Elevate your afternoon high tea with our Mini Eclairs, delicate French pastries filled with creamy custard and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. At Delights Bakery, we’re passionate about creating tea party treats that bring sophistication and joy to any gathering. These bite-sized French desserts are perfect for elegant occasions, offering a balance of rich flavor and refined presentation. Whether hosting a formal high tea or a casual brunch, this elegant pastry recipe will impress your guests. Let’s dive into this party dessert and make your next event unforgettable!

Why Mini Eclairs Are Perfect for High Tea?

These petite pastries are ideal for elegant gatherings:

• Bite-Sized Elegance: Their small size makes them easy to enjoy without utensils.
• Rich yet Light: Creamy filling and light choux pastry pair perfectly with tea.
• Stunning Presentation: Glossy chocolate glaze adds a sophisticated touch.
• Versatile Flavors: Customizable fillings and toppings suit any tea party theme.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare components in advance for stress-free hosting.

Benefits of Mini Eclairs

This recipe offers practical and flavorful advantages:

• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like flour, eggs, and butter for the choux pastry.
• Customizable: Adapt fillings and glazes to match your event’s theme or flavors.
• Impressive Yet Approachable: Looks professional but is achievable for home bakers.
• Perfect Portion Control: Mini size ensures guests can enjoy multiple treats without overindulging.
• Versatile Pairing: Complements a variety of teas, from Earl Grey to jasmine.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour (for filling)

Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Servings: 24 mini eclairs

Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1 tsp corn syrup (for shine, optional)
• Optional: Edible gold dust or sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

1. Make Custard Filling: In a saucepan, heat milk until steaming but not boiling. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, and cool. Cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface) and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Prepare Choux Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Remove from heat, add flour, and stir vigorously until a dough forms. Return to low heat, stirring for 1-2 minutes to dry out. Transfer to a bowl, cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time, beating until smooth.
3. Pipe Eclairs: Transfer dough to a piping bag with a 1/2-inch round tip. Pipe 2-inch long strips, 1 inch apart, on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking. Cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Fill Eclairs: Transfer chilled custard to a piping bag with a small round tip. Make a small hole in the side of each eclair and pipe in custard until filled.
6. Make Chocolate Glaze: Melt chocolate chips with cream and corn syrup (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip the top of each eclair in the glaze, letting excess drip off. Sprinkle with optional garnishes.
7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate eclairs for 10 minutes to set the glaze. Serve on a decorative platter.

Nutrition: ~90 calories per mini eclair, moderate in sugar and fat.

Storage Tip: Store filled eclairs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.

Customization Ideas

Make these high tea desserts your own:

• Flavored Custard: Add coffee, orange zest, or rosewater to the custard for unique flavors.
• White Chocolate Glaze: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter finish.
• Fruit Accent: Top with freeze-dried raspberries or edible flowers for a colorful touch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and coconut cream for a vegan version.
• Nutty Garnish: Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or almonds for added crunch.

Tips for Perfect Mini Eclairs

Elevate your French desserts with these tips:

• Consistent Piping: Pipe uniform strips for evenly baked eclairs.
• Avoid Opening Oven: Opening the door during baking can cause eclairs to collapse.
• Chill Custard Thoroughly: Ensure custard is cold before piping to maintain texture.
• Glossy Glaze: Add corn syrup to the chocolate glaze for a professional shine.
• Serve Fresh: Eclairs are best enjoyed within hours of filling to avoid soggy pastry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underbaking Pastry: Bake until golden to ensure a crisp shell.
• Overcooking Custard: Stir constantly and remove from heat once thickened to avoid curdling.
• Using Warm Pastry: Cool eclairs completely before filling to prevent runny custard.
• Thick Glaze: Ensure glaze is thin enough to dip easily but thick enough to coat.
• Overfilling: Pipe just enough custard to fill without bursting the pastry.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your party desserts with these ideas:

• Tea Pairing: Serve with Darjeeling or jasmine tea for a complementary flavor.
• Dessert Platter: Pair with scones and macarons for a classic high tea spread.
• Bridal Shower Treat: Decorate with edible pearls for a romantic touch.
• Gift Idea: Package in a decorative box for a charming hostess gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Eclairs Ahead of Time?

Yes, bake shells and make custard a day ahead; fill and glaze just before serving.

Can I Use Other Fillings?

Yes, try whipped cream, fruit curd, or chocolate mousse for variety.

How Do I Store Eclairs?

Refrigerate filled eclairs for up to 2 days; unfilled shells can be frozen for 1 month.

Can I Make These Dairy-Free?

Use plant-based milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

Our Mini Eclairs are a delicate and elegant addition to any high tea desserts, bringing French sophistication to your gatherings. At Delights Bakery, we love sharing party desserts that make occasions special. Try this recipe, share your eclair creations in the comments below, and let us know your favorite tea party treats for a chance to feature them!