Strawberry Eclairs Recipe

Heavenly Strawberry Eclairs Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet strawberry eclairs dance between delicate pastry and luscious cream, promising a dessert that whispers summer’s gentle secrets.

Crisp choux pastry shells await your tender touch.

Fragrant berries promise vibrant bursts of freshness inside each delectable bite.

Soft whipped cream blends with ripe strawberries, creating a dreamy filling that melts effortlessly.

Delicate piped pastry demands precise technique but rewards with incredible elegance.

Light, airy, and subtly sophisticated, these eclairs will dazzle anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Let’s unlock the magic of this irresistible French-inspired treat.

What Makes Strawberry Eclairs So Dreamy and Irresistible

  • Craft Bakery-Style Dessert at Home: Transform your kitchen into a patisserie with this professional-grade strawberry eclair recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results without complex techniques.
  • Customize Your Sweet Creation: Personalize the eclairs by adjusting strawberry quantities, experimenting with chocolate drizzles, or adding different fruit garnishes to match your taste preferences.
  • Master Classic French Pastry Skills: Learn fundamental choux pastry techniques that can be applied to multiple dessert recipes, boosting your baking confidence and culinary repertoire.
  • Impressive Crowd-Pleaser for Any Gathering: Serve these stunning strawberry eclairs at brunches, afternoon teas, birthday parties, or as an elegant dessert that looks professionally made but is simple to prepare.

Your Ingredient List for Perfect Strawberry Eclairs

Base Pastry Ingredients:
  • Water: The liquid base that helps create steam and rise in the choux pastry.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender pastry texture.
  • Flour: The structure-building component for the choux pastry.
  • Eggs: Bind the pastry and help create a light, airy texture.
Cream Filling Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious base for the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor of the cream filling.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and fruity flavor to the cream.
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate: Provides a sweet drizzle and decorative element.
  • Strawberry Jam: Adds an extra layer of strawberry flavor and moisture.
  • Fresh Strawberry Slices: Provides a beautiful garnish and fresh fruit accent.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds a final touch of sweetness and elegant presentation.

How to Make Fluffy, Berry-Filled Strawberry Eclairs

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the perfect stage for your delightful pastry adventure.

Step 2: Create Choux Pastry Base

In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Heat the mixture until it reaches a rolling boil, creating a bubbling foundation for your eclairs.

Step 3: Transform Mixture into Dough

Remove from heat and swiftly stir in flour. Mix vigorously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the pan’s sides, creating a perfect pastry base.

Step 4: Cool and Stabilize Dough

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. This helps prevent scrambling the eggs in the next step.

Step 5: Build Pastry Structure

Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Continue until the mixture becomes glossy and has a pipeable consistency.

Step 6: Shape Eclair Shells

Spoon the choux pastry into a piping bag with a large round tip. Pipe 4-inch elongated strips onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each eclair.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the eclairs turn golden brown and become wonderfully puffed. Turn off the oven and leave the eclairs inside with the door slightly open for 10 minutes to set their structure.

Step 8: Cool Eclair Shells

Remove eclairs and cool completely on a wire rack, allowing them to develop a crisp exterior.

Step 9: Prepare Strawberry Cream Filling

Whip heavy cream with ingredients:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until stiff peaks form, creating a luxurious base for the filling.

Step 10: Enhance Cream Filling

Gently fold chopped strawberries into the whipped cream, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.

Step 11: Fill Eclair Shells

Carefully cut eclairs lengthwise and pipe the strawberry cream filling inside, ensuring each pastry is generously stuffed.

Step 12: Create Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the eclairs, adding a beautiful finishing touch.

Step 13: Add Final Flourishes

Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on top of each eclair for an extra burst of fruity flavor.

Step 14: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with delight.

Quick Tips to Nail Those Light and Luscious Eclairs

  • Prevent Deflation: Let choux pastry cool slightly before adding eggs to maintain structure and avoid soggy eclairs.
  • Pipe Perfectly: Use steady, consistent pressure when piping dough to create uniform eclair shapes with even thickness.
  • Cream Consistency: Whip heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to prevent over-beating and potential separation.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate filled eclairs for 30 minutes before serving to help stabilize the cream and enhance flavor melding.
  • Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries at peak season for the most vibrant and intense filling flavor.

