Irresistible Eclair Cake with Creamy Vanilla Filling

Eclair Cake Recipe

Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that combines the crispiness of pastry with the creamy delight of custard? This Eclair Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s sure to impress everyone who tries it. With a blend of buttery pastry and a rich vanilla custard filling, this cake will make your taste buds dance with joy. Let’s dive into how you can create this scrumptious Eclair Cake in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2 packages (3.4 oz each) vanilla instant pudding mix
• 2 packages (3.4 oz each) custard mix
• 2 cups milk (divided)
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Cake Preparation:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown finish.

2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, ½ cup of butter, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat.

3. Incorporate the Flour:
   Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the boiling mixture all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth, cohesive ball.

4. Add the Eggs:
   Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This will help to blend the eggs into the dough and create a light, airy texture.

5. Shape the Dough:
   Lightly grease a cookie sheet with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. Spoon the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, shaping it into an oval or your preferred form. Smooth the top and sides with the back of the spoon to even out the surface.

6. Bake the Cake:
   Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the dough is puffed up and golden brown. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cake inside with the door closed for an additional 15 minutes. This helps to prevent the cake from collapsing.

7. Cool the Cake:
   Carefully remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the cake in half lengthwise to prepare for the filling.

Filling Preparation:

8. Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
   In a large bowl, prepare the vanilla pudding mix according to the package instructions, using 1 cup of milk. This will give you a smooth, creamy pudding base.

9. Whip the Cream:
   In a separate bowl, whip ½ cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will add a luscious, airy texture to your filling.

10. Combine the Mixtures:
    Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding mixture. This creates a light and creamy filling that will be the highlight of your Eclair Cake.

11. Assemble the Cake:
    Spoon the creamy filling onto the bottom half of the cooled cake, spreading it out evenly. Carefully place the top half of the cake back on top of the filling.

Frosting and Serving:

12. Frost the Cake:
    For a final touch, frost the top of the cake with your choice of frosting. You can use a homemade chocolate glaze or a store-bought option, depending on your preference. For a lighter alternative, you can substitute Cool Whip for the heavy cream in the filling, though it will be less rich and slightly lighter in calories.

13. Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice your Eclair Cake into generous pieces and serve. This dessert is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 642
• Fat Content: 37.6 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 19.6 g
• Cholesterol Content: 186.1 mg
• Sodium Content: 705.6 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 70.9 g
• Fiber Content: 0.9 g
• Sugar Content: 52.1 g
• Protein Content: 8.2 g

This delightful Eclair Cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. With its blend of crispy pastry and creamy filling, it’s a treat that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this classic dessert with your loved ones, and watch as it quickly becomes a staple at your gatherings!

Happy Baking from Love With Recipes! 🎂💖