Name: Mocha Éclairs: Coffee-Infused Pastry Cream Delight Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup Water; ½ cup Unsalted butter; 1 cup All-purpose flour; 4 large Eggs; ¼ tsp Salt; 2 cups Whole milk; ½ cup Heavy cream; ½ cup Granulated sugar; 4 large Egg yolks; 2 tbsp All-purpose flour; 2 tbsp Instant espresso powder; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; Pinch Salt; 4 oz Dark chocolate; ½ cup Heavy cream; 1 tsp Instant espresso powder; 1 tbsp Unsalted butter; 1–2 tbsp Powdered sugar (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 38 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly unites the rich, bold allure of coffee with the delicate charm of classic French pastry, let me introduce you to the Mocha Éclairs: Coffee-Infused Pastry Cream Delight Recipe. These éclairs boast a light, airy choux pastry filled with a luscious coffee-infused pastry cream, all crowned with a glossy mocha glaze that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or treating yourself, this recipe brings an irresistible café vibe straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a large mound of white flour sits in the center on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture. To the left, a clear measuring cup with red markings is filled with water, and in front of it is a small white plate holding two blocks of yellow butter. In front of the flour bowl are four brown eggs placed close together. To the right of the eggs are two small, white ceramic bowls, one filled with white salt and the other with white sugar, both with slightly different shapes. In the background, a shiny metal saucepan with a wooden handle and a wooden spoon rest on the wooden countertop. Soft natural sunlight brightens the scene from a window behind, with blurred green potted plants adding a fresh touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the list—it’s actually a lovely collection of pantry staples and simple ingredients, each chosen to build the layers of flavor and texture that make mocha éclairs an absolute dream. From the buttery choux dough to the velvety coffee cream and smooth chocolate glaze, every component plays a role in the magic.

1 cup Water: The essential liquid base that helps create light, puffed shells.
½ cup Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the pastry dough.
1 cup All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and strength your éclairs need to hold their shape.
4 large Eggs: Bind everything together and give the pastry its signature puff.
¼ tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
2 cups Whole milk: Creates a creamy base for the luscious pastry cream filling.
½ cup Heavy cream: Adds extra smoothness and richness to the pastry cream.
½ cup Granulated sugar: Sweetens while keeping the coffee flavor front and center.
4 large Egg yolks: Give the pastry cream its thick, velvety texture.
2 tbsp All-purpose flour: Stabilizes the pastry cream for perfect slicing.
2 tbsp Instant espresso powder: Infuses an intense coffee flavor into the cream.
1 tsp Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the coffee.
Pinch Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the mocha flavors.
4 oz Dark chocolate: Bittersweet and glossy, it forms the decadent mocha glaze.
½ cup Heavy cream: Melts the chocolate into a silky, rich topping.
1 tsp Instant espresso powder: Gives the glaze an extra mocha punch.
1 tbsp Unsalted butter: Adds gloss and smoothness to the glaze.
1–2 tbsp Powdered sugar (optional): Adjust sweetness and thickness to your liking.

How to Make Mocha Éclairs: Coffee-Infused Pastry Cream Delight Recipe

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), then bring together water, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the mixture boils, remove from heat and stir in the flour all at once. The dough will clump into a smooth ball and pull away from the pan—this is exactly what you want. Let it cool briefly, then beat in eggs one at a time until your dough transforms into a shiny, smooth batter perfectly ready for piping.

Step 2: Bake the Éclair Shells

Transfer your choux pastry into a piping bag and pipe neat 3-inch logs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them well for puffing. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) to finish baking for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and puffed. Once done, cool them thoroughly on a wire rack so the shells stay crisp and ready to fill.

Step 3: Prepare the Coffee Pastry Cream

While the shells cool, it’s time to make that beautiful coffee cream. In a saucepan, gently heat the milk, cream, and half your sugar until just barely simmering. Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks, the remaining sugar, flour, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Temper the yolks by slowly whisking in the hot milk mixture, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook on medium heat, whisking constantly until the cream thickens and bubbles. Strain it for a silky finish, cover with plastic wrap so no skin forms, and chill until cold.

