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Lemon Meringue Éclairs topped with fluffy meringue and lemon zest

Lemon Meringue Éclairs

A delightful twist on classic éclairs featuring tangy lemon filling and a light, fluffy meringue topping.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: French
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Choux Pastry
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs eggs should be added one at a time
Lemon Filling
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • 1 cup sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon adds extra flavor
Meringue Topping
  • 3 large egg whites should be at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil. Stir in the flour until it forms a ball.
  3. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Baking Éclairs
  1. Pipe the dough into 4-inch long strips on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Making the Lemon Filling
  1. In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, sugar, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
Preparing the Meringue
  1. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar until the mixture is shiny.
Assembly
  1. Fill the cooled éclairs with the lemon filling and top with the meringue. If desired, use a torch to brown the meringue for a golden finish.

Notes

It's best to eat these éclairs fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a day or two. Make sure to cool the choux pastry well before adding the lemon filling to avoid melting the meringue. You can add different flavors to the filling by mixing in some berries or different citrus juices to customize the éclairs to your liking.