Rating: 3.76
(211)

Eclair

January 16, 2026

The eclair is a classic French pastry that perfectly balances elegance and indulgence. Made from delicate choux pastry, eclair filled with luscious cream, and topped with a glossy layer of chocolate glaze, the éclair is a bakery staple that has won hearts around the world.

Originating in France during the 19th century, the word “éclair” means “flash of lightning,” possibly referring to how quickly these pastries disappear once served. Light yet rich, an eclair is made by piping choux pastry dough into long, finger-like shapes and baking until golden and crisp on the outside. Once cooled, they’re filled, traditionally with vanilla pastry cream, although variations like chocolate, coffee, or fruit-flavored creams are just as popular.

The finishing touch is a smooth chocolate glaze or fondant, adding sweetness and a beautiful shine. The combination of crisp pastry, silky cream, and rich topping makes the eclair a true sensory experience, soft, creamy, and just slightly crunchy all at once.

While the traditional éclair is filled with vanilla or chocolate custard and topped with dark chocolate glaze, modern bakeries often get creative. You’ll find eclairs adorned with caramel, matcha, raspberry, or pistachio, and even topped with intricate decorations or edible gold leaf.

Éclairs are typically enjoyed as a dessert or a luxurious snack with coffee or cinnamon tea. They’re also popular at celebrations and patisseries, where they often take center stage among other classic French pastries.

Despite their refined appearance, eclairs can be made at home with a little patience and care. Mastering choux pastry is the key step, and once that’s done, the rest is about layering flavors and textures for a truly irresistible treat.

Whether you enjoy a traditional chocolate eclair or an inventive new twist, this French pastry remains a timeless favorite, beloved for its simple beauty and decadent taste.

Eclair
Eclair
3.76 from 211 votes
A delicious pastry dessert with a creamy filling
Servings 10 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Pastry Dough
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cubed
  • 4 eggs large,
  • For the Pastry Cream:
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 4 egg yolks large,
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Chocolate Glaze:
  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • To make the pastry dough, in a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny.
  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip. Pipe 4-inch (10 cm) lengths onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  • To make the pastry cream, in a medium saucepan, heat milk until bubbles form around the edges. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks. Slowly whisk hot milk into the egg mixture. Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let cool completely.
  • To fill the eclairs, slice each eclair in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe pastry cream into the bottom half of each eclair. Replace top halves.
  • To make the chocolate glaze, melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, hot water, and vanilla extract.
  • Dip the top of each eclair into the chocolate glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 13gFiber: 1g
Calories: 230kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: chocolate, dessert, eclair, French cuisine, french desserts
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
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Join the Conversation
  1. 1 star
    Too much effort, tbh. I can just buy them from the bakery for less. Pass.

    1. User avatar Lumberjack says:

      2 stars
      Nah, baked goods from the store taste just as good. Why waste time? Just buy them! 😂

    2. User avatar robt.tremblay35 says:

      5 stars
      I get it, baking can be a lot of work. But it’s so worth it when you make them yourself! Fresh eclairs are the best!

  2. 3 stars
    Instructions are confusing, should’ve added a video.

    1. User avatar Ford Prefect says:

      4 stars
      I agree! A video would help a lot. I struggled with steps 2 and 6 especially.

  3. User avatar grasshopper says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Made my own chocolate glaze, added some sprinkles on top.

  4. User avatar cyril.gleason2005 says:

    3 stars
    Too many steps! Can I just buy them from a bakery instead?

  5. User avatar allie.bernhard18 says:

    2 stars
    My first time making éclairs and let me tell ya, it was a mess! I used self-raising flour instead of all-purpose.🙈 But they kinda still tasted good, lol.

  6. User avatar Gisela White says:

    5 stars
    I am not a baking pro but followed this, and they were gourmet level! 😃

    1. User avatar ray.mraz1999 says:

      5 stars
      Wow, that’s awesome! 😍 I’m not great at baking either but might give it a try now. What flavor is your favorite?

  7. User avatar collette.kuphal77 says:

    2 stars
    I found this recipe a bit complicated. The dough was hard to pipe. Not sure what I did wrong.

  8. User avatar Lauren Gleason says:

    3 stars
    Why does everyone love these so much? They just seem like fancy cream puffs.

