How to Make Perfect Strawberry Eclairs at Home

Strawberry eclairs are a delightful twist on the classic French pastry. They combine the rich, buttery flavor of eclair dough with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and creamy filling.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these eclairs are surprisingly easy uuto bake at home and will impress anyone who takes a bite. In this post, we’ll guide you through every step of making these decadent strawberry eclairs, from making the dough to preparing the whipped cream filling. For the filling, you’ll need heavy cream and a touch of vanilla for that perfect creamy texture. So, get ready to indulge in this irresistible treat from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors: The light, airy pastry combined with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and the creamy filling creates an irresistible treat.
• Impress your guests: These eclairs are perfect for any occasion—tea parties, celebrations, or simply a sweet indulgence for yourself.
• Versatile recipe: You can customize the filling and toppings to suit your preferences, making this a truly adaptable dessert.

Now that you know why strawberry eclairs are a must-try, let’s dive into the recipe!

Recipe Overview

This strawberry eclair recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The flaky, golden pastry filled with sweet strawberry cream and topped with a fresh strawberry glaze makes for a treat everyone will love.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12 eclairs
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Dietary Information: Contains dairy and gluten. You can make it gluten-free or dairy-free with suitable substitutions.

Ingredients

• For the Eclair Pastry:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
• For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) fresh strawberries, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Strawberry Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) fresh strawberries, pureed
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

Equipment

• Piping bags
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixer (stand or hand-held)
• Small bowl for glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Eclair Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Add the flour: Once the butter mixture is simmering, quickly stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. This should take about 2 minutes.
4. Cool the dough: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dough to cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will seem a bit sticky at first, but it will come together. Continue until the dough is smooth and glossy.
6. Pipe the eclairs: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the dough into long lines (about 3-4 inches long) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake the eclairs for 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes to prevent the eclairs from collapsing.
8. Cool the eclairs: Let the eclairs cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Filling

1. Whip the cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
2. Add the strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries to the whipped cream. This will add a burst of freshness and flavor to the filling.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze

1. Puree the strawberries: Blend the fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the strawberry puree with powdered sugar. Stir until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more sugar if necessary to reach a thick glaze-like texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Eclairs

1. Fill the eclairs: Once the eclairs have cooled, use a small sharp knife to make a slit on the side of each eclair. Using a piping bag, fill each eclair with the strawberry cream filling.
2. Glaze the eclairs: Dip the top of each filled eclair into the strawberry glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the glazed eclairs on a wire rack to set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve the strawberry eclairs fresh, and enjoy the perfect blend of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet strawberry glaze. These eclairs are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Pro Tips for Making Perfect Strawberry Eclairs

• Don’t open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent the eclairs from deflating.
• Use room temperature eggs for the best texture when adding them to the dough.
• Make the glaze thicker if you want a glossy finish by adding more powdered sugar or reducing the strawberry puree.
• Freshness is key: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the filling and glaze.

Variations You Can Try

1. Chocolate-covered eclairs: Instead of the strawberry glaze, dip the eclairs in melted chocolate for a rich chocolate twist. You can also add a hint of vanilla to the chocolate for extra flavor.
2. Vegan strawberry eclairs: Substitute dairy products with vegan alternatives, such as coconut cream and dairy-free butter, to make this a plant-based treat. You could also use whipped cream made from coconut milk for a creamy filling.
3. Citrus twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the strawberry filling for a refreshing citrusy flavor. If you want an extra layer of flavor, a splash of vanilla can enhance the citrusy notes.
4. Gluten-free eclairs: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the pastry gluten-free. For the filling, you can make a creamy base with heavy cream or whipped cream for that perfect texture.

Conclusion

Making strawberry eclairs at home is a rewarding experience that lets you enjoy the beauty of French pastry combined with the sweetness of strawberries. With the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create these delicate, flavorful treats in no time. So, whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a sweet homemade dessert, strawberry eclairs are a must-try.