Fun Twists to Try with Strawberry Eclairs

  • Chocolate Berry Blast: Replace white chocolate drizzle with dark chocolate ganache and add raspberries to the strawberry cream filling for a rich, intense flavor combination.
  • Tropical Strawberry Sunrise: Incorporate diced mango and passion fruit into the cream filling, then top with toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant, exotic eclair experience.
  • Lemon Strawberry Zinger: Mix lemon zest into the cream filling, use lemon glaze instead of white chocolate, and garnish with candied lemon peel for a tangy, refreshing twist.
  • Almond Strawberry Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the eclairs and add almond extract to the cream filling for a nutty, textured variation.

What to Serve with Strawberry Eclairs for a Sweet Finish

  • Pair with Crisp Prosecco: Bubbling Italian sparkling wine perfectly complements the sweet strawberry cream and cuts through the rich pastry with its light, refreshing acidity.
  • Serve alongside Lemon Sorbet: Clean, tangy citrus dessert provides a palate-cleansing contrast to the decadent eclair, enhancing the strawberry's bright flavor profile.
  • Match with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Delicate floral notes and bergamot undertones in the tea beautifully highlight the strawberry's natural sweetness while offering a sophisticated beverage pairing.
  • Enjoy with Champagne Rosé: Elegant pink sparkling wine echoes the strawberry's color and complements the dessert's delicate texture, creating a luxurious tasting experience.

Best Ways to Store Strawberry Eclairs Without Losing That Fluff

  • Store completed strawberry eclairs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them covered to prevent moisture loss and maintain their crisp texture.
  • Wrap plain choux pastry shells individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month before thawing at room temperature and filling.
  • Store whipped cream filling separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for maximum 24 hours. Avoid keeping filled eclairs for extended periods as the pastry can become soggy.
  • Consume fresh eclairs within 4-6 hours of preparation for optimal taste and texture. Place them on a covered plate at cool room temperature if serving within a short timeframe.

Common Questions About Strawberry Eclairs, Answered Simply

  • What is choux pastry?

A light, airy French pastry dough made by cooking flour and butter together, then adding eggs to create a smooth, glossy mixture that puffs up when baked.

  • Can I make the choux pastry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the choux pastry dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before piping and baking.

  • How do I know if my choux pastry is mixed correctly?

The dough should be smooth, glossy, and pull away from the pan’s sides. When you lift the mixer, it should form a smooth, pointed peak that slowly falls back.

  • Why is it important to add eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs gradually helps them incorporate smoothly into the dough, ensuring a consistent texture and preventing the mixture from becoming too wet or separating.

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Strawberry Eclairs Recipe

Strawberry Eclairs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delicate French “Strawberry Eclairs” blend classic pastry techniques with sweet summer charm. Crisp choux pastry filled with luscious strawberry cream offers an elegant dessert that elevates your baking skills with European sophistication.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries

Topping/Decoration:

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate
  • 2 tbsp strawberry jam
  • 1/4 cup fresh strawberries (for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter, heating until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
  3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in flour, mixing vigorously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the pan’s sides.
  4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the mixture becomes glossy and pipeable.
  6. Spoon the choux pastry into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
  7. Pipe 4-inch elongated strips onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each eclair.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed, then turn off the oven and leave the eclairs inside with the door slightly open for 10 minutes.
  9. Remove eclairs and cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  11. Fold chopped strawberries into the cream filling.
  12. Cut eclairs lengthwise and pipe the strawberry cream filling inside.
  13. Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the eclairs.
  14. Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on top of each eclair.
  15. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure water and butter are fully melted before adding flour for a smooth, lump-free choux pastry base.
  • Use room temperature eggs to prevent the dough from splitting and achieve a silky, glossy texture.
  • Pipe eclairs evenly with consistent pressure for uniform shape and even baking.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour for a lighter, alternative pastry.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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