Éclairs are three simple things done right: choux that puffs hollow, a smooth pastry cream, and a glossy glaze. The make-or-break is drying the paste on the heat before you add eggs, so the shells inflate instead of collapsing.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep40 min
Cook35 min
Makes12 eclairs
CuisineFrench
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for12eclairs
Flour
Bread or all-purpose builds the gluten that lets choux hold its puffed shape.
Cook the pasteBoil water, butter and a pinch of salt, dump in the flour, and stir hard over medium heat 2-3 min until it forms a ball and films the pan bottom.
Beat in eggsCool 5 min, then beat in eggs one at a time until the paste is glossy and falls in a slow ribbon.
Pipe and bakePipe 5-inch logs, bake at 425F for 15 min, then drop to 350F for 20 min more until deep golden and hollow; don't open the oven early or they deflate.
Make the creamWhisk milk, sugar, yolks and cornstarch over heat until it boils and thickens, then chill.
Fill and glazePipe cream into the shell ends, then dip the tops in warm melted chocolate and let set 10 min.
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Éclairs? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Éclairs ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Éclairs gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Éclairs vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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