National Chocolate Eclair Day

Young woman taking a bite of a chocolate eclair, wearing a chef's hat, vintage white kitchen, retro baking scene.. — National chocolate eclair day illustration

Welcome to National Chocolate Eclair Day, the sweetest holiday of the year! Get ready to indulge in a delectable treat that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a chocoholic or a pastry enthusiast, this is the day to treat yourself to the creamy, chocolatey goodness of a classic chocolate eclair.

When is Chocolate Eclair Day?

It's national chocolate eclair day on the 22nd June.

The Birth of a Divine Dessert

So how did the chocolate eclair come to be? Well, we have the French to thank for this heavenly creation. The word 'eclair,' meaning 'flash of lightning' in French, perfectly describes the lightning-fast speed at which these delicious pastries disappear from dessert trays. The first eclair recipe was published in France in the early 19th century, and it quickly became a popular treat in the country.

It wasn't until the early 20th century that the eclair made its way to America and won the hearts of pastry lovers across the nation. With its crispy pastry shell, filled with a creamy custard center, and topped with a rich, glossy chocolate icing, the chocolate eclair became a true sensation.

A Sweet Celebration

On National Chocolate Eclair Day, people all over the world come together to celebrate this delightful pastry. Bakeries whip up batches of fresh eclairs, cafes feature eclair specials on their menus, and chocolate lovers indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of these sweet treats.

Whether you prefer your eclair straight out of the bakery or enjoy making your own at home, National Chocolate Eclair Day is the perfect excuse to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, take a bite of pure bliss and savor every chocolaty moment.

History behind the term 'Chocolate Eclair'

1820

Invention of Pâte à Choux

In the year 1820, a revolutionary pastry dough called Pâte à Choux was invented by a French chef named Marie-Antoine Carême. This dough, made from butter, water, flour, and eggs, had a unique property of puffing up when baked. It opened up a world of possibilities for new pastry creations.

1861

Introduction of Éclair

In 1861, the term 'éclair' was first used to describe a long, oblong-shaped pastry made with Pâte à Choux. The word 'éclair' in French means 'flash of lightning,' possibly referring to the lightning-fast speed at which these delights were consumed. Éclairs were initially filled with a simple vanilla cream and topped with chocolate glaze.

1900

Chocolate Éclair Variation

Around the year 1900, the chocolate éclair as we know it today started to gain popularity. Bakers began filling éclairs with rich chocolate cream instead of vanilla, resulting in a luscious chocolatey taste that became an instant hit among chocolate lovers. The chocolate glaze on top perfectly complemented the creamy filling.

1920s

Widespread Popularity

During the 1920s, chocolate éclairs became a favorite treat in patisseries and bakeries across France and eventually made their way to other parts of the world. The delectable combination of delicate choux pastry, creamy chocolate filling, and glossy chocolate glaze captured the hearts and taste buds of people everywhere.

Present

Chocolate Éclair Day

Today, chocolate éclairs are celebrated on June 22nd each year with their own dedicated national day, aptly named 'Chocolate Éclair Day.' This day presents an opportunity to indulge in these delightful pastries and to appreciate their rich history and mouthwatering flavors.

Did you know?

Did you know that the longest eclair ever recorded measured over 600 feet? It was created in France in 2018 and took a team of pastry chefs hours to construct. Now that's one giant, delicious eclair!