  9. User avatar gilda.parker99 says:

    5 stars
    These eclairs are the best! So fluffy and delicious!

    1. User avatar elmo.leffler says:

      3 stars
      Best? Really? I found them kinda hard to make though…

    2. User avatar christoper.kautzer72 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! These are like little bites of heaven. 😍

  10. User avatar tequila.zulauf11 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! The chocolate glaze is *chef’s kiss*! Will definitely make again. 😊

  11. User avatar ernestine.beier says:

    4 stars
    Yum! But I think I added too much chocolate on top. Still great though!

  12. User avatar Miss Abigail Schulist says:

    2 stars
    Eh, eclairs are overrated if you ask me, but my family liked them.

    1. 4 stars
      I get what you mean! Eclairs can be a bit too fancy for everyday desserts. But my kids love ’em! 🤷‍♂️

  13. User avatar kristofer.jerde29 says:

    2 stars
    I had such a hard time with the pastry. It kept deflating! Maybe I’m just not cut out for this baking thing. 😩

  14. User avatar reanna.kertzmann says:

    4 stars
    Eclairz are french, right? With all this cream, I thought they’d be heavy but they’re light! 😊

  15. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    5 stars
    These eclairs are a game changer! So delicious and impressive! 🥳

  16. User avatar leslie.veum93 says:

    2 stars
    I thought you needed to refrigerate the dough overnight or something? This recipe said nothing about that. I’m confused.

  17. User avatar rubin.larson says:

    5 stars
    These were super easy to make! They turned out great, and everyone loved them!

    1. 2 stars
      I dunno… they look hard to make. What if they taste bad? I’m skeptical.

    2. User avatar Storm Atronach says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! They were super fun to make and taste amazing. Glad everyone loved them too!

  18. User avatar larae.skiles81 says:

    4 stars
    These are so good! My family loved them and they looked fancy too! 🤩

    1. User avatar Rob McKenna says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad your family loved them! They really are a showstopper 😍. How did you find the process? I thought it was a bit tricky at first.

  19. 2 stars
    Too much work for what it is. I prefer store-bought, much easier. 🤷‍♂️

    1. User avatar lesia.swift62 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get that! Sometimes making things from scratch can feel like a chore. 🥱 Store-bought definitely has its perks.

  20. 2 stars
    I tried this recipe but my pastry didn’t rise. I think I did something wrong.

  21. User avatar willa.bogisich11 says:

    4 stars
    I love making desserts! This recipe is great! Followed it perfectly! 🍰

  22. User avatar keenan.harris53 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Chocolate and cream, what more could you want? Definitely making these again for my family reunion!

  23. User avatar mariam.boehm says:

    3 stars
    Took me forever but they turned out alright. Next time, I’m using a pre-made dough. 😒

  24. 5 stars
    These eclairs are to die for! So light and fluffy. I can’t stop eating them!

    1. 5 stars
      OMG! I totally agree! I made them yesterday and my family couldn’t stop raving about them! So good!

  25. 5 stars
    Wow, even my kids loved them! I will make these again for our family gathering.

  26. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    1 star
    Eclairs are French. Real chefs use no flour! Just sayin’.

  27. 4 stars
    Yum! Chocolate is my favorite! But why does it say use a double boiler? What’s that?

  28. User avatar felton.dubuque47 says:

    3 stars
    The glaze was sooo good, but the eclairs were too fluffy for my taste. Should I reduce the eggs next time?

    1. User avatar emmitt.grant says:

      3 stars
      But fluffy is good! Eclairs should be light and airy, right? Maybe just use a bit less batter next time?

    2. User avatar aurea.oreilly says:

      4 stars
      You might wanna try reducing the eggs a bit! It could make them less fluffy. I think they can be a bit tricky to get just right.

  29. 2 stars
    I don’t know, these didn’t turn out for me. The dough was too runny. Maybe I messed up somewhere? ☹️

  30. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    3 stars
    The instructions were a bit confusing, especially for the glazing part. I just ended up pouring chocolate on top. Tasty though!

  31. User avatar richie.emmerich says:

    4 stars
    The instructions were a bit confusing, but I managed to pull through. My kids loved them!

  32. User avatar johnie.oconnell says:

    5 stars
    Eclairs are my favorite dessert, and this recipe didn’t disappoint! A little long but easy to follow. Love it!

