Lemon Raspberry Éclairs are a bright, elegant twist on a classic French pastry. They’re made with light, airy choux pastry filled with zesty lemon cream and tart raspberry jam, then topped with a glossy lemon glaze or white chocolate drizzle. I love how they combine rich and refreshing flavors in one beautiful bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it turns a fancy dessert into something I can make at home. The lemon and raspberry pairing is one of my favorites—sweet, tangy, and vibrant. These éclairs are impressive enough for a special occasion but fun enough to enjoy just because. And once I’ve mastered the choux pastry, the rest comes together easily.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the choux pastry:
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Water
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Unsalted butter
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All-purpose flour
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Salt
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Eggs
For the filling:
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Lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
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Heavy cream (to make lemon mousse)
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Raspberry jam or fresh raspberries
For the glaze or topping:
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Powdered sugar
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Lemon juice
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Optional: white chocolate for drizzling
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Fresh raspberries and lemon zest (for garnish)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a saucepan, I bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. I stir in the flour all at once and cook until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
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I transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool slightly before beating in the eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
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I pipe the dough into 4–5-inch strips on the prepared sheet.
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I bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed, then let them cool completely.
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For the filling, I fold whipped cream into the lemon curd to make a light lemon mousse. I fill each éclair with a layer of raspberry jam and lemon mousse using a piping bag.
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For the glaze, I mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and spread it over the top. Sometimes I drizzle melted white chocolate instead.
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I garnish with fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 10–12 éclairs.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cool/Assemble Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
I’ve swapped the lemon curd for passionfruit or lime curd for different citrus vibes. Sometimes I use mascarpone or vanilla pastry cream instead of lemon mousse. For a berry-heavy version, I mix raspberry puree directly into the filling. I’ve also made mini éclairs for parties—they’re just as stunning in smaller bites.
Storage/Reheating
I store éclairs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re best fresh, but they’ll hold up well if kept in an airtight container. I don’t recommend freezing them once filled, as the texture changes. I don’t reheat them either—these are meant to be served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make the choux pastry ahead of time?
Yes, I often bake the shells a day ahead and store them unfilled in an airtight container. I fill and glaze them just before serving.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
I’ve used a zip-top bag with the corner cut off—it works in a pinch for both piping the dough and the filling.
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Absolutely. I do it all the time when I want to save time. Just make sure it’s a good quality one with real lemon flavor.
How do I keep the éclairs from going soggy?
I let the choux shells cool completely and only fill them just before serving. If I’m storing them, I keep them uncovered in the fridge to help maintain texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the choux pastry. The results are slightly different in texture but still delicious.
Conclusion
Lemon Raspberry Éclairs are a fresh, fruity twist on a timeless dessert. I love how they feel fancy but come together with just a few steps. The bright citrus filling and juicy raspberry layer make every bite pop, while the crisp pastry keeps it light and elegant. Whether I’m baking for guests or treating myself, these éclairs always feel like something special.
Print
Lemon Raspberry Éclairs
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 éclairs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French‑Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Raspberry Éclairs are airy choux pastry filled with zesty lemon cream and tart raspberry jam, finished with a lemon glaze or white chocolate drizzle and fresh fruit. Elegant yet fun to make at home.
Ingredients
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- For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all‑purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
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- For the filling:
- 1 cup lemon curd (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for lemon mousse)
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam or 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
- For the glaze or topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Optional: 2–3 ounces white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
- Fresh raspberries and lemon zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring until the dough pulls away from the pan and forms a ball.
- Transfer dough to a bowl and let cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe 4–5‑inch strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the lemon mousse, whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold into lemon curd until smooth.
- Fill cooled éclairs by piping in a layer of raspberry jam (or fresh raspberries) and the lemon mousse.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Spread or drizzle over the filled éclairs.
- Optional: drizzle melted white chocolate on top and garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Notes
- You can bake choux shells ahead and fill them before serving.
- A zip‑top bag with a corner cut off works as a piping bag in a pinch.
- Use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend to make the choux gluten‑free.
- For a berry‑intense version, stir raspberry puree into the lemon filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 éclair
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
