Ah, Paris-Brest—a classic French dessert! It’s a beautiful, ring-shaped choux pastry filled with praline-flavored cream, originally created to commemorate the Paris–Brest bicycle race. Here’s a traditional recipe you can try at home:
Paris-Brest
Ingredients (serves 6–8):
For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Sliced almonds for topping
For the praline cream filling:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 g) praline paste (or crushed caramelized hazelnuts/paste)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Make the choux pastry:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat until butter melts and mixture boils.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
- Return to heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry slightly.
- Transfer dough to a bowl and let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- Pipe dough into a ring shape (or individual rings) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden. Do not open oven during baking. Cool completely.
Make the praline cream:
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Fold in praline paste until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Paris-Brest:
- Slice the choux pastry ring horizontally.
- Pipe or spoon praline cream onto the bottom half.
- Replace the top half and dust with powdered sugar.
💡 Tips:
- Make sure the choux pastry is fully cooled before filling, or the cream can melt.
- Praline paste can be made by grinding caramelized hazelnuts and sugar into a smooth paste.
- For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
If you want, I can also give a simpler, more beginner-friendly version that uses store-bought choux pastry or puff pastry to save time.
Do you want me to share that version?
