Keto Eclair Cake
Introduction: Delight in the decadent flavors of our Keto Eclair Cake, a luxurious dessert reimagined to fit into a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste or texture. This recipe combines layers of delicate almond flour pastry, luscious vanilla cream filling, and a rich chocolate ganache topping, creating a dessert that’s as impressive as it is satisfying. Perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in a guilt-free treat, each bite of this Keto Eclair Cake promises to deliver a symphony of flavors and textures. Dive into the details below for a comprehensive guide on how to create this elegant dessert, complete with nutritional information and SmartPoints for those mindful of their wellness journey.
Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Optional Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Fresh berries for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water and butter to a boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in almond flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and stir continuously for about 1 minute to slightly cook the dough.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
- Bake the Pastry:
- Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 12 equal-sized logs onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Assemble the Eclair Cake:
- Slice each cooled pastry log in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves in a single layer on a serving platter or dish.
- Spread a generous layer of the vanilla cream filling over the pastry bottoms.
- Top with the remaining pastry halves to create a second layer.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and stir in the sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped chocolate until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
- Pour and Chill:
- Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the top of the assembled eclair cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Refrigerate the eclair cake for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set and the ganache has hardened.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder if desired. Slice into portions and garnish with fresh berries.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving (one slice)
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 135mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g
SmartPoints (Weight Watchers): Each serving of Keto Eclair Cake is approximately 6 SmartPoints, making it a decadent yet manageable choice for those adhering to a points-based diet.
Useful Tips:
- Ensure the choux pastry logs are evenly piped and spaced on the baking sheet to ensure even baking and puffing.
- For a smoother ganache, let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake.
- Customize the sweetness of the dessert by adjusting the amount of sweetener used in the cream filling.
- Store any leftover Keto Eclair Cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Enjoy chilled for best texture and flavor.
Conclusion: Elevate your dessert experience with our Keto Eclair Cake, a sophisticated blend of delicate pastry, creamy filling, and rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle, this recipe showcases how decadence and health-conscious choices can harmoniously coexist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress with its luxurious taste and elegant presentation. Embrace the art of keto baking and indulge in a slice of pure indulgence with our Keto Eclair Cake, where every bite is a celebration of flavor and culinary finesse.