How Baudry’s Éclairs Stand Out – The Magic of Pâte à Choux
Among the many pastries you’ll find at a French éclair bakery, the éclair is one of the most iconic. Long, elegant, and filled with silky pastry cream, it’s a favorite for both chocolate lovers and pastry fans. But what makes Baudry’s éclairs in Cincinnati so special?
It all comes down to the pâte à choux — a light, airy dough that’s been used in French baking for centuries. Let’s dive into what makes Baudry’s éclairs different and why pâte à choux is the unsung hero of this timeless pastry.
What Exactly Is an Éclair?
An éclair is a long, thin pastry made from pâte à choux, filled with pastry cream, and topped with chocolate glaze. The name means “flash of lightning” in French — possibly because it’s eaten quickly or because it shines with glaze.
At Baudry Bakery, we stay true to the original French method but with fresh ingredients and Cincinnati-local charm.
What Is Pâte à Choux – And Why Is It So Important?
Pâte à choux (pronounced “pat-a-shoo”) is a unique pastry dough that’s cooked before it’s baked. Unlike typical doughs that rely on baking soda or powder, pâte à choux gets its lift from steam — which creates a hollow, crispy shell perfect for filling.
Main ingredients:
- Water
- Butter
- Flour
- Eggs
- A pinch of salt and sugar
What makes it magical is the technique. You cook the dough on the stove, beat in the eggs, and then pipe it before baking. It puffs up into a golden, hollow shell — ready to be filled with cream.
How Baudry Bakery Perfects the Classic Éclair
Many bakeries offer éclairs, but few take the time and care to do them the traditional way. Here’s how Baudry stands out:
1. Made Fresh with Every Batch
At Baudry, éclairs are made in small batches, not frozen or mass-produced. That means every éclair is:
- Light, never soggy
- Freshly filled just before selling
- Glazed on the same day for maximum shine
2. Traditional French Cream Fillings
Most éclairs use standard custard. At Baudry, we offer a range of classic and seasonal creams, such as:
- Dark chocolate pastry cream
- Bourbon-vanilla custard
- Coffee cream
- Seasonal fruit-infused fillings (like raspberry or citrus)
Our pastry creams are made from scratch using real vanilla beans, local dairy, and premium chocolate.
3. Signature Chocolate Glaze
No powdered sugar glaze here! Baudry uses a rich, glossy dark chocolate ganache that complements the soft interior and crispy shell.
“Every éclair is a balance of crisp, soft, creamy, and rich — that’s the goal.”
— Chef Baudry
Other Pâte à Choux Creations at Baudry
Éclairs aren’t the only stars. Baudry also makes:
- Cream Puffs – Round versions of éclairs with whipped or pastry cream
- Paris-Brest – A ring-shaped choux pastry filled with praline cream
- Savory Gougères – Cheese-filled pâte à choux bites (available occasionally)
This classic dough is incredibly versatile, and Baudry explores it in both sweet and savory ways.
Where to Find Baudry’s Éclairs in Cincinnati
You can enjoy Baudry’s handmade éclairs at:
Hyde Park Farmers’ Market (Sunday mornings)
Montgomery Farmers’ Market (Saturday mornings)
Select local cafés and shops
Online pre-orders at baudrybakery.com (when available)
Éclairs sell out fast — especially the seasonal ones — so visiting early is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re searching for éclairs in Cincinnati, skip the grocery store version and treat yourself to the real thing. At Baudry Bakery, every éclair is a little piece of France — flaky, creamy, and made with respect for the tradition of pâte à choux.
It’s not just a dessert. It’s a craft. And we invite you to taste the difference.
Visit baudrybakery.com or find us at your local market to try our signature éclairs for yourself. You won’t forget your first bite — we promise.