Paris Brest

Paris-Brest, a classic French pastry, is known for its rich, creamy filling encased in a light and airy choux pastry. This decadent dessert was created in 1910 to commemorate the Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race, with its circular shape symbolizing the wheels of the cyclists. The original recipe features a pastry ring filled with a creamy, almond-flavored custard. However, over the years, variations of the Paris-Brest have emerged, with some using whipped cream or cream cheese for a smoother, tangier filling.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to make your very own Paris-Brest at home with an easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for afternoon tea or any special occasion, this dessert is sure to impress your family and guests with its balance of textures, flavors, and elegance. Plus, if you want a shortcut to a creamy, tangy filling, we’ve got you covered with a quick cream cheese filling that’s just as delicious as the traditional almond cream.

1. The Paris-Brest: A French Classic with a Rich History

Paris-Brest is a symbol of French pastry-making mastery. The pastry was originally created by the renowned French pastry chef Louis Durand in honor of the Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race. The race, which has been held since 1891, is one of the oldest cycling races in the world, and Durand wanted to celebrate the event with a dessert that reflected the race’s circular nature. He chose to create a choux pastry in the shape of a wheel, filled with a luscious almond cream filling.

The Paris-Brest quickly became a beloved pastry across France, and it remains a symbol of the country’s commitment to fine pastry-making. Today, you’ll find variations of this dessert in bakeries worldwide, with some filled with rich creams or even chocolate ganache.

2. What Makes Paris-Brest So Special?

What sets Paris-Brest apart from other pastries is its unique combination of textures and flavors. The choux pastry shell is crisp and airy, providing the perfect contrast to the smooth, creamy filling. The filling is usually rich, flavored with almonds, and sometimes a bit tangy from ingredients like cream cheese or whipped cream. The pastry’s lightness allows the filling to take center stage, making each bite a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and nuttiness.

Additionally, the ring shape of the pastry gives it an elegant look, making it perfect for serving at special occasions, such as tea parties, birthdays, or holiday celebrations.

3. Key Ingredients for Paris-Brest

To make Paris-Brest at home, you’ll need the following key ingredients for the choux pastry and the cream filling:

For the Choux Pastry:

1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for your choux pastry.

1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth pastry dough.

1 cup water: Hydrates the dough and helps it come together.

4 large eggs: Essential for creating the structure of the pastry.

1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.

1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a slight sweetness to the choux pastry.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened: Gives the filling a tangy and creamy texture.

1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the filling.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor depth.

1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without being too overpowering.

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a refreshing, tangy note to balance the sweetness.

For Garnish (Optional):

Powdered sugar: For dusting the top of the finished Paris-Brest for a classic presentation.

Chopped almonds or hazelnuts: Toasted and sprinkled on top to add texture and an extra layer of flavor.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions for Paris-Brest

Making Paris-Brest at home is surprisingly simple. With just a few steps, you can create a bakery-quality dessert that will wow your guests. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture starts to boil.

Once the butter has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the flour all at once. Stir quickly to combine, and continue stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. This will only take about 1-2 minutes.

Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes. Once cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be thick and glossy.

Transfer the choux pastry dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a circular ring of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 8-10 inches in diameter. If desired, you can pipe a smaller ring inside for extra height and texture.

Step 2: Bake the Choux Pastry

Bake the choux pastry for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the pastry to deflate.

Once baked, remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the choux pastry cools, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, and continue to beat until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream. The result should be a light, fluffy filling with just the right amount of tanginess from the cream cheese and lemon juice.

Step 4: Assemble the Paris-Brest

Once the choux pastry has cooled, use a serrated knife to slice the pastry ring in half horizontally. Be careful to slice evenly so the top and bottom layers are equal in size.

Spread the cream cheese filling generously on the bottom half of the pastry ring. Place the top half of the pastry on top, creating a sandwich-like structure.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Dust the top of the Paris-Brest with powdered sugar for a classic touch. If desired, sprinkle with chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts to add a crunchy, nutty flavor.

Serve the Paris-Brest immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. The filling may soften slightly as it sits, but the dessert will still be delicious.

5. Tips for Perfect Paris-Brest

Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: When making the choux pastry, allow it to cool slightly before adding the eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely and ensures a smooth dough.

Pipe the Dough Evenly: For a uniform ring shape, pipe the dough evenly around the parchment paper. If you want a more elevated look, pipe a smaller ring inside the larger one for added height.

Use Cold Ingredients for the Filling: Make sure your cream cheese and heavy cream are both chilled before preparing the filling. This ensures the filling will whip up to the desired texture and consistency.

Customize the Filling: You can add your favorite flavors to the cream cheese filling, such as a little cinnamon, almond extract, or even orange zest for a unique twist.

6. Why You’ll Love Paris-Brest

Light and Creamy: The combination of airy choux pastry and creamy filling creates a perfect contrast in texture.

Tangy and Sweet: The cream cheese filling is balanced with sweetness and tang, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Elegant and Impressive: The beautiful circular shape of the Paris-Brest makes it an elegant centerpiece for any special occasion.

Customizable: Whether you prefer a sweeter or tangier filling, you can adjust the flavor to suit your tastes.

7. Paris-Brest: A Perfect Dessert for Special Occasions

Paris-Brest is a fantastic dessert for any celebration. Its beautiful presentation and delicate, complex flavors make it perfect for afternoon tea, birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a French pastry.

Whether you serve it at a tea party or as a luxurious after-dinner treat, Paris-Brest is a dessert that brings a touch of sophistication and indulgence to the table.

8. Pairing Paris-Brest with Drinks

Paris-Brest pairs wonderfully with a variety of drinks. If you’re serving it for an afternoon tea, try pairing it with a strong black tea like Earl Grey or Assam, which can complement the sweetness of the filling and balance the richness of the pastry.

For an after-dinner treat, serve Paris-Brest with a light coffee or even a dessert wine, such as a Sauternes or Moscato d’Asti, both of which offer sweet, fruity notes that pair perfectly with the creaminess of the dessert.

9. Storing Paris-Brest

Paris-Brest is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. If storing, keep the filling and pastry separate to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. When ready to serve, assemble the dessert and let it come to room temperature for optimal flavor.

10. A Luxurious Dessert You Can Make at Home

Paris-Brest is a luxurious yet approachable dessert that anyone can make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a pastry that looks and tastes as though it came from a top-tier bakery. The combination of crispy choux pastry and rich cream cheese filling is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Whether you’re new to pastry-making or an experienced baker, Paris-Brest is a rewarding recipe that will make your kitchen smell like a French patisserie.

11. Conclusion: A Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

Making Paris-Brest is a wonderful way to indulge in a rich French pastry without leaving the comfort of your own home. The light, crispy pastry combined with the creamy filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a dessert that’s both decadent and refreshing.

So, the next time you’re looking to wow your guests or simply treat yourself to a beautiful, homemade dessert, try this easy Paris-Brest recipe. Whether you stick to the classic cream filling or add your own twist, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious French treat.

12. The Joy of French Pastry-Making

Baking Paris-Brest is more than just creating a dessert — it’s about embracing the art of French pastry-making and infusing it with your own personal touch. The precision of the choux pastry, combined with the creamy filling, is a testament to the craftsmanship of French baking. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor the results of your hard work when you take that first bite of Paris-Brest!

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