By Classic Chocolate Eclairs is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Classic Chocolate Eclairs captures the essence of desserts|cookies & biscuits while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Classic Chocolate Eclairs becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
Choux Pastry:
1 cup water
½ cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
Filling:
2 ½ cups cold milk
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing:
2 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons hot water
How To Make Classic Chocolate Eclairs
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet; set aside.
Make choux pastry: Combine water and butter in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, stirring until butter melts completely. Reduce heat to low; add flour and salt. Stir vigorously until mixture leaves the sides of the pan and begins to form a stiff ball. Remove from heat.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until incorporated. Using a spoon or pastry bag fitted with a No. 10 or larger tip, spoon or pipe dough onto the prepared cookie sheet in 1 1/2×4-inch strips.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and continue baking until the bottoms sound hollow when lightly tapped, about 20 more minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Make filling: Combine milk and pudding mix in a medium bowl according to package directions. Beat heavy cream with an electric mixer in a separate medium bowl until soft peaks form. Beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Fold whipped cream into pudding.
Cut tops off of cooled pastry shells with a sharp knife. Fill shells with pudding mixture and replace tops.
Make icing: Melt chocolate and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Stir in hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until icing is smooth and has reached desired consistency. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Drizzle chocolate icing over filled eclairs. Store in the refrigerator until serving.
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet; set aside.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until incorporated
Using a spoon or pastry bag fitted with a No
10 or larger tip, spoon or pipe dough onto the prepared cookie sheet in 1 1/2×4-inch strips.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes
Reduce heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and continue baking until the bottoms sound hollow when lightly tapped, about 20 more minutes
Cool completely on a wire rack.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
