Koeksister Custard Eclairs


This recipe combines the twisted, syrup-soaked charm of koeksister (a South African fried pastry) with the elegance of custard-filled French éclairs . The result? A crispy, syrup-drenched pastry filled with creamy custard—sweet, spiced, and utterly irresistible!

Ingredients (Makes 12–16 Eclairs)

For the Choux Pastry (Twisted Koeksister Éclairs):

  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature )

For the Syrup (Koeksister-Style):

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom (optional )
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional )

For the Custard Filling:

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 egg yolks (optional for extra richness )

Toppings (Optional):

  • Ground cinnamon
  • Crushed pistachios or almonds
  • Powdered sugar
  • Extra syrup for drizzling

Step-by-Step Recipe 🥄

1. Make the Choux Pastry:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a saucepan, bring water, milk, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
  • Add flour: Reduce heat to medium. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a smooth dough forms.
  • Cool slightly, then add eggs: Remove from heat. Let cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is glossy and holds its shape.

2. Shape into Koeksister Twists:

  • Transfer dough to a piping bag with a ½-inch round tip .
  • Pipe 4-inch-long ropes onto the baking sheet. Twist them into a koeksister shape (overlap ends and twist, then tuck under).
  • Egg wash: Lightly brush with a beaten egg (optional for shine).

3. Bake:

  • Bake for 20 minutes , then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  • Let cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Make the Syrup (Koeksister-Style):

  • In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Remove cinnamon stick.
  • Let cool slightly (still warm, not hot).


 

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