Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of a Paris-Brest with this classic recipe. This traditional French dessert features a ring-shaped choux pastry filled with a luscious praline cream. The combination of crunchy hazelnut crust, creamy filling, and powdered sugar dusting will leave you craving for more. Prepare this delightful treat for special occasions or simply to impress your loved ones. It may take some time and effort, but the end result is absolutely worth it!
Ingredients
- For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the Praline Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup praline paste
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar
- Sliced almonds
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
- Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and shiny.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Pipe a ring of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 10 inches in diameter.
- Pipe another ring of dough inside the first one, creating a bumpy ring shape. Smooth out the top with a wet spatula.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the praline paste and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Cut the cooled pastry in half horizontally.
- Fill the bottom half with the praline cream.
- Place the top half back on.
- Dust the pastry with powdered sugar and serve.
Interesting Facts
Paris-Brest was created in 1891 to commemorate the Paris-Brest cycling race.
It was designed to resemble a bicycle wheel, with the ring shape representing the wheel and the sliced almonds imitating the spokes.
Praline cream is a popular filling for Paris-Brest, but variations with chocolate, vanilla, or coffee-flavored cream are also enjoyed.