If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts and classic pastries, you’re in for a treat with this recipe for chocolate eclair donuts. These delightful treats combine the best aspects of eclairs and donuts, creating a dessert that is both unique and irresistible. Imagine soft, fluffy donuts filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in a sweet treat, these chocolate eclair donuts are sure to impress.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make these delicious donuts from scratch, covering everything from making the dough to preparing the custard and the chocolate glaze. This is a fun and rewarding project for bakers of all levels, and the result is a batch of donuts that look and taste like they came from a gourmet bakery.
Ingredients for Chocolate Eclair Donuts
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
How to Make Chocolate Eclair Donuts
- Prepare the Donut Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well mixed.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
- Make the Custard Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add the egg yolks and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Transfer the custard to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled and set.
- Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips and corn syrup. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the glaze is smooth.
- Allow the glaze to cool slightly before using.
- Assemble the Donuts:
- Once the donuts are completely cooled, use a knife or a small round cutter to create a small hole in the center of each donut.
- Transfer the chilled custard to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe the custard into the center of each donut until it is filled.
- Dip the top of each filled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off.
- Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.
About the Main Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the donut dough, providing structure and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and custard.
- Cocoa Powder: Gives the donuts their rich chocolate flavor.
- Milk and Sour Cream: Contribute to the moistness and tenderness of the donuts.
- Butter and Eggs: Add richness and help bind the dough together.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Used for the glaze, offering a sweet and creamy chocolate flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Combined with chocolate to create a smooth and glossy glaze.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of both the custard and the donuts.
This chocolate eclair donut recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your baking skills and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. Enjoy these delectable donuts with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a delightful dessert after a meal. Happy baking!
