Classic Paris-Brest Recipe

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A French Cream-Filled Pastry Delight

🥐 Introduction

The Paris-Brest is a light yet indulgent French dessert created in 1910 to celebrate the Paris–Brest–Paris bicycle race. Its round, wheel-like shape symbolizes a bicycle tire — fitting for such a legendary race. Made with airy choux pastry and filled with luscious cream, it’s a perfect balance of crispness, fluffiness, and smooth sweetness.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry (Pâte à Choux):

  • 1 cup (250 ml) water
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs

For the Pastry Cream (Filling Base):

  • 2 cups (500 ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (25 g) cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter

For the Whipped Cream Layer:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Optional: Sliced almonds or praline paste for the classic version

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
  3. Remove from heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until mixture forms a smooth ball.
  4. Return to heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring to dry the dough slightly.
  5. Transfer to a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and shiny.
  7. Pipe the dough into a ring (about 8 inches wide) on the baking sheet. You can make two rings side-by-side for height.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed.
  9. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let it cool inside to prevent collapsing.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream

  1. In a saucepan, heat milk and vanilla until steaming.
  2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale.
  3. Slowly pour hot milk into the yolk mixture while whisking.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on medium heat, whisking until thick.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in butter.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and chill completely.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

  1. Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  2. Fold half of the whipped cream into the chilled pastry cream to create a light, fluffy filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Paris-Brest

  1. Slice the choux ring horizontally in half with a serrated knife.
  2. Pipe the pastry cream mixture onto the bottom half.
  3. Add another layer of plain whipped cream if desired for extra fluffiness (like the image).
  4. Place the top half of the pastry on top.
  5. Dust with powdered sugar (and almonds if using).

📜 History

The Paris-Brest was invented by Louis Durand, a pastry chef in Maisons-Laffitte, to honor the famous Paris–Brest–Paris bicycle race. The circular shape represents a bicycle wheel, and the dessert became instantly popular among both cyclists and dessert lovers for its energy-rich ingredients — butter, nuts, and cream.

🌿 Benefits

  • Light but rich: Airy pastry contrasts beautifully with smooth cream.
  • Elegant for celebrations: A show-stopper for any dessert table.
  • Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the components separately.
  • Versatile filling: Can be made with praline, chocolate, coffee, or fruit-flavored cream.

🍰 Formation

A perfect Paris-Brest has:

  1. A crispy golden choux ring — hollow yet firm.
  2. A silky filling combining creaminess and lightness.
  3. A dusting of powdered sugar for a final touch of refinement.

💕 Lovers of Paris-Brest

This dessert has captivated pastry lovers worldwide. From Parisian cafés to modern patisseries, the Paris-Brest stands as a symbol of French creativity and craftsmanship. Those who adore cream puffs, éclairs, or mousse cakes inevitably fall in love with this velvety, cloud-like masterpiece.

🍽️ Conclusion

The Classic Paris-Brest is more than a pastry — it’s an edible piece of French history and elegance. With its perfect mix of crunch and cream, it delivers indulgence in every bite. Whether enjoyed with coffee, shared on a celebration, or simply savored in quiet delight, it’s a dessert that leaves a lasting impression.

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