.

These Strawberry Eclairs are surprisingly simple to make despite their sophisticated appearance. The rich, creamy filling is a real standout, and the combination of textures—the crisp pastry and smooth custard—creates a truly decadent experience. It’s a dessert that will leave everyone craving more!

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Afternoon tea
• Summer gatherings
• Strawberry lovers
• Elegant dessert displays

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Eclairs

Here’s why Strawberry Eclairs will become your new favorite pastry:

• Delicate and Light: The choux pastry is light and airy, with a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Strawberry Flavor: The strawberry custard filling and glaze bring a fresh, fruity sweetness that’s perfectly balanced with the richness of the pastry.
• Elegant Presentation: These eclairs are visually stunning with their vibrant pink glaze and creamy filling, making them ideal for impressing guests.
• Homemade Goodness: Though they may seem sophisticated, these eclairs are surprisingly simple to make and require just a few basic ingredients.
• Versatile: You can adjust the strawberry flavor by adding more or less fruit, or even experimenting with different fillings like vanilla or chocolate.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 eclairs
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Eclairs:

Choux Pastry:

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

Strawberry Custard Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
• 1-2 teaspoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Choux Pastry: This light pastry dough forms the perfect shell for the rich filling and glaze. It puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating a hollow center.
• Strawberry Custard Filling: Made with fresh strawberries, this smooth and creamy filling has a bright, fruity flavor that complements the pastry perfectly.
• Strawberry Glaze: The glaze is sweet and glossy, giving the eclairs a beautiful finish while adding another layer of strawberry flavor.
• Heavy Cream and Milk: These ingredients help create a rich, velvety custard filling that’s indulgent yet balanced.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Eclairs:

Prepare the Choux Pastry:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Make the Choux Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter is melted, add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Add the Eggs: Remove the dough from heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
4. Pipe the Pastry: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 3-4 inch long strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake the Eclairs: Bake the eclairs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to ensure they rise properly.
6. Cool the Pastry: Once baked, turn off the oven and let the eclairs cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes. Then remove them from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

Strawberry Custard Filling:

7. Heat the Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
8. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
9. Temper the Egg Mixture: Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens.
10. Add the Strawberry Puree: Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pureed strawberries. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Strawberry Glaze:

11. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and strawberry puree until smooth. Add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a thick but pourable consistency.

Assemble the Eclairs:

12. Fill the Eclairs: Once the choux pastry shells have cooled, use a small sharp knife to cut a slit along the side of each eclair. Fill a piping bag with the strawberry custard filling and pipe it into the center of each pastry.
13. Top with Glaze: Dip the top of each filled eclair into the strawberry glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
14. Chill the Eclairs: Place the eclairs in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the glaze to set.

How to Serve Strawberry Eclairs

Strawberry Eclairs are a sophisticated dessert that can be served in many ways:

• As a Showstopper Dessert: Serve these eclairs on a beautiful dessert platter to impress guests at a special occasion or dinner party.
• For Afternoon Tea: These eclairs make a perfect addition to a tea party, paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• With Fresh Berries: Garnish the eclairs with fresh strawberries or other berries for an added touch of elegance and freshness.
• For Brunch: Serve as a sweet treat alongside savory options for a well-rounded brunch spread.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Eclairs

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Eclairs turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Open the Oven Door Too Soon: Opening the oven door during baking can cause the eclairs to collapse. Wait until they’re fully puffed and golden before checking.
• Cool the Choux Pastry Thoroughly: Let the eclairs cool completely before filling to prevent the custard from melting or becoming too runny.
• Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the custard and glaze.
• Pipe the Dough Quickly: Choux pastry dough can dry out if it sits for too long, so pipe it onto the baking sheet as soon as it’s ready.
• Chill the Filled Eclairs: After glazing, refrigerate the eclairs for a short time to allow the glaze to set and the flavors to meld.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Eclairs

Here are some variations you can try for Strawberry Eclairs:

• Mixed Berry Eclairs: Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for the custard and glaze.
• Chocolate Strawberry Eclairs: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the glazed eclairs for an indulgent twist.
• Vanilla Custard Filling: Swap the strawberry custard for a classic vanilla pastry cream for a traditional flavor.
• Lemon Strawberry Eclairs: Add a touch of lemon zest to the custard for a bright, citrusy contrast to the strawberries.
• Strawberry Shortcake Eclairs: Top the filled eclairs with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices for a shortcake-inspired version.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Eclairs

• Freezing: You can freeze the unfilled eclairs. Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling and glazing.
• Storage: Store leftover eclairs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pastry may soften slightly, but the flavor will remain fresh.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Eclairs

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Eclairs easier:

• Piping Bag and Tip: A piping bag with a large round tip is essential for both filling and glazing the eclairs.
• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you create a smooth, glossy choux dough.
• Saucepan: Use a medium saucepan to heat and mix the ingredients for the custard filling.
• Wire Rack: A cooling rack allows the eclairs to cool evenly without becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect texture and flavor for your eclairs.
• Oven Thermometer: Use an oven thermometer to ensure the temperature is just right for baking the eclairs.
• Small Sharp Knife: A sharp knife helps cut the eclairs neatly for filling without damaging the pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Eclairs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
2. Can I make the choux pastry ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake and freeze the choux pastry shells ahead of time. Fill and glaze them just before serving for the best results.
3. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
   Yes, you can use other berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a different fruity twist.
4. How do I know when the eclairs are done baking?
   The eclairs should be golden brown and puffed up. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
5. Can I make these eclairs gluten-free?
   Yes, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Eclairs are an irresistible dessert that combines the elegance of French pastries with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries. The light choux pastry, creamy strawberry custard, and glossy glaze come together to create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a special treat, these eclairs are sure to impress.

This recipe is as delightful to prepare as it is to eat, making it perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to elegant celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging in a sweet moment by yourself, these strawberry eclairs will add a touch of sophistication to your dessert table.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Eclairs turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!