  33. User avatar denver.mueller says:

    3 stars
    Is it really necessary to pipe them? Can’t I just spoon the dough? Seems easier but idk if they’ll taste good…

  34. User avatar elliott.wolf says:

    3 stars
    Very good but not as sweet as I expected. Might try more sugar next time.

    1. User avatar patricia.mckenzie says:

      4 stars
      I totally get that! I think more sugar could really bring out the flavors. Did you use sweetened chocolate for the glaze? That could help too!

    2. User avatar Emelina Wolff DVM says:

      3 stars
      Yea! Eclairs are suposed to be really sweet, but I like them less sweet. Maybe add honey instead of more sugar? Just a thought!

  35. User avatar alene.berge2 says:

    4 stars
    Delicious! Had to watch a YouTube video to get the piping right, but it was worth it! 🥳

    1. User avatar eusebia.goodwin1967 says:

      5 stars
      I agree! The piping tip makes all the difference! I watched a video too and it turned out amazing! 😍

  36. User avatar stephani.greenfelder22 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! The first time I made eclairs, they were a flop, but this recipe turned out perfect! Thanks!

    1. User avatar antone.larkin13 says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear that it turned out well for you! Eclairs can be tricky, but they are so worth it. Great job!

  37. User avatar roselia.dare69 says:

    1 star
    Why use vanilla extract? Can’t we just use plain sugar? Don’t understand!

  38. 4 stars
    Delicious! But can someone just tell me how to make them in a microwave? 😂

  39. User avatar daisey.langosh34 says:

    4 stars
    I used margarine instead of butter and they still turned out great! 👍

  40. 3 stars
    Do we really need that much sugar? Feels too sweet for me. 🤔

  41. User avatar dina.lang21 says:

    5 stars
    These eclairs are heavenly! Just wow!

  42. User avatar Sherman Lowe says:

    5 stars
    Wow these look so fancy! Can’t wait to impress my friends!

  43. User avatar stan.weissnat60 says:

    3 stars
    I’m confused. Why do you use hot water in the glaze? Seems weird.

  44. 4 stars
    Tasty! Will make again for the holidays!

  45. User avatar emelina.mante49 says:

    2 stars
    My eclairs came out flat… what I do wrong? ☹️

  46. 1 star
    Way too complicated! I want something easy to make.

  47. 2 stars
    I tried making these and they didn’t rise at all. I must’ve done something wrong. 😩

    1. User avatar shellie.reinger says:

      4 stars
      Don’t worry! That happens to a lot of us. Just make sure to follow the steps carefully next time. Try beating the eggs longer for a fluffier dough! 😊

  48. 1 star
    Eh, too much work for me. I just buy my eclairs from the store. Much easier!

    1. User avatar Death Hound says:

      4 stars
      I get it! Store-bought is super convenient, but if you ever feel like trying, homemade eclairs are delicious! Just take your time, it’s worth it. 😊

  49. User avatar gus.brakus25 says:

    3 stars
    I tried this recipe but forgot the butter for the dough! Yikes! Still tasted kinda good though.

  50. 4 stars
    Not bad, but next time I’ll add some coffee to the cream. I love coffee flavor. ☕

    1. User avatar zandra.renner1973 says:

      4 stars
      Coffee in eclairs? That sounds interesting! I might try it too! ☕

  51. User avatar migdalia.trantow says:

    5 stars
    Yum! My family loved them. Even my picky kid ate three! Will make again. 🌟

  52. User avatar rory.daugherty1953 says:

    3 stars
    My glaze was grainy even though I used powdered sugar—maybe my hot water wasn’t hot enough? I’ll try sieving the sugar next time. Flavor is still excellent.

  53. 5 stars
    These eclairs are AMAZING! So light and fluffy, just like the ones from the bakery!

  54. User avatar leigha.satterfield says:

    5 stars
    Really delicious! The chocolate glaze is to die for. Even my kids loved them! Will make again for sure.

  55. User avatar lemuel.krajcik says:

    4 stars
    My whole family loved these! I might have eaten too many… 😂

  56. 3 stars
    My oven runs hot. 425°F for 10 min might burn the outside before it puffs. I’d lower to like 400°F next time.

  57. User avatar art.adams59 says:

    5 stars
    Five stars!!! (jk) But seriously… wow. I followed it and got shiny pastry and a good glaze. My piping wasn’t pretty though, lol.

