Paris-Brest is a classic French pastry that was created in 1910 to commemorate the Paris-Brest bicycle race. This delicious dessert consists of a ring of choux pastry filled with praline-flavored cream and garnished with sliced almonds. If you’re a fan of light and airy pastries with a nutty twist, then Paris-Brest is the perfect treat for you!
The Choux Pastry
The foundation of any Paris-Brest starts with the choux pastry. This dough is known for its high moisture content, which creates steam when baked, resulting in a hollow center. To make the choux pastry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2-3 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
To begin, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and quickly stir in the flour until it forms a smooth ball of dough.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about five minutes. Then add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes glossy and smooth.
Baking and Filling
To form the ring shape of the Paris-Brest pastry, transfer your choux pastry dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a ring onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space for expansion.
Bake the choux pastry in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during baking as it may cause your pastries to collapse.
Once your choux pastry is baked and cooled, it’s time to fill it with praline-flavored cream. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons praline paste
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Then fold in the praline paste until well combined.
Assembling and Serving
To assemble your Paris-Brest, carefully slice your cooled choux pastry in half horizontally. Pipe or spoon the praline-flavored cream onto the bottom half of the ring, filling it generously.
Gently place the top half of your choux pastry back on top of the cream, creating a sandwich effect. Finally, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of your Paris-Brest for an added crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Your Paris-Brest is now ready to be served! The combination of light and airy choux pastry with creamy praline filling is simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying this delightful treat with friends or savoring it on your own, it’s guaranteed to impress!
Conclusion
Making a Paris-Brest may seem daunting at first, but with the right technique and a little practice, you’ll be able to create this French pastry masterpiece in no time. Remember to savor each bite of your homemade Paris-Brest and share this delectable dessert with your loved ones!