Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, a vibrant lemon zest filling gleaming in the bowl, anticipation bubbled inside me like soda pop. The creation of Lemon Raspberry Eclairs had begun, and I knew I was about to embark on a delightful culinary journey. These airy French pastries not only impress any dessert lover, but they also offer you the freedom to customize with a variety of fillings, such as rich chocolate mousse or velvety vanilla custard. Perfect for special occasions or a lovely treat after dinner, this recipe combines zesty brightness with a refreshing raspberry glaze that makes each bite utterly irresistible. Plus, the prep is straightforward enough for even beginner bakers to enjoy! Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a French patisserie? Let’s dive into the world of these scrumptious eclairs together! Why Are Lemon Raspberry Eclairs Special? Irresistible Flavor Combination: The zesty lemon and tangy raspberry create a burst of refreshing flavor that’s hard to resist. Versatile Customization: Change the filling to vanilla custard or chocolate mousse for a delightful twist; the options are endless! Easy Baking Process: With just a few simple steps, anyone can master the art of making eclairs, just like in a classic French bakery. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These elegant pastries are perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or sweetening celebrations like weddings. Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the eclair shells in advance, allowing you to easily assemble them just before serving, making entertaining a breeze. If you want to explore more delightful desserts, check out my Peach Lemonade Bliss, which perfectly complements these eclairs! Lemon Raspberry Eclair Ingredients Get ready to whip up a batch of delightful Lemon Raspberry Eclairs that will take your dessert game to new heights! For the Choux Pastry • Choux Pastry Flour – This flour is special for creating the light and airy structure essential to the eclairs. • Eggs – Make sure to use room-temperature eggs for the best incorporation and fluffiness. • Butter – Unsalted butter helps achieve that rich flavor without adding extra salt. • Water – Essential for forming the pastry dough; it creates steam to help eclairs rise. For the Lemon Cream Filling • Heavy Cream – This is the star of the filling; the cream needs to be chilled for perfect whipping. • Lemon Zest & Juice – Freshly grated zest and juice bring that bright, zesty flavor to the filling. • Granulated Sugar – Adds just the right sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon. For the Raspberry Glaze • Fresh Raspberries – The key flavor for the glaze; can use thawed frozen raspberries if fresh aren’t available. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze and ensures a smooth consistency that’s easy to drizzle. With these delightful ingredients, your Lemon Raspberry Eclairs will shine on any dessert table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Raspberry Eclairs Step 1: Prepare Choux Pastry In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and ½ cup of unsalted butter to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in 1 cup of choux pastry flour until a smooth dough forms. Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes, then incorporate 4 room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously until the dough is shiny and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Step 2: Pipe Eclairs Transfer the choux pastry dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then pipe long strips of dough about 4 inches long, leaving space between each for expansion. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the eclairs are puffed up and golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking, as this may cause them to collapse. Step 3: Make Lemon Cream Filling While the eclairs are baking, prepare the lemon cream filling. In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the zest and juice of 1 large lemon along with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Mix until fully combined and creamy, achieving a smooth and zesty filling that will complement your Lemon Raspberry Eclairs beautifully. Step 4: Make Raspberry Glaze For the raspberry glaze, blend 1 cup of fresh or thawed raspberries with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. If desired, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, giving you a silky glaze. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar or blend in a touch of lemon juice for an extra zing that elevates the glaze’s flavor. Step 5: Assemble Eclairs Once the eclairs have cooled completely, slice each one in half lengthwise. Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to fill each eclair with the lemon cream filling, ensuring they are generously stuffed. Finally, drizzle or dip the tops into the raspberry glaze, allowing it to cascade down for an elegant finish that showcases the delightful essence of these Lemon Raspberry Eclairs. Lemon Raspberry Eclairs: Flavor Twists Get creative with your eclairs by exploring delectable variations and substitutions that will give your dessert a personal touch. Vanilla Custard: Swap the lemon cream for rich vanilla custard, adding a warm, comforting flavor to your eclairs. Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, fill with silky chocolate mousse for an indulgent twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Lime Cream: Replace the lemon filling with zesty lime cream for a tropical refreshment that will take your taste buds on a sunny holiday. Mixed Berries: Use a blend of berries for your glaze, such as blueberries or strawberries, to create a colorful, fruity finish. Each variation offers a unique flavor experience. Dairy-Free: Opt for coconut cream and substitute almond milk for a deliciously dairy-free lemon cream that retains its delightful richness. Nuts Addition: Fold in finely chopped pistachios or almonds into the lemon cream for added flavor and a pleasing crunch to your eclairs. Spicy Kick: Add a hint of cayenne pepper to your raspberry glaze for an unexpected spicy twist that beautifully contrasts the sweetness. Lemon Raspberry Pairing: Serve alongside a refreshing glass of Peach Lemonade Bliss for a delightful summer treat that perfectly complements your fancy pastries. Embrace the joy of customization and make these eclairs uniquely yours! Make Ahead Options These Lemon Raspberry Eclairs are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the choux pastry shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. The lemon cream filling can be whipped and refrigerated up to 3 days ahead for optimal freshness. Just ensure the filling is tightly covered to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful pastries, assemble them by filling the cooled eclair shells and drizzling them with the raspberry glaze just before serving, ensuring they remain light and airy for your guests! How to Store and Freeze Lemon Raspberry Eclairs Room Temperature: Store eclair shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispy texture. Fridge: Keep lemon cream filling refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Rewhip lightly before using if needed. