1. Make the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour, stirring vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the dough is smooth and glossy.

2. Pipe and Bake

1. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
2. Pipe 4-inch logs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
3. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
4. Let the éclairs cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Make the Lemon Cream Filling

1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Gently fold in the lemon curd, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Fill the Éclairs

1. Use a small knife or piping tip to make a hole in the bottom of each éclair.
2. Fill a piping bag with the lemon cream and pipe it into each éclair.

5. Make the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Dip the top of each éclair into the glaze and let it set.

6. Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Open the Oven: Keep the oven door closed while baking to prevent the éclairs from collapsing.
• Use Fresh Lemon Curd: Homemade or high-quality store-bought curd works best.
• Pipe Evenly: Use a ruler or template to ensure all éclairs are the same size.
• Store Properly: Keep filled éclairs in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions

These éclairs are perfect for:

• Afternoon Tea: Pair with a cup of Earl Grey or herbal tea.
• Dessert Tables: Add to your spread for a fancy touch.
• Special Occasions: Serve at birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties.
• Weekend Treats: Because you deserve a little indulgence!

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Cream Éclairs are a zesty, creamy, and elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easier to make than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out in the comments below!