If you’ve ever wanted to master a classic French dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries Recipe is exactly what you need. Inspired by a famous French cycling race, this iconic pastry’s light, airy choux dough rings are filled with luxuriously smooth whipped cream and fresh, juicy strawberries, creating a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. The subtle crunch of sliced almonds topping each ring adds a delightful contrast, making this dessert as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, essential ingredients you likely have on hand, each chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color in your Paris-Brest. From the rich butter and eggs that build the classic choux pastry to the fresh strawberries that bring a burst of vibrant freshness, every item plays an important role.
- Water: Helps create the perfect consistency for the choux dough.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and tenderizes the pastry.
- Unsalted butter: Provides flavor and a silky texture to the dough.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly for a balanced taste.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the choux pastry.
- Large eggs: Essential for leavening and creating that irresistible puffiness.
- Sliced almonds: Adds a lovely crunch and elegant finish on top.
- Powdered sugar: For a delicate dusting that adds sweetness and beauty.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into thick, luscious cream for the filling.
- Powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the whipped cream for a perfectly balanced filling.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the whipped cream with warm, comforting flavor.
- Fresh strawberries: Provide a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy filling.
How to Make Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Ensuring your oven is fully heated helps the pastry puff evenly and develop that iconic golden crust.
Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry
Combine the water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Then, add the flour all at once and stir quickly until the dough pulls away from the pan’s sides. This step is crucial because it cooks out the flour, creating the perfect base for a light, airy pastry. Once slightly cooled, beat in the eggs one by one until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. This silky texture tells you your dough is ready to shine.
Step 3: Shape the Pastry Rings
Transfer your dough into a piping bag and skillfully pipe rings about 3 to 4 inches in diameter onto the lined baking sheet. These rings will form the delicate structure of your Paris-Brest. Don’t forget to sprinkle sliced almonds on top to add that irresistible crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rings for about 25 to 30 minutes until they’re puffed and gloriously golden brown. A well-baked choux pastry should feel light and hollow when you tap it, and cooling it completely on a wire rack prevents sogginess later on.
Step 5: Whip the Cream Filling
While your pastries are cooling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. This step transforms simple cream into a luscious, airy filling that complements the delicate pastry perfectly. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag for easy assembly.
Step 6: Assemble Your Paris-Brest
Carefully slice each cooled pastry ring horizontally, then pipe whipped cream generously on the bottom half. Add a layer of fresh sliced strawberries for a vibrant, juicy surprise. Cap it with the top half of the pastry, and finish by dusting with powdered sugar for that quintessential French patisserie look.
How to Serve Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries Recipe
Garnishes
For elegant presentation, add a few whole strawberries or a sprig of fresh mint on the side. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving enhances the delicate sweetness and adds a touch of sophistication.
Side Dishes
This Paris-Brest pairs beautifully with a simple cup of black coffee or a delicate tea that doesn’t overwhelm the pastry’s subtle flavors. For a more indulgent treat, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of berry coulis for extra fruity brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual-sized rings on pretty dessert plates to impress guests. You can also arrange halved rings artistically on a platter, garnished with sliced strawberries and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. For a playful twist, add a dollop of lemon curd inside the cream for a citrus surprise in each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the assembled pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1 to 2 days to keep the whipped cream fresh and the pastry from becoming soggy.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze only the unfilled choux rings. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and fill with freshly whipped cream and strawberries.
Reheating
To restore the crispness of unfilled pastry rings, warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid reheating once assembled, as this will ruin the delicate whipped cream filling.
FAQs
Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches work wonderfully in this Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries Recipe, offering a different but equally delightful flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use heavy whipping cream?
For that classic, stable whipped cream filling, heavy whipping cream is ideal. It whips beautifully and holds its shape, giving the filling a perfect light yet sturdy texture.
Can I make the choux pastry dough ahead of time?
While you can prepare the dough in advance, it’s best to bake the pastry rings fresh before assembly to ensure they puff properly and retain their crisp texture.
Why is my choux pastry not puffing up?
Common reasons include insufficient heat when cooking the dough, underbaking, or opening the oven door too early. Make sure the dough is cooked until it forms a smooth ball, and avoid opening the oven during baking to get that signature puff.
What can I use instead of sliced almonds for topping?
If you’re not fond of almonds, you can use chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or even coarse sugar crystals to add texture and visual appeal atop your Paris-Brest.
Final Thoughts
This Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries Recipe is a delightful journey into French patisserie that’s sure to become a new favorite. Its elegant look and irresistible combination of light pastry, fluffy whipped cream, and succulent strawberries make it a spectacular dessert for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it impossible not to share this sweet treasure with friends and family.
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Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This classic French Paris-Brest pastry features delicate choux pastry rings filled with luscious whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Topped with toasted almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s an elegant dessert perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Ingredients
Choux Pastry
- 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
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Whipped Cream Filling
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the choux pastry.
- Make the choux pastry: In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, unsalted butter, sugar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly before gradually beating in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Shape the pastry: Transfer the choux dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Pipe the dough into circular rings of approximately 3-4 inches in diameter on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each. Sprinkle the tops with sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the pastry: Bake the piped rings for 25-30 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up. Once baked, remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the pastry sets properly.
- Prepare the whipped cream: In a chilled large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for easy assembly.
- Assemble the pastries: Slice each cooled pastry horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Pipe a generous layer of whipped cream onto the bottom half of each ring, layer with fresh sliced strawberries, then place the top half back on. Dust the assembled Paris-Brest generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Serve: Serve the Paris-Brest fresh immediately and enjoy this delightful, airy French dessert that perfectly balances richness with freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the dough cools slightly before adding eggs to prevent them from cooking prematurely.
- Piping the dough in even circles ensures uniform baking and an attractive presentation.
- Using chilled cream and bowl helps achieve stiffer peaks more easily for the whipped cream filling.
- The assembled pastry is best eaten the same day to enjoy optimal freshness and texture.
- Feel free to substitute strawberries with other berries or fruits of your choice for variety.
