Best Miniature Chocolate Eclairs Recipe | Easy and Delicious Chocolate Eclairs
If you have a sweet tooth and a love for French pastries, then this Miniature Chocolate Eclairs recipe is for you. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion, combining the richness of chocolate pudding with the lightness of choux pastry, all topped with a decadent chocolate glaze. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these miniature eclairs will not disappoint.
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The Best Miniature Chocolate Eclairs Recipe
When it comes to making eclairs, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and delicious results. With a prep time of just 25 minutes, you’ll have these delightful pastries ready in no time. The combination of a creamy chocolate filling and a rich glaze makes these miniature eclairs a must-try dessert.
Notes on Ingredients
- Chocolate Pudding Mix: This recipe uses a non-instant chocolate pudding mix, which provides a creamy and rich filling. Be sure to chill the pudding before assembling the eclairs for the best texture.
- Butter: Essential for both the dough and the glaze, butter adds a rich flavor to the eclairs.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect choux pastry dough, which becomes light and airy when baked.
- Semisweet Chocolate: Used in the glaze, semisweet chocolate gives a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle flavor to the glaze, enhancing the overall taste.
How to Make Miniature Chocolate Eclairs
- Prepare the Pudding: Follow the package directions to prepare the chocolate pudding and chill it in the refrigerator for an hour.
- Make the Dough: In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball. After resting, beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Shape and Bake: Drop the dough into 12 mounds on a greased baking sheet, shaping each into a small rectangle. Bake at 400°F until golden, then reduce the oven temperature and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: Melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan, then stir in confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Assemble the Eclairs: Slice each eclair in half, fill with chilled pudding, replace the tops, and frost with the chocolate glaze. Chill until ready to serve.
How to Serve Miniature Chocolate Eclairs
These miniature chocolate eclairs are best served chilled, allowing the chocolate glaze to set perfectly. Arrange them on a dessert plate or serving platter for an elegant presentation. They’re a perfect treat for afternoon tea, parties, or as a special dessert after dinner.
How to Store Miniature Chocolate Eclairs
Store any leftover eclairs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’re making them ahead of time, store the unglazed eclairs separately from the filling and glaze, and assemble them just before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 261.25 kcal | 13% |
| Total Fat | 13.85 g | 20% |
| Carbs | 30.6 g | 12% |
| Sugars | 20.21 g | 22% |
| Protein | 4.94 g | 10% |
| Sodium | 209.66 mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 8.04 g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3.55 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.74 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 84.25 mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 66.98 mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 119.37 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.61 mg | 12% |
| Zinc | 0.5 mg | 5% |
| Phosphorus | 92.76 mg | 13% |
| Vitamin A | 123 mcg | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 0.11 mg | 10% |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.19 mg | 14% |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 0.69 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.06 mg | 4% |
| Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) | 37.75 mcg | 19% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.38 mcg | 15% |
| Vitamin D | 0.78 mcg | 16% |
| Magnesium | 13.24 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin E | 0.45 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin K | 1.13 mcg | 2% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Miniature Chocolate Eclairs
Can I use instant pudding mix for the filling?
Yes, you can use instant pudding mix, but the texture might be slightly different. Non-instant pudding provides a creamier consistency.
Can I freeze the eclairs?
Yes, you can freeze the baked, unfilled eclairs. Thaw them at room temperature and fill them before serving.
What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with other fillings like vanilla pudding, whipped cream, or even fruit preserves for a different flavor profile.
The Best Miniature Chocolate Eclairs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (3.5 ounce) package non-instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup water
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate chopped
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare pudding with milk according to package directions. Chill 1 hour in refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease baking sheets.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, water and salt over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Pour in flour all at once and stir vigorously until fully incorporated and mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes. Then beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
- Drop dough into twelve equal mounds on baking sheets. Spread each mound into a 4×1/2 inch rectangle.
- Bake in preheated oven 35 minutes, until golden. Remove from oven and make a one-inch slit in the side of each eclair. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Return eclairs to oven for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare icing while eclairs are cooling. Heat 2 tablespoons butter with chocolate in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and stir in confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla. Set aside.
- To assemble: Slice each eclair in half lengthwise. Spoon about 1 tablespoon chocolate pudding into the bottom half of each eclair. Replace tops and frost with chocolate icing. Chill until serving.