  58. 2 stars
    why 4 eggs? i used 3 and it was fine i think. also i didnt have cornstarch so i used flour and it still worked lol

  59. User avatar ray.morar2000 says:

    5 stars
    These look legit. The two-stage bake at 425 then 375°F is the kind of detail that actually makes or breaks choux. I’ll try it exactly as written.

    1. User avatar alina.kirlin says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—choux is super picky about timing. I usually get lazy with the second temp step and they end up sad/flat. Going to follow your 425 then 375°F plan next batch!

    2. User avatar elsa.okeefe51 says:

      3 stars
      425 to 375 seems kinda backwards to me… wouldn’t you start lower so they don’t burn? But if you say it breaks choux, I’ll test it. Worst case, I eat the mistakes 😅

  60. User avatar del.graham8 says:

    3 stars
    Eh, eclairs are hard. One mistake and everything collapses. Still, the steps are clear, so I might attempt it on a weekend when I’m not rushing.

  61. 5 stars
    These turned out like bakery-style! The pastry puffed beautifully and the cream set nicely. I chilled the filling first so it piped clean. Only tweak: I used a bit more vanilla in the cream—so good.

  62. User avatar tristan.stroman8 says:

    2 stars
    Ok so I’m not an expert baker, but I messed up the first step because it says ‘combine 1 cup of water’ yet ingredients list no water at all. I still winged it and added water anyway. Clarify that?

  63. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    4 stars
    My dough didn’t pipe cleanly at first—maybe my “cool for 5 minutes” wasn’t long enough. After I chilled the dough a bit, the shapes came out way better.

  64. User avatar jamey.zemlak4 says:

    4 stars
    You forgot to mention that you can use whipped cream instead of the pastry cream. That’s what I do and it works just as well! 👍

  65. User avatar maya.schoen43 says:

    5 stars
    Okay but 1 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup cornstarch? Wait… it says 2 tbsp cornstarch, right? I double-checked because last time I messed up thickness. Glad this one was correct—cream turned out silky.

    1. User avatar gary.torphy says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! 1 cup milk + 2 tbsp cornstarch is the sweet spot for pastry cream. Glad yours thickened right and stayed silky 😄

    2. User avatar federico.gleichner40 says:

      4 stars
      I’ve totally done the “double-check thickness” thing too 😂 If it’s too thick I just add a splash of milk and stir it back out.

  66. User avatar juliette.tremblay1967 says:

    2 stars
    The glaze with powdered sugar and hot water sounds weird to me. Like would it seize? I’d probably skip the powdered sugar and just do ganache.

  67. User avatar luciano.paucek51 says:

    1 star
    Eclairs r delicious, but this recipe is way too complicated. I’ll stick to store-bought.

  68. User avatar Mrs. Rufus Oberbrunner says:

    3 stars
    I followed it pretty close, but my choux didn’t get that “eclair” hollow inside—more like a dense bun. Maybe my oven runs hot? Still tasted good though and the filling was great.

  69. User avatar elvie.weber1 says:

    2 stars
    2 days in the fridge? Could be soggy 😬 but ok. Also chocolate glaze is a lot of powdered sugar—tastes sweet sweet.

  70. User avatar timothy.beahan31 says:

    3 stars
    I tried making these but my dough didn’t rise much. Not sure what I did wrong. Maybe too much flour? Seems a bit fussy.

    1. User avatar allene.thompson53 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe you didn’t let the dough cool enough before adding the eggs? That can make a difference in how it rises. Don’t worry, it’s a tricky recipe! Keep trying!

    2. User avatar sima.hettinger5 says:

      3 stars
      Too much flour? Nah, I think it’s more about the egg process. You gotta beat it a lot! Mine came out flat too, but tasting good!

  71. 2 stars
    Super good, but the instructions say “let cool completely” and I rushed it. The filling melted and my eclairs got sad. Lesson learned.

  72. 4 stars
    I followed the temps exactly but my shells came out a little too dark. Still tasty though, and the glaze tastes rich. Next time I’ll watch them closely after lowering to 375°F.

    1. User avatar joe_banana says:

      4 stars
      That sounds like you were close—eclairs can go from “perfectly golden” to “too dark” fast. I usually start checking at like 12-13 min after dropping to 375°F. Also make sure your tray isn’t too close to the top rack.