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze eclair shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Assembling: For the best flavor and texture, assemble the eclairs just before serving; fill them with the lemon cream and glaze to enjoy them fresh! What to Serve with Lemon Raspberry Eclairs? Imagine the delightful pairing of flavors as you build a complete meal around these exquisite eclairs. Rich Chocolate Mousse: A smooth and decadent mousse adds a luxurious, rich contrast to the zesty brightness of the eclairs, making dessert feel extra indulgent. Fresh Berry Salad: A light salad bursting with seasonal berries complements the flavors of the eclairs while adding a refreshing, vibrant touch to your meal. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a classic, sweet accompaniment that balances the tartness of the lemon and raspberry, offering a delightful creamy texture. Sparkling Water with Mint: A cool, refreshing drink enhances the lightness of the eclairs. Mint-infused sparkling water cleanses the palate beautifully between bites. Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing, frosty element, serve lemon sorbet. Its tart sweetness mirrors the eclairs’ flavors while providing a cool contrast. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate create an elegant, indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with the zesty notes of the eclairs. Pistachio Cream: This nutty, creamy option adds depth and unique flavor that contrasts with the eclairs, introducing new textural elements as you savor each bite. Moscato Wine: A light, bubbly Moscato provides a sweet and slightly fruity complement to the eclairs, enhancing their lemony notes and adding a celebratory feel to dessert. Expert Tips for Lemon Raspberry Eclairs • Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure eggs are at room temperature before using; this helps them incorporate better into the choux pastry for a fluffier result. • Seal the Oven: Resist the urge to open the oven door while baking; even a brief moment can cause your eclairs to deflate. • Smooth Filling: For a silky lemon cream filling, fold the ingredients gently to maintain the whipped cream’s airy texture. • Raspberry Glaze Adjustment: Taste your raspberry glaze before serving; you can tweak the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar or a dash of lemon juice for balance. • Storage Solution: Store eclair shells in an airtight container at room temperature and fill just before serving to keep them crisp and delectable. Lemon Raspberry Eclairs Recipe FAQs What type of lemons should I use for the filling? It’s best to use fresh, organic lemons for the brightest flavor and zest. Look for lemons that are firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Avoid those with dark spots or wrinkles, as they may be past their prime. How should I store leftover eclairs? Keep the eclair shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the lemon cream filling, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Remember to fill the eclairs just before serving to ensure they stay crisp. Can I freeze lemon raspberry eclairs? Absolutely! To freeze the eclair shells, bake and cool them completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. For the filling, it’s not recommended to freeze, but you can whip it again after refrigerating. What should I do if my choux pastry doesn’t puff up? If your choux pastry doesn’t rise, it might be due to a few common issues. Ensure you brought the water and butter mixture to a proper rolling boil before adding the flour. Also, thoroughly incorporate the ingredients before adding the eggs. Lastly, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as the sudden temperature change can cause them to collapse. Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of? Yes! This recipe contains eggs, dairy (heavy cream and butter), and gluten (in the flour). If you’re making these for someone with allergies, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative or use gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary. How can I customize the flavor of my eclairs? You can easily switch up the filling or glaze for a personal touch. Instead of lemon cream, try filling with vanilla custard or chocolate mousse. For the glaze, consider using other berries or even citrus juices to create a unique syrupy topping that complements the eclair’s base. Lemon Raspberry Eclairs That Elevate Your Dessert Game Delightful Lemon Raspberry eclairs bring irresistible flavor and versatile customization to your dessert table. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs Servings: 12 eclairsCourse: DessertsCuisine: FrenchCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Choux Pastry1 cup water Essential for forming the pastry dough; it creates steam to help eclairs rise.½ cup unsalted butter Helps achieve that rich flavor without adding extra salt.1 cup choux pastry flour Special flour for creating the light and airy structure essential to the eclairs.4 large eggs Use room-temperature eggs for the best incorporation and fluffiness.For the Lemon Cream Filling1 cup heavy cream Needs to be chilled for perfect whipping.1 large lemon zest & juice Freshly grated zest and juice bring bright, zesty flavor.¼ cup granulated sugar Adds just the right sweetness.For the Raspberry Glaze1 cup fresh raspberries Key flavor for the glaze; can use thawed frozen raspberries if fresh aren’t available.1 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the glaze and ensures a smooth consistency. Equipment Medium saucepanPiping Baglarge mixing bowlBaking sheetParchment paperfine-mesh sieve Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Raspberry EclairsIn a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and ½ cup of unsalted butter to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in 1 cup of choux pastry flour until a smooth dough forms. Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes, then incorporate 4 room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously until the dough is shiny and pulls away from the sides of the pan.Transfer the choux pastry dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then pipe long strips of dough about 4 inches long. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the eclairs are puffed up and golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking.In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the zest and juice of 1 large lemon along with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Mix until fully combined and creamy.For the raspberry glaze, blend 1 cup of fresh or thawed raspberries with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar or blend in a touch of lemon juice.Once the eclairs have cooled completely, slice each one in half lengthwise. Fill each eclair with the lemon cream filling, then drizzle or dip the tops into the raspberry glaze. Nutrition Serving: 1eclairCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore eclair shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to keep them crisp. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
