Eclair Ring Recipe: A Delightful Treat Perfect for Any Occasion
This Eclair Ring recipe, generously shared by my sister Karen, is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. With its simple yet irresistible flavor, it’s no wonder people rave about it and beg for the recipe. This delicious dessert is easy to make and brings a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Ingredients
- Water: 1 cup
- Butter: 1 cup (unsalted)
- Flour: 1/2 cup (all-purpose)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: 1/2 box
- Fudge Topping: 1 jar (for frosting)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Prepare a pizza pan or cookie sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. -
Make the Pastry Dough
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of butter to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a sticky ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes. -
Incorporate Eggs into the Dough
Remove the saucepan from heat. Using an electric mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough will appear slightly lumpy at first but will smooth out as you mix. This process creates your choux pastry. -
Shape and Bake the Ring
Spoon the dough onto the prepared pizza pan or cookie sheet, forming a ring shape, similar to an “O”. The ring should be about 8-10 inches in diameter. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the ring is a deep golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause the pastry to collapse. -
Cool the Pastry
Once baked, remove the ring from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. The pastry will be hollow inside and crispy on the outside. -
Prepare the Filling
While the pastry is cooling, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in 1/2 box of instant vanilla pudding mix until the mixture is somewhat stiff. This creates a rich and creamy filling. -
Assemble the Eclair Ring
Once the pastry is cool, carefully split the ring in half horizontally. Spoon the prepared cream filling into the bottom half of the ring, spreading it evenly. Place the top half of the ring back in place. -
Add the Fudge Topping
To frost the ring, microwave the fudge topping for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until it reaches a soft, pourable consistency. Drizzle or spread the softened fudge over the top of the eclair ring. -
Refrigerate and Serve
Chill the eclair ring in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the filling set and the flavors to meld together. Slice and serve chilled for the best texture and taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 292.9
- Fat Content: 24.1 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 14.6 g
- Cholesterol Content: 145.2 mg
- Sodium Content: 153 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 15.5 g
- Fiber Content: 0.3 g
- Sugar Content: 6.5 g
- Protein Content: 4.1 g
This Eclair Ring recipe makes approximately 12 servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Its light, airy pastry and creamy filling are sure to delight anyone who tries it. Enjoy this elegant dessert and revel in the compliments you’ll receive!
