Éclairs are one of the most beloved French pastries — crisp choux pastry shells filled with silky custard or cream and topped with glossy chocolate glaze. But for anyone watching their diet, one question almost always comes up: How many calories are in an éclair?
The answer depends on size, filling, and brand, but most standard chocolate custard éclairs contain around 240–300 calories each. Mini éclairs can be as low as 40–150 calories, while larger bakery or supermarket versions may reach 350+ calories per piece.
In this article, we’ll break down éclair calories by size, filling, and brand, compare éclairs with other pastries, explain how to estimate calories in homemade recipes, and share tips to enjoy them while staying mindful of your health goals.
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Ultimate Guide to Eclair Filling: Recipes, Tips & FAQs
Quick Reference: Calories in Different Types of Éclairs
| Type of Éclair | Average Weight | Calories (approx.) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard chocolate custard éclair | 90–100 g | 260–290 kcal | 25–30 | 15–18 | 5–6 |
| Mini éclair | 13–40 g | 40–150 kcal | 8–12 | 3–6 | 1–2 |
| Large bakery éclair | 120–150 g | 320–430 kcal | 35–45 | 18–22 | 6–8 |
| Whipped cream–filled éclair | 100 g | 250–280 kcal | 22–28 | 17–20 | 4–5 |
| Ice cream éclair bar | 70 g | 170–220 kcal | 20–25 | 8–12 | 2–3 |
Eclair Calories by Size & Weight
Calories per Standard Éclair
A typical standard bakery éclair (around 100 g) contains 260–290 calories. Most of those calories come from the custard filling and chocolate glaze.
Calories per 100 Grams
If you want a universal way to estimate: éclairs average 250–310 calories per 100 g. This makes it easy to calculate if you know the weight of your portion.
Mini Éclair Calories
Mini éclairs, often sold frozen or in packs of six, are much lighter. One mini éclair usually has 40–150 calories, depending on filling and icing thickness. These are a great way to enjoy the treat in smaller portions.
Large Bakery Éclair Calories
Specialty pâtisserie éclairs or oversized supermarket versions can contain 320–430 calories each. Heavier cream fillings and thicker glaze layers make a big difference.
Eclair Calories by Filling & Type
Chocolate Custard Éclair Calories
The most common variety chocolate-glazed custard éclair generally ranges from 260–300 calories. This is the version most calorie databases list.
Vanilla Custard Éclair Calories
Similar in size, but sometimes slightly lower in calories if the glaze is thinner. Expect 240–280 calories per éclair.
Whipped Cream–Filled Éclairs
These can be lighter in carbs but higher in fat. On average, 250–280 calories per piece.
Cream Puff vs Éclair Calories
Both cream puffs and éclairs are made from the same choux pastry. A standard cream puff (profiterole) has 50–120 calories (depending on size), while an éclair typically contains 2–3 times more calories due to its elongated shape and heavier filling.
Ice Cream Éclairs (Frozen Treats)
Packaged ice cream éclair bars usually fall between 170–220 calories per bar, making them less caloric than traditional bakery éclairs.
Vanilla Éclair – The Ultimate Guide from A to Z
Nutritional Breakdown: More Than Just Calories
While most people focus on éclair calories, it’s useful to look at the full nutrition profile:
- Carbohydrates: 25–45 g per éclair (mostly from sugar and flour)
- Fat: 15–22 g per éclair, with a significant portion from butter and cream
- Protein: 4–7 g per éclair, thanks to eggs in the custard and choux dough
- Sugar: 12–20 g in a standard éclair
- Cholesterol: 80–120 mg per éclair due to cream and eggs
- Sodium: 150–250 mg per éclair
These values vary widely depending on recipe and brand.
What Affects the Calorie Count in Éclairs?
- Size and weight – the biggest factor.
- Type of filling – custard, pastry cream, whipped cream, or ice cream.
- Glaze thickness – chocolate ganache vs. thin fondant.
- Extra toppings – nuts, caramel drizzle, or double glaze.
- Homemade vs. store-bought – bakery éclairs are often heavier than frozen or packaged ones.
How to Estimate Calories in a Homemade Éclair
- Step 1: Weigh your éclair.
- Step 2: Use the per-100 g estimate (250–310 kcal per 100 g).
- Step 3: Or add up ingredients (flour, eggs, butter, cream, sugar, chocolate) using a food database, then divide by the number of éclairs.
For example, a homemade batch of 12 éclairs made with 1,500 calories worth of ingredients will yield 125 calories per éclair if they’re mini, or 300 calories each if they’re large.
Calories in Store-Bought & Branded Éclairs
- Greggs Chocolate Éclair (UK): ~322 calories per piece
- Entenmann’s Éclairs (US): ~290 calories per éclair
- Tesco Mini Éclairs: ~80–120 calories per mini éclair
- Trader Joe’s Frozen Mini Éclairs: ~90 calories per mini éclair
Always check labels, as values differ by product line and serving size.
Eclair Calories vs Other Pastries
| Pastry | Calories (average) |
|---|---|
| Éclair (100 g) | 260–290 kcal |
| Donut (glazed, 100 g) | 280–300 kcal |
| Croissant (butter, 100 g) | 330–350 kcal |
| Cream Puff (profiterole, 30 g) | 80–120 kcal |
Éclairs usually have fewer calories than a butter croissant, but similar to a glazed donut.
Are Éclairs Suitable for Popular Diets?
- Low-carb/Keto: Not suitable, too high in sugar and flour.
- Low-calorie diets: Possible if you choose mini éclairs or share portions.
- Vegan diets: Standard éclairs are not vegan (contain eggs, dairy), but vegan recipes exist with plant-based custard and non-dairy cream.
- Gluten-free diets: Specialty gluten-free éclairs exist but often have similar calorie counts.
How to Make a Low-Calorie Éclair
- Use non-fat milk or plant-based milk for custard.
- Reduce sugar in pastry cream by 30–40%.
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light whipped topping.
- Make mini éclairs for portion control.
- Use a thin chocolate drizzle instead of a thick glaze.
A well-modified éclair recipe can bring calories down to 150–180 per serving, almost half of a traditional large éclair.
Serving & Storage Considerations
- Storage: Fresh éclairs should be eaten within 24 hours; moisture loss can slightly change weight and calorie density.
- Serving: Pairing éclairs with coffee or hot chocolate adds 50–200 extra calories, so consider black coffee or tea if you want to stay lighter.
FAQs About Eclair Calories
How many calories are in an éclair?
Most standard éclairs contain 260–300 calories each, but mini versions can be as low as 40–150 calories.
How many calories are in a chocolate éclair?
A chocolate custard éclair usually has 260–290 calories, depending on size and glaze.
How many calories are in a mini éclair?
Mini éclairs contain 40–150 calories each, depending on weight and filling.
Are éclairs high in calories?
Yes, éclairs are considered calorie-dense pastries due to cream, eggs, and chocolate glaze.
How do éclairs compare to donuts?
Éclairs and glazed donuts have similar calories (around 280 each), but éclairs are often slightly lighter in fat.
How can I make éclairs lower in calories?
Try making mini éclairs, reducing sugar in the custard, or using a lighter glaze.
Conclusion
Éclairs may be indulgent, but knowing their calorie ranges makes it easier to enjoy them without guilt. A standard chocolate éclair has 260–300 calories, while mini éclairs are lighter and oversized bakery versions can be heavier.
If you’re tracking your diet, remember: portion size and filling matter most. With mini versions, lighter recipes, and mindful choices, éclairs can fit into a balanced lifestyle without derailing your goals.
