Have you ever wondered why Paris-Brest, a classic French dessert, has captivated the hearts and taste buds of dessert lovers around the world? This exquisite pastry, shaped like a bicycle wheel, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Originating from the Paris-Brest bicycle race in 1891, this dessert is a perfect marriage of choux pastry and rich praline cream. In this post, we will explore the intricacies of making the perfect Paris-Brest French dessert, providing you with a comprehensive guide that includes everything from ingredients to serving suggestions.

Ingredients List

To create the perfect Paris-Brest French dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the Choux Pastry:
  • 125g (1/2 cup) water
  • 125g (1/2 cup) whole milk
  • 100g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 150g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Praline Cream:
  • 200g (1 cup) heavy cream
  • 100g (1/2 cup) praline paste (can be made from roasted hazelnuts and sugar)
  • 50g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Garnish:
  • Sliced almonds (for topping)
  • Additional powdered sugar (for dusting)

Substitutions

• Butter: Can be replaced with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Heavy Cream: Use coconut cream for a vegan alternative.
• Praline Paste: Substitute with chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the water, milk, and butter. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Add Flour: Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball. Return to low heat for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour slightly.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Shape the Pastry

4. Pipe the Dough: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the choux dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe two circles onto the parchment, one on top of the other, to form a ring.
5. Top with Almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the piped dough for added texture and flavor.

Step 3: Bake the Pastry

6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent collapsing.
7. Cool: Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the pastries inside for an additional 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Praline Cream

8. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the praline paste, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Assemble the Paris-Brest

9. Fill the Pastry: Once the choux pastry is completely cool, slice it horizontally. Fill the bottom half generously with the praline cream using a piping bag.
10. Top and Dust: Place the top half back on, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with additional sliced almonds if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of Paris-Brest French dessert (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 4g

This dessert is rich in flavor and indulgence, making it a perfect treat for special occasions.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of Paris-Brest French dessert, consider these modifications:

• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut down on the powdered sugar in the cream or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
• Add Fruit: Incorporate fresh fruits such as berries or bananas into the cream for added nutrients and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Paris-Brest French dessert on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh berries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant touch. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive twist, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underbaking the Choux Pastry: Ensure the pastry is fully cooked and golden brown. Undercooked choux can collapse when cooled.
2. Overmixing the Dough: When adding eggs, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
3. Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the choux to cool completely before filling to prevent the cream from melting.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To maintain the freshness of your Paris-Brest French dessert:

• Store in the Refrigerator: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Later: If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the baked choux pastry without filling. When ready to serve, thaw and fill with cream.

Conclusion

In summary, the Paris-Brest French dessert is a stunning and delicious pastry that combines the lightness of choux with the rich flavor of praline cream. It’s a perfect dessert for impressing guests or treating yourself. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delightful recipes and updates!

FAQs

What is Paris-Brest?

Paris-Brest is a classic French dessert made of choux pastry filled with praline cream, shaped like a bicycle wheel.

Can I make Paris-Brest ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the choux pastry ahead of time and fill it just before serving to maintain its freshness.

How do I know when the choux pastry is done?

The pastry should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Avoid opening the oven door during baking.