If you want to indulge in a classic French dessert, the Paris-Brest is a delightful choice. This delectable pastry, shaped like a wheel, was created in 1910 to commemorate a famous bicycle race. With its light, airy choux pastry and rich, nutty praline cream filling, the Paris-Brest is a favorite among dessert lovers. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this French pastry is both elegant and satisfying, leaving you with a taste of Parisian elegance.
Tips to make the Paris-Brest recipe:
1. Prepare the Choux Pastry Properly: Ensure that your butter, water, and flour mixture for the choux pastry is smooth and well-mixed before adding the eggs. This creates a stable base for the pastry to puff up beautifully as it bakes.
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2. Use a Piping Bag: For the perfect ring shape, use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the choux dough onto a baking sheet in a circular form to achieve the traditional Paris-Brest shape.
3. Cool Completely Before Filling: Allow the choux pastry to cool completely before slicing it and adding the praline cream filling. This prevents the cream from melting and keeps the pastry crisp.
4. Make the Praline Cream Ahead: You can prepare the praline cream a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to use, give it a quick stir to reach a creamy consistency before filling the pastry.
How to Make Paris-Brest Recipe?
Paris-Brest Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Piping bag For piping the choux pastry
- 1 Baking sheet Lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
- 100 ml Water
- 100 ml Milk
- 80 g Butter Cubed
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 120 g All-purpose flour Sifted
- 4 Eggs Beaten
- 30 g Sliced almonds For topping
- 100 g Butter Room temperature
- 50 g Sugar
- 100 g Praline paste
- 300 ml Whipping cream Cold
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, salt, and sugar, and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour. Return to low heat and stir until the dough forms a ball.
- Let dough cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth and shiny.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag and pipe a ring on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until puffed and golden. Let cool completely.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add praline paste and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into the praline mixture gently.
- Cut the choux ring in half horizontally and pipe praline cream inside.
- Place the top half back on and dust with icing sugar before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
The Paris-Brest is a delightful French dessert that combines both taste and tradition. Its unique circular shape, inspired by the Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race, not only makes it visually appealing but also a beloved symbol of French patisserie artistry. The combination of choux pastry with a rich praline cream filling makes it a treat for any occasion.
Making a Paris-Brest at home may seem challenging, but with patience and practice, it becomes an enjoyable experience. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the crisp pastry to the creamy, nutty filling. This dessert is rewarding to make and even more satisfying to enjoy.
I love this recipe, the Paris-Brest is more than just a pastry; it’s a delicious representation of French culinary history. Whether you’re baking it to try something new or to impress guests, it’s sure to leave fond memories. Embrace the process of creating this delightful dish, and you’ll understand why it remains a favorite among dessert lovers worldwide.
