Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries
The Paris-Brest pastry is a delightful French treat that combines the light and airy texture of choux pastry with the sweetness of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Originally created to celebrate the Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race, this dessert has become a beloved favorite for many. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet indulgence, this pastry is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making a Paris-Brest at home allows you to enjoy a classic French dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. The combination of choux pastry, whipped cream, and strawberries creates a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. Plus, the process of making this pastry can be very rewarding, giving you a sense of achievement when you serve this stunning dessert to friends and family.
How to Make Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for whipped cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)
Directions:
Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and add the flour. Stir until it forms a smooth dough. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Lastly, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Pastry
Transfer the dough into a piping bag and pipe a large ring onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with sliced almonds if you like. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and puffed. Once baked, let it cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Assemble the Paris-Brest
Slice the cooled choux pastry in half horizontally. Pipe the whipped cream onto the bottom half and arrange the sliced strawberries on top. Place the top half over the filling and dust with powdered sugar.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately for the best texture!
How to Serve Paris-Brest Pastry
Serve your Paris-Brest pastry on a lovely platter. You can slice it into wedges for easy serving. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy this sweet treat fresh to experience its lightness and texture!
How to Store Paris-Brest Pastry
If you have leftovers, store the Paris-Brest in the refrigerator. It is best eaten on the day it’s made, but it can last for up to two days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Tips to Make Paris-Brest Pastry
- Ensure you beat the eggs into the dough well for a light and airy texture.
- Use chilled equipment when making whipped cream for the best results.
- You can substitute other fruits like raspberries or blueberries if strawberries are not available.
Variation
Try adding chocolate ganache or a drizzle of caramel for a twist on the classic flavor. You can also experiment with flavored whipped cream, like adding a touch of lemon or orange zest for brightness.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the pastry dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the choux pastry ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container before baking.
Q: What can I use instead of strawberries?
A: You can use any fresh fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for different flavors.
Q: How can I make the pastry more crunchy?
A: Adding sliced almonds on top before baking adds a wonderful crunch to the pastry.
Enjoy making your Paris-Brest! It’s a delightful treat that will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Print
Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful French pastry combining airy choux pastry with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for whipped cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and add the flour, stirring until smooth. Cool for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in vanilla extract.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag and pipe a large ring onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
- Let pastry cool completely.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Slice the cooled choux pastry in half horizontally. Pipe whipped cream onto the bottom half, arrange sliced strawberries on top, and place the top half over the filling.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
Best eaten fresh for optimal texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Paris-Brest, French pastry, dessert, whipped cream, strawberries, special occasions