How to Make a French Paris-Brest Dessert at Home

The French Paris-Brest is a delicious dessert that combines a round choux pastry with a creamy praline filling, creating a delightful taste experience inspired by the famous Paris-Brest bicycle race. Making this pastry at home may sound challenging, but with the right steps, you can recreate this classic dessert in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make your own Paris-Brest, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the Choux Pastry:
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs

• For the Praline Cream Filling:
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 g) praline paste
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• For Garnish:
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Heat until the butter melts completely.

3. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture comes together and forms a ball, pulling away from the sides of the pan.

4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Pastry

1. Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe the dough onto the prepared baking tray in a circular shape, resembling a ring. You can create a double layer by piping over the first ring to give it height.

2. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added texture and flavor if desired.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and has puffed up. Do not open the oven door while baking.

4. Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the pastry cool inside for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Praline Cream Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.

2. Gently fold in the praline paste and powdered sugar until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

Step 4: Assemble the Paris-Brest

1. Once the choux pastry has completely cooled, use a serrated knife to slice the pastry ring in half horizontally.

2. Generously fill the bottom half with the praline cream mixture using a spatula or piping bag.

3. Place the top half of the pastry back on the cream-filled bottom. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Serving Your Paris-Brest

Slice the dessert into wedges to serve. The Paris-Brest is perfect for a special occasion or just a delightful treat to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich combination of flavors and textures as you celebrate this classic French pastry in the comfort of your home.

Happy baking!