Valentines Day Strawberry Éclairs

Celebrate the season of love with these elegant Valentines Day Strawberry Éclairs. These classic French pastries offer a perfect harmony of light, airy choux shells and a decadent filling of fresh strawberry cream. Each éclair is finished with a glossy pink glaze that captures the essence of a romantic treat, making them an ideal choice for a special celebration or a heartfelt homemade gift.

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Mastering the art of the éclair is a rewarding journey into French patisserie. By combining high-quality ingredients with precise baking techniques, you can create a dessert that looks like it came straight from a boutique bakery. Whether shared with a partner or served at a festive gathering, these strawberry-infused delights are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

• For the Choux Pastry: 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (cubed), 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, and 4 large eggs.
• For the Strawberry Cream Filling: 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy cream, 1/2 cup (125 g) cold mascarpone cheese, 1/3 cup (45 g) powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries (hulled and finely diced).
• For the Strawberry Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) strawberry purée, and 1–2 drops pink or red food coloring (optional).

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Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Prepare the choux pastry: In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides (about 2 minutes).

Step 4

Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 3–4 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the dough is glossy and pipeable.

Step 5

Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 10 strips, each about 4 inches long, onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6

Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then reduce oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until golden and puffed. Cool completely.

Step 7

Prepare the strawberry cream: In a large bowl, whip cream, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks. Gently fold in diced strawberries.

Step 8

Slice each éclair in half lengthwise. Pipe or spoon strawberry cream onto the bottom halves. Replace the tops.

Step 9

Prepare the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with strawberry purée and food coloring (if using) until smooth and spreadable.

Step 10

Spread glaze on top of each éclair. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure the pastry shells are entirely cool before adding the cream; otherwise, the filling may lose its consistency. Additionally, ensure the glaze is whisked until perfectly smooth and spreadable to achieve that professional, glossy finish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer an even more intense fruit profile, consider adding a drop of strawberry extract to the cream filling. For those who want a deeper color, adjust the amount of food coloring in the glaze to match your specific Valentine's Day theme.

Serviervorschläge

Éclairs are at their peak when served fresh on the day of preparation. To elevate the experience, pair these treats with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or champagne. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours if needed.

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Whether you are a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, these strawberry éclairs offer a delightful way to express affection through the culinary arts. Enjoy the process of creating these delicate pastries and the joy of sharing them with someone special.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the key to making light choux pastry?

Boiling the water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt before adding flour ensures proper steam formation, resulting in puffed, airy pastry shells.

→ How do I prevent éclairs from collapsing after baking?

Baking twice—first at high temperature to create steam, then lower to dry—helps set the structure and avoid collapse. Cool completely before filling.

→ Can I use fresh strawberries in the filling?

Yes, finely diced fresh strawberries folded into the whipped cream and mascarpone filling add natural sweetness and texture.

→ What is the purpose of the pink glaze on top?

The glaze enhances both sweetness and visual appeal, complementing the strawberry notes and giving éclairs a polished finish.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate assembled éclairs in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness.