Vanilla pastry cream is a key component in desserts such as Mille-feuille, Boston cream pie, or eclairs. It is also the base of other custard-like creams often used in patisseries.

Make the Choux Pastry . Preheat oven to 400°F. In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil over moderate heat. Remove pan from heat.

7) To fill the eclairs, fold the whipped cream and cooled vanilla pudding together (optional). 8) Using a piping tip for filling eclairs, pipe the filling into the the eclairs and dip in melted ...