Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a tray with parchment because we love clean counters.
In a saucepan, combine water, vegan butter, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a low simmer.
Stir in flour and baking powder quickly until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
Let it cool for 5 minutes. Mix in milk and cornstarch until smooth.
Transfer to a piping bag. Pipe 4-inch logs onto tray with confidence and flair.
Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and crisp. Don’t open the oven like an impatient queen.
For the cream, whisk milk, syrup, espresso, salt, cornstarch, and vanilla in a pan.
Heat until thick, whisking like your life depends on it. Cool, then chill in fridge.
Slice éclairs and fill with cooled pastry cream using a clean piping tip.
Heat chocolate and milk until smooth and shiny. Add espresso powder if you're feeling extra.
Dip éclairs in ganache. Let them set or eat one over the sink immediately.