Paris-Brest Recipe

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• 125 ml (½ cup) water
• 125 ml (½ cup) milk
• 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 150 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Praline Cream Filling:

• 500 ml (2 cups) milk
• 120 g (½ cup) sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 50 g (⅓ cup) cornstarch
• 200 g (¾ cup) butter, softened
• 100 g (½ cup) praline paste or ground hazelnuts

For Garnish:

• Sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Make the Choux Pastry:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture boils.
3. Remove from heat, add the flour, and stir vigorously until a dough forms.
4. Return to low heat and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry the dough.
5. Transfer the dough to a bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and shiny.
6. Pipe the dough into a large ring shape (or multiple smaller ones) on the prepared sheet. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Praline Cream:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk until steaming.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
5. Beat softened butter and praline paste together. Gradually mix it into the cooled custard until smooth.

3. Assemble the Paris-Brest:

1. Slice the choux ring horizontally with a serrated knife.
2. Pipe or spread the praline cream onto the bottom half of the pastry.
3. Place the top half of the pastry back on, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with more almonds.

Serving Suggestions

Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld together. Slice into wedges and serve with coffee or tea for an elegant dessert experience.