Absolutely! The dessert in the image is Paris-Brest, a classic French pastry made from choux pastry filled with rich praline or cream filling. It’s light, airy, and creamy — a true masterpiece of French patisserie.
Here’s your big, full, detailed recipe — with introduction, ingredients, methods, history, benefits, formation, nutrition, conclusion, and lovers’ notes ❤️👇
🌟 Paris-Brest (French Cream Puff Ring Cake)
An elegant French dessert of light choux pastry and dreamy cream filling.
🥐 Introduction
The Paris-Brest is a delicate and iconic French pastry, first created in 1910 to celebrate the long-distance bicycle race between Paris and Brest. Its circular, wheