Delicious Paris Brest Recipe: Classic French Pastry Made Easy

The Paris Brest is a delectable French pastry that combines choux pastry with a rich praline cream filling. Originating from a bike race between Paris and Brest, this dessert is not just a treat for your taste buds but a delightful experience to make. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through an easy-to-follow Paris Brest recipe that will impress your friends and family.

What is Paris Brest?

The Paris Brest is a circular pastry, shaped like a wheel, filled with a creamy mixture of praline and whipped cream. Named after the bicycle race that connects Paris to Brest, this dessert is not only a nod to French culture but is also a celebration of flavor and texture. The outer layer is crispy yet light, while the inside is creamy and decadent.

How Do You Make a Paris Brest?

To make a delicious Paris Brest, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Choux pastry: water, butter, flour, eggs


• Praline cream: cooked hazelnuts, sugar, whipped cream


• Powdered sugar: for sprinkling

Follow these steps to create your own:

1. Prepare the choux pastry and pipe it into a circular ring on a baking tray.


2. Bake until golden brown and let it cool.


3. Make the praline cream and fill the pastry once cool.


4. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Learn More About Choux Pastry

For a detailed breakdown of choux pastry techniques, visit King Arthur Baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Paris Brest

One of the challenges in making Paris Brest is ensuring that your choux pastry rises perfectly. Common mistakes include using the wrong temperature of ingredients, overmixing the dough, or not allowing your pastry to cool properly before filling. To achieve the best results, be patient, follow the recipe closely, and don’t skip any steps.

Can You Make Paris Brest Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the choux pastry and praline cream a day in advance. Just keep them separate until you are ready to serve to maintain the pastry's crispiness.

Success Story: Baking for the Bold

A renowned pastry chef shares, “I recommend making your Paris Brest a day before serving for an enhanced flavor. The praline can soak into the pastry, enhancing the overall taste.”

Tips for Perfecting Your Paris Brest

To elevate your Paris Brest, consider adding variations to the filling. Incorporate fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing twist, or even chocolate ganache for an indulgent touch. The key lies in achieving the perfect blend of flavors that suit your palate.

What Other Fillings Work for Paris Brest?

Besides the classic praline cream, one can use pastry cream, whipped mascarpone, or even lemon curd for a zesty alternative. The possibilities are endless!

Expert Tip from a Pastry Chef

“Experimenting with flavors is an excellent way to personalize your Paris Brest, just remember to balance sweetness with acidity for the best results,” says Chef Amelie, a celebrated patissier from Paris.