Step 4: Make the Mocha Glaze

For the crowning glory, place your chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream with the espresso powder until steaming and pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until beautifully smooth. Stir in the butter for shine and smoothness, adjusting with powdered sugar if you want a thicker or sweeter glaze. This glaze will seal the deal on your mocha-éclairs experience.

Step 5: Assemble the Éclairs

Fill a clean piping bag fitted with a small round tip with the chilled coffee pastry cream. Gently poke a hole at the bottom of each éclair shell and pipe the cream inside until full but not bursting. Then, dip the top of each éclair into the mocha glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them on a rack to let the glaze set perfectly. These beauties are now ready to dazzle any dessert table.

How to Serve Mocha Éclairs: Coffee-Infused Pastry Cream Delight Recipe

A wooden cutting board sits on a white marbled countertop near a window with green leaves outside, holding five small containers of ingredients. On the left, a clear glass bowl is filled with dark brown chocolate squares stacked unevenly. Next to it sits a clear glass cup with a dark liquid base and a thick lighter cream layer on top, showing a clear separation between the two. In front of the glass cup is a small white ramekin filled with a dark brown powder, and beside it, a tiny clear bowl holds a white powder. On the right side of the board, a white plate holds two thick rectangular blocks of pale yellow butter. A small silver spoon rests on the board to the right of the plate. The scene is softly lit by natural light coming from the window. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Mocha Éclairs: Coffee-Infused Pastry Cream Delight Recipe, consider a light dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts. These modest additions add texture and a hint of rustic charm without stealing the spotlight from the mocha layers inside.

Side Dishes

Pair these éclairs with a robust espresso, a delicate green tea, or even a fresh berry salad for a refreshing contrast. The bright acidity of berries balances the rich mocha flavors, and the espresso brings a harmonious echo of coffee notes to the whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly impressive presentation, arrange your éclairs on a tiered dessert stand or serve them alongside a small pot of warm coffee custard for dipping. You can also sprinkle edible gold flakes or a few coffee beans on the glaze to add a little whimsy and elegance that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any éclairs left (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay lovely for up to two days, but keep in mind the pastry shell might soften slightly as it absorbs moisture from the cream.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but tricky with éclairs because the choux pastry can lose its crispness and the cream may separate when thawed. If you must freeze, store unfilled shells separately in an airtight bag. Freeze the pastry cream and mocha glaze individually. Thaw completely before assembling for best results.

Reheating

Reheating filled éclairs is not recommended since the cream filling is best enjoyed cold and the pastry can become soggy. If you want a warm bite, try briefly warming the unfilled shells before filling them with chilled pastry cream and glazing them fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

While brewed coffee can add some flavor, instant espresso powder provides a more concentrated and consistent coffee taste, which is essential for that signature mocha richness in this recipe.

How do I prevent the pastry cream from curdling?

Tempering the egg yolks by slowly whisking in the hot milk mixture is key. This gradual heating helps avoid curdling by raising the yolk temperature evenly without scrambling.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Making mocha éclairs vegan requires substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers, which can be challenging because eggs are crucial for choux pastry and cream texture. There are vegan choux and pastry cream recipes, but expect adjustments in texture and flavor.

Can I make the mocha glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The mocha glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it over a warm water bath before dipping the éclairs to restore its smooth, dipping consistency.

How long can I store the assembled mocha éclairs?

Assembled éclairs are best enjoyed within two hours of glazing for optimal texture. They can last up to two days refrigerated, but the pastry shell may soften with time.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, making the Mocha Éclairs: Coffee-Infused Pastry Cream Delight Recipe is one of the most rewarding kitchen adventures that results in a dessert as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging in a little self-care moment, these éclairs deliver a perfect balance of lightness, coffee magic, and chocolate luxury. Give it a try—you might just find your new all-time favorite!