Ingredients
Method
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until it begins to gently simmer. Meanwhile whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until smooth, then blend in the cornstarch until no lumps remain.
- Slowly stream the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard becomes thick and silky without allowing it to boil.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until completely melted and smooth.
- Transfer the pastry cream to a shallow bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and heat until the butter melts and the mixture gently simmers.
- Stir the sifted flour and cocoa into the hot liquid all at once until a smooth dough forms.
- Return the dough to the heat and cook while stirring for about 2 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool until just warm before adding the eggs.
- Gradually mix the beaten eggs into the dough a little at a time until the batter becomes glossy and falls from the spatula in a soft V shape.
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Pipe 8 cm logs onto the prepared tray, leaving space between each one for expansion.
- Bake for 25 minutes until puffed and crisp. Turn the oven off, leave the door slightly open, and allow the shells to dry inside for 15 minutes before cooling completely on a rack.
- Stir the chilled pastry cream until smooth, transfer it to a piping bag, make small holes underneath each shell, and fill each éclair generously.
- Melt the chocolate and stir in the oil until smooth and glossy.
- Dip the top of every filled éclair into the warm glaze, allow the excess to drip away, then place on a tray until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Every bite combines crisp cocoa pastry, rich chocolate cream, and a silky glaze for an elegant homemade dessert. These little éclairs are perfect for celebrations, tea parties, or whenever you're craving a classic French-style treat.