  73. 3 stars
    I like the recipe, but 425°F then down to 375°F feels a little specific—mine didn’t get super hollow. Still tasty though. Also I had trouble piping; the dough was thicker than I expected, so I loosened by beating a little longer. Maybe my eggs were smaller?

    1. User avatar dillon.conroy says:

      3 stars
      Mine never got super hollow either 😅 I also struggled piping—dough was thick so I added eggs like my grandma does (probably wrong, lol). Did you mean 4 eggs total? Mine were small so I wonder if that’s it. Still ate them all though!

    2. User avatar Lona Stark says:

      4 stars
      Totally agree on the temps—425 then down to 375 felt very “engineered.” Mine came out a bit less hollow too, but the flavor was spot on. I think piping/final moisture makes a bigger difference than the exact numbers.

  74. User avatar allyson.bradtke says:

    5 stars
    The chocolate glaze was to die for! 😋😋

  75. 3 stars
    Cornstarch + egg yolks can go wrong so fast. Mine thickened, but I’m not sure I boiled it enough because it was a bit loose after cooling. Next time I’ll be more patient and stir nonstop.

    1. User avatar florencia.kohler says:

      5 stars
      Ugh I feel you—pastry cream can go from perfect to weird fast with cornstarch/egg yolks. If it was a little loose after cooling, it probably just needed a couple extra minutes of cooking at a real boil while stirring constantly. Next time you’ll nail it.

    2. User avatar derek.bernier43 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe you didn’t boil it enough, but also don’t let it sit warm too long after. I usually go until it thickens AND I see it bubble a good bit. Then cool it quick. Otherwise it stays kinda runny, like pudding that gave up 😅

  76. 5 stars
    These eclairs turned out amazing! Perfectly crispy and filled with delicious cream. A definite hit at the party. 5 stars!

  77. 2 stars
    425°F then 375°F… that seems like a lot of heat changes. Mine browned fast on the first stage and the inside was still a little wet. Maybe my oven runs hot?

  78. User avatar oren.jenkins15 says:

    5 stars
    These taste like the bakery ones! I used a star tip and they looked fancy. Only issue: dipping made them get soggy if I waited too long to serve. Next time I’ll glaze right before eating.

    1. 5 stars
      Yes!! Bakery vibe for real. I’ve noticed the same thing—if the glaze sits too long or they’re dipped early, the shells lose that crispness. Glaze right before serving is the move.

  79. User avatar maddie.lesch24 says:

    2 stars
    Eclairs are too complicated for me. I’m more of a cookie person. 😩

    1. User avatar sue.dach35 says:

      4 stars
      Cookies are great, but you should give eclairs a chance! They might be tricky, but they’re so delicious! 😊

    2. User avatar ulysses.bartell54 says:

      2 stars
      Nah, eclairs ain’t worth the hassle. Just grab some store-bought cookies, much easier! 😒

  80. User avatar Frostbite Spider says:

    4 stars
    Honestly, the instructions are solid, but 425°F then 375°F is kinda intense—my oven runs hot so I had to shorten the second bake by ~3 minutes. Still tasty though.

  81. User avatar jerilyn.altenwerth1990 says:

    4 stars
    5 stars. wow. so easy (if you don’t mess up the eggs) lol.

  82. User avatar andrea.bruen86 says:

    5 stars
    These turned out amazing! Just like the bakery ones. 😍

  83. User avatar krystle.schimmel95 says:

    5 stars
    Made these for my family—everyone went back for seconds. The pastry dough came out super smooth and shiny after adding the eggs. I did need a little extra time on the bake to get the deep golden color, but the results were absolutely worth it.

  84. User avatar Shaddam Corrino IV says:

    2 stars
    Not the greatest, but edible. I think the milk was a bit too hot when I added it to the egg yolks.

  85. 4 stars
    The chocolate glaze is where it’s at. I added a tiny pinch more salt in the glaze and it really popped. Only downside: dipping can get messy fast. Still, the look after setting is so worth it.

  86. User avatar frankie.cartwright1992 says:

    4 stars
    My pastry cream got a little lumpy at first. I think I didn’t whisk the cornstarch/egg yolk mix enough before adding the hot milk. After straining, it fixed it.

