Paris-Brest Recipe

The Paris-Brest was created in 1910 by a French pastry chef named Louis Durand. He was inspired by the famous Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race and wanted to create a pastry that represented the circular route of the race. The shape of the Paris-Brest resembles a bicycle wheel, with its circular ring of choux pastry. This unique design quickly gained popularity and became a staple in French patisseries.

Filling options for the Paris-Brest

The traditional filling for the Paris-Brest is praline-flavored cream, but there are also other delicious options you can try. Here are a few filling ideas to consider:

1. Praline cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Fold in the praline paste until well combined. This creamy and nutty filling is the perfect complement to the choux pastry.
2. Chocolate ganache: If you’re a chocolate lover, you can fill your Paris-Brest with a rich and decadent chocolate ganache. Simply heat heavy cream in a saucepan and pour it over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and let it cool before filling the pastry.
3. Fruit compote: For a fruity twist, you can fill the Paris-Brest with a homemade fruit compote. Choose your favorite fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, or peaches, and cook them down with sugar until soft and syrupy. Let the compote cool before filling the pastry.

Feel free to experiment with different fillings and get creative with your Paris-Brest.

Assembly and decoration of the Paris-Brest

Once you have your choux pastry and filling ready, it’s time to assemble and decorate your Paris-Brest. Here’s how to do it:

1. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the choux pastry ring in half horizontally.
2. Spoon or pipe the filling onto the bottom half of the pastry ring. Spread it evenly, leaving a border around the edges.
3. Place the top half of the pastry ring on the filling, gently pressing down to secure it.
4. To decorate, you can dust the Paris-Brest with powdered sugar and sprinkle sliced almonds on top. This will add an elegant touch and enhance the flavor of the pastry.
5. Serve the Paris-Brest immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Paris-Brest Recipe

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine French

Servings 4 People

Calories 306 kcal

The shape of the Paris-Brest resembles a bicycle wheel, with its circular ring of choux pastry. This unique design quickly gained popularity and became a staple in French patisseries.

Kitchen equipment list

• 1 Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

123

• ▢ 1 cup Water
• ▢ ½ cup Unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 cup All-purpose flour
• ▢ 4 large Eggs
• ▢ Pinch of salt
• ▢ 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
• ▢ ¼ cup Powdered sugar
• ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• ▢ ½ cup Praline paste
• ▢ Sliced almonds for garnish

Instructions 

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium-sized saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
• Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball.
• Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for a few minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and shiny.
• Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
• Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a ring shape. You can use a circular template to guide you if desired.
• Bake the choux pastry for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
• Once baked, remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool completely before filling.

❋ Kitchen Chaos Unlocked Tips

Tips and tricks for a successful Paris-Brest

Making a perfect Paris-Brest requires attention to detail and some baking know-how. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Paris-Brest turns out flawlessly:

1. Use room temperature eggs: It's important to use room temperature eggs when making the choux pastry. Cold eggs can prevent the dough from properly incorporating and rising.
2. Be patient with the choux pastry: When cooking the dough on the stovetop, make sure to stir vigorously until it forms a smooth ball. This step is crucial for a light and airy pastry.
3. Fill the pastry just before serving: To maintain the crispness of the choux pastry, it's best to fill it just before serving. This will prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
4. Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover Paris-Brest, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the pastry may lose its crispness over time.

Nutrition

Serving: 100 gCalories: 306 kcalCarbohydrates: 32 gProtein: 5.4 gFat: 16 g

Keyword Paris-Brest

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Variations and adaptations of the classic Paris-Brest recipe

While the classic Paris-Brest is a delight on its own, there are also variations and adaptations you can explore. Here are a few ideas:

1. Mini Paris-Brest: Instead of making one large pastry, you can make individual-sized Paris-Brest by piping smaller rings of choux pastry. This is great for parties or when you want to serve individual portions.
2. Flavor variations: Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts or spices to the choux pastry or filling. For example, you can add a touch of almond extract or cinnamon to the dough, or incorporate different flavored praline pastes into the cream filling.
3. Savory Paris-Brest: If you’re looking for a savory twist, you can make a savory version of the Paris-Brest by filling it with ingredients like cheese, smoked salmon, or herbed cream.

Feel free to get creative and adapt the classic Paris-Brest recipe to suit your taste and preferences.

Serving and storing the Paris-Brest

The Paris-Brest is best enjoyed fresh, when the choux pastry is still crisp and the filling is creamy. Serve it as a dessert after a delicious French meal or as a centerpiece for a special occasion. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of champagne to enhance the flavors.

If you have any leftovers, store the Paris-Brest in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the pastry may lose its crispness over time, so it’s best to consume it within 2 days.

Conclusion and final thoughts on the Paris-Brest dessert

Elevate your baking skills and impress your friends and family with a homemade Paris-Brest that rivals those found in the patisseries of Paris. With our detailed instructions and tips, you’ll be able to create a bakery-quality dessert that will transport your taste buds to the streets of France.

The Paris-Brest is a true masterpiece of French pastry, with its buttery, flaky crust and creamy, nutty filling. It’s a dessert that celebrates the art of baking and the rich culinary heritage of France.

So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey to create your own Paris-Brest. With a little patience and a lot of love, you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who takes a bite.

Bon appétit!