Discover the Delight of Paris-Brest – Classic French Pastry

Discover the delight of Paris-Brest with this classic French pastry recipe. Creamy, nutty, and perfect for any occasion. Try making it today!

Discover the Delight of Paris-Brest

If you’re searching for a dessert that embodies French tradition and indulgence, you’ve come to the right place. Discover the delight of Paris-Brest, a classic pastry made from choux dough filled with rich praline cream. It’s a beautiful ring-shaped treat inspired by a historic cycling race and loved worldwide for its crispy, airy texture combined with luxuriously smooth filling. This recipe breaks down the process so you can enjoy authentic French flavors at home. Whether for a special occasion or a charming weekend bake, Paris-Brest will impress and satisfy.

Why You’ll Love It

Paris-Brest offers a stunning balance of textures with its crisp choux pastry and creamy praline filling. It’s naturally gluten-friendly if you opt for appropriate flour substitutes and can be adapted for various dietary needs. Best of all, it looks elegant but is surprisingly straightforward to make, making it perfect for bakers seeking a rewarding new challenge. Plus, it’s a conversation starter at any dinner or celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1/2 cup praline paste (blend toasted hazelnuts or almonds with sugar)
• Sliced almonds for garnish
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil over medium heat.
3. Remove the pan from heat, add the flour all at once, and stir quickly until the mixture forms a smooth dough ball.
4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, until the dough is glossy and smooth.
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a ring about 8 inches in diameter on the parchment paper. Then, pipe a second ring inside the first to form a double ring.
7. Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds.
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking to avoid collapse.
9. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold in the praline paste until combined.
11. Slice the cooled pastry ring horizontally into two layers.
12. Pipe or spoon the praline cream generously over the bottom layer, then sandwich the top layer back in place.
13. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Expert Tips

Make sure not to open the oven during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent the choux from deflating. If your dough looks too thick or dry, add a splash of water before piping. For a richer praline cream, incorporate a splash of rum or vanilla extract. You can prepare the cream a day ahead to save time. To scale the recipe, multiply ingredients and bake in batches for best results.

Storage

Paris-Brest is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing once filled as the cream may separate. The choux pastry ring alone can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw completely before assembling and filling.

Variations

• Vegan: Use plant-based butter, aquafaba or flax eggs for choux, and coconut cream for filling.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking choux pastries.
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Refined Sugar-Free: Use coconut sugar or date syrup to sweeten the dough and filling.

FAQ

• What is Paris-Brest? Paris-Brest is a French dessert made from choux pastry shaped like a wheel and filled with praline-flavored cream.
• Can I make Paris-Brest ahead? You can prepare and freeze the choux pastry ring in advance but fill it fresh to maintain the cream’s texture.
• How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Is it difficult to make Paris-Brest? While it involves multiple steps, this discover the delight of Paris-Brest recipe guides you through with ease.
• What can I substitute for praline paste? You can grind toasted hazelnuts or almonds with sugar to create a homemade praline paste alternative.

Call to Action

If you loved discovering the delight of Paris-Brest, share your experience below! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and save it for your next baking adventure. Don’t forget to explore other traditional desserts like Classic French Tarts and Easy Weeknight Dinners for more culinary inspiration. For tips on pastry techniques, visit the Food Network.