  87. User avatar nigel.oreilly says:

    4 stars
    The pastry cream instructions are solid, but “let cool completely” is doing a lot of heavy lifting 😅 If you fill too early, it’ll melt. I would chill the cream too.

    1. User avatar Dr. Mariano Collins says:

      3 stars
      I think it’s fine if you just let it cool “completely”… mine never melted. maybe my cream was thicker though? Not sure 😂

    2. 5 stars
      Totally agree 😅 I learned that the hard way—filled one batch a little early and the cream basically turned into a puddle. Chilling the pastry cream makes a big difference.

  88. User avatar Shaddam Corrino IV says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, 425°F then 375°F is intense. My first batch deflated because I opened the oven early. Second batch was way better once I just left it alone.

  89. User avatar Angeline Hermiston says:

    2 stars
    Too much butter? idk. Mine tasted kinda heavy, like a dessert blanket. Still ate them all tho 😂

    1. User avatar rebecca.shanahan says:

      4 stars
      Haha dessert blanket is a real description 😂 I’ve had that happen if the choux is a bit underbaked or if the glaze cools weirdly and gets thicker.

  90. User avatar annie.boyle36 says:

    4 stars
    The instructions are super clear. I was worried about adding eggs one at a time, but “smooth and shiny” was actually a good sign. Mine were a little less golden, but still tasty.

  91. User avatar charley.mann1978 says:

    4 stars
    Chocolate glaze is dangerously good. I might skip dipping and just spoon it over because it was a bit messy on the rack. Still 10/10 taste.

  92. User avatar dan.vonrueden says:

    3 stars
    Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet? Not sure about that.

  93. User avatar Zarniwoop says:

    4 stars
    I was nervous about the egg part, but the “smooth and shiny” description saved me. I think my filling was a bit thick, so next time I’ll whisk a little longer when heating the milk.

    1. 5 stars
      Yes!! That “smooth and shiny” tip is everything—exactly like you said. If your filling set thick, whisking/streaming the hot milk in slowly really helps get a silky pastry cream. Next time try to keep it at a steady boil while stirring so it thickens evenly.

  94. User avatar devon.simonis5 says:

    4 stars
    425°F then 375°F worked for me, but I’m confused about the part “combine 1 cup of water” when your ingredient list doesn’t actually mention water under Pastry Dough. I had to infer it from the instructions—might trip some people up.

  95. User avatar Divina Cartwright Sr. says:

    4 stars
    “Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days” is optimistic 😅. After a day in the fridge the pastry softened. Flavor is still good, but I’d eat the same day for best texture.

  96. User avatar clementine.douglas1997 says:

    3 stars
    I think 1 cup water in step 1 is a typo? My dough was way too thick until I added a splash more water. Ended up fine, but I’m confused. Anyone else?

    1. User avatar elenora.bartell1980 says:

      5 stars
      I don’t think it’s a typo—eclair dough (pâte à choux) actually starts with a water + butter + sugar + salt boil, then the flour gets cooked in until it forms a ball. If your dough was thick, adding a splash of water makes sense because egg size and flour brand can change hydration a lot.

  97. User avatar salvatore.krajcik83 says:

    1 star
    Disagree — piping 4-inch sticks and baking 25 minutes total didn’t work for my oven. Maybe it needs longer at 375°F? Next time I’ll guess less and check more.

  98. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I made it for my kids and they disappeared fast. Great instructions overall, especially the “smooth ball” part for the dough. Will repeat.

    1. User avatar basil.morissette87 says:

      5 stars
      That “smooth ball” step is everything—glad it worked for you! Also love that your kids tore through them 😂

  99. 5 stars
    I’ve never made pastry cream before, but this was surprisingly easy! Thank you!

  100. User avatar wellRespected says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, they were too hard for me to make. Not worth the effort…

  101. User avatar Snow Bear says:

    3 stars
    Pastry cream boiled too fast—like I blinked and it was thick instantly. End result was still edible but a little lumpy. I guess I whisked too slow when adding the hot milk.

    1. User avatar georgiana.bahringer85 says:

      4 stars
      Oof, that happens when the heat’s too high—pastry cream can go from perfect to pudding-y fast. Next time, keep it more at a gentle simmer and whisk the whole time, especially as it starts thickening.

