Ingredients
*ECLAIR SHELLS:*
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water, for egg wash (optional)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
*CHEESECAKE FILLING:*
– 1 cup cold heavy cream
– 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*STRAWBERRY FILLING:*
– 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
– 1/3 cup water
– 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries, fresh or frozen
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
*Garnish:*
– 8 strawberries, halved
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line sheet pans with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, bring butter, sugar, salt, and water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in flour until smooth. Transfer to an electric mixer and mix on low until slightly cooled.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating until smooth and glossy. Pipe dough onto prepared pans into 4-inch strips. Smooth out peaks with a moistened finger. Brush tops with egg wash if using.
4. Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown. Turn off the oven; let shells stand in the closed oven for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
5. For the Strawberry Filling, dissolve gelatin in cold water. Heat over low heat until dissolved. Stir in strawberries, sugar, and orange zest. Simmer until berries are softened. Cool and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. For the Cheesecake Filling, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the two mixtures.
7. Cut off the top third of each eclair shell. Pipe cheesecake filling into the bottom, spoon strawberry filling on top, and replace the top of the shell.
8. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, pipe remaining filling on top, and garnish with strawberry halves. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Best served within a few hours of assembling.
As you savor these Strawberry Cheesecake Eclairs, you’ll find that they are not just a dessert but a work of culinary art. The combination of classic cheesecake with the fresh and fruity notes of strawberries, encased in the elegant eclair shell, results in a dessert that is as visually stunning as it is delectable. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these eclairs promise to be a sweet revelation that showcases the magic that happens when complementary flavors and textures come together in perfect harmony. Get ready to embark on a dessert journey that transcends the ordinary and leaves a lasting impression on your palate.