  102. User avatar Julius Satterfield says:

    5 stars
    These are rich and honestly a lot of work, but worth it. The glaze was glossy and not too sweet. I served them same day and they were peak.

  103. User avatar daren.smith says:

    3 stars
    I think I messed up step 1 because it says “combine 1 cup of water” but your ingredient list doesn’t show that water anywhere. I assumed butter + sugar + salt + water as written anyway—just confusing.

  104. User avatar keneth.goyette says:

    5 stars
    Made these last weekend and they turned out way better than I expected. The choux dough puffed nicely and the pastry cream set perfectly—so good with the chocolate glaze.

    1. User avatar darrel.collins says:

      4 stars
      I tried eclairs once and the filling never set… maybe I didn’t boil it long enough. Your temps look legit though. Quick question: did you chill the dough/piped shells at all before baking or just straight into the oven?

    2. User avatar paulene.farrell1970 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! That’s exactly what I hope for—my choux usually panics until it doesn’t 😄 Glad the pastry cream set right too. I bet the chocolate glaze really takes them over the top.

  105. 3 stars
    My first batch came out chewy, not crisp. I think I opened the oven too early (oops). When I left them alone and baked a bit longer, they browned way better. Recipe is good, just temper expectations.

  106. User avatar darleen.ritchie says:

    4 stars
    My first attempt went flat, so I’m skeptical, but the instructions say to pipe 4-inch lengths and bake until golden—maybe my oven runs cold. Wish me luck.

  107. User avatar Majin Vegeta says:

    5 stars
    I love eclairs but I’m intimidated by choux. This recipe is actually pretty clear. The “smooth ball forms” cue is helpful and not just vibes.

  108. User avatar bennie.lesch87 says:

    4 stars
    The chocolate glaze is where it’s at. I did the double boiler and it stayed smooth (no grainy mess). However, the hot water + powdered sugar made it a bit too thin for my liking, so I’d reduce hot water next time or add more powdered sugar.

  109. User avatar keely.weissnat says:

    5 stars
    These came out way better than I expected. The choux actually puffed and the pastry cream set nicely—tastes very bakery-like. I did chill them before glazing and it helped a lot.

    1. User avatar xavier.hyatt19 says:

      5 stars
      Wow that’s awesome! I always worry the choux won’t puff, so your note about chilling before glazing is super helpful. Going to try that next batch.

    2. User avatar merrill.hand1983 says:

      3 stars
      Mine puffed a little… then fell 😭 I think I underbaked or my oven runs hot. Also I didn’t chill before glazing, so maybe that’s why it got runny. Anyone know if 425 for 10 min is too much?

  110. User avatar halflife4 says:

    2 stars
    This isn’t authentic eclair… we use diff methods back home in France. Idk about the butter in the glaze.

    1. User avatar karleen.klein says:

      4 stars
      I get your point! But this version is still delightful, even if it’s not like home. Sometimes we have to adapt things a bit! 😊

  111. 4 stars
    I loved the chocolate glaze flavor, but the texture was weird—like it didn’t drip, it just sat. Maybe because I added powdered sugar all at once? Still, it was sweet and rich.

  112. User avatar tosha.friesen2002 says:

    5 stars
    These came out way better than I expected! The dough puffed up nicely and the cream set without turning weirdly lumpy. I did chill everything before filling, which probably helped.

  113. User avatar jewell.ward says:

    5 stars
    These eclairs came out way better than I expected. The pastry is actually light and the filling set perfectly once chilled.

  114. User avatar Random Dent says:

    4 stars
    Not bad! I followed it and the shells puffed. The filling thickened well—BUT I didn’t wait for complete cooling and it made a mess.

    1. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

      5 stars
      Ugh, that’s the worst—been there 😅 You’re spot on about waiting for complete cooling. The pastry cream firms up a lot once it’s cool.

  115. User avatar bao.farrell says:

    5 stars
    I tried these and they actually turned out really legit. The pastry puffed nicely and the filling set well after chilling. My glaze was a little thick so I added a tiny splash more hot water—perfect after that.

  116. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    5 stars
    I’m not usually a baker but the step-by-step was clear. Piping took a minute to get consistent lengths, yet they puffed nicely. Pastry cream thickened fast once it hit the boil. 10/10 for a homemade treat.

    1. User avatar kristel.klein says:

      4 stars
      I dunno… “bubbles around the edges” for the milk feels kinda vague to me 😅 but if your pastry cream thickened fast then maybe I was just overthinking it. Nice 10/10 though!

    2. User avatar darrell.gerhold44 says:

      5 stars
      Honestly this makes me feel better—my first attempt always falls apart with pastry dough. Great job on the piping consistency and that fast thickening! 🙌

  117. User avatar derick.luettgen says:

    2 stars
    I might be doing something wrong, but my pastry cream never thickened until I added extra cornstarch. Tasted fine, texture was off.

  118. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    5 stars
    These look legit—eclairs are my weakness. The two-stage bake at 425 then 375 makes sense for getting that hollow interior. I’d just watch the browning closely.

  119. User avatar christiane.wolff1974 says:

    5 stars
    The pastry cream thickening step was scary at first (sooo much stirring), but once it boiled it went smooth. Great texture—very classic eclair vibe.

    1. User avatar Wellington Yueh says:

      5 stars
      That “boil then smooth” moment is so real—once it starts thickening it’s like… okay we’re back in business 😄 Classic texture for sure!

  120. 3 stars
    I can’t tell if I’m supposed to use 1/4 cup hot water in glaze or “hot” as in warm tap water. Either way I’ll try. Also, “Serve immediately” is brutal.

    1. User avatar wes.schaden41 says:

      5 stars
      Good question on the hot water—I’d do it with hot (like just heated) water so the powdered sugar dissolves smoothly. Cold tap water usually makes the glaze grainy. And yeah “serve immediately” is kinda rude 😂

    2. User avatar ricardo.conroy says:

      4 stars
      Wait is it 1/4 cup HOT water or just heated like in the milk step? I always just use whatever comes out of the kettle “hot” and it works. Also if you chill, the glaze gets thicker but still tastes fine.

  121. User avatar rose.bayer1997 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Eclair is my weakness. Pls more recipes like this.

  122. 3 stars
    Not bad! But why is there both 2 tbsp granulated sugar in dough and then more sugar in cream? I reduced it and it was fine, just less “bakery” tasting.

    1. User avatar ronnie.stroman says:

      5 stars
      Yeah, that extra sugar in the pastry is mostly for flavor and browning—like a little “bakery” vibe for the shells. The cream sugar balances the tang from the custard too. If yours still worked with less, you basically confirmed the ratio still holds!

  123. 3 stars
    The dough instructions say combine water, butter, sugar, and salt, but ingredients list only flour then eggs—no mention of the “water” amount in the ingredients. I just winged it (used 1 cup water). Still turned out okay, but please clarify.

  124. User avatar francis.labadie says:

    4 stars
    I tried a similar recipe and my dough turned out kinda grainy. Here you add eggs one at a time and beat until shiny—so hopefully mine won’t split this time.

  125. User avatar Robert Rippin says:

    4 stars
    The instructions are pretty clear, but 425°F then down to 375°F feels intense. I baked mine closer to 12 min first round and 18 min second, just to get that golden brown. Tasted great though.

  126. 2 stars
    I only had vanilla pudding powder instead of cornstarch and it… didn’t thicken. So yeah, follow ingredients exactly or you’ll be sad. Lesson learned.

  127. User avatar alise.yost13 says:

    4 stars
    Good instructions, but I swear my dough got lumpy for a minute—turns out I wasn’t cooking long enough after adding the flour. Fixed it and it was great.

  128. 3 stars
    The instructions are clear, but 425°F for 10 minutes + 375°F for 15 felt super aggressive in my oven. I’d maybe lower the first temp next time. My shells were a bit too brown.

    1. User avatar stewart.okeefe1999 says:

      5 stars
      Oof yeah, 425°F can be intense. I usually do the first burst a little lower or I pull them when they’re just turning color—browning can happen fast depending on the oven.

  129. 4 stars
    Very good, but the instruction step 1 says combine 1 cup of water—then later you say boil over medium heat and stir until a smooth ball forms. Mine never looked like a ball, it was more like thick paste. Turned out tasty anyway.

  130. User avatar Piter De Vries says:

    5 stars
    Made these for a party and they were a hit. The pastry came out hollow like it should, and the cream set nicely. Chocolate glaze is super good—mine maybe needed a tiny more chilling time so it didn’t run too much. Still 10/10.

3.76 from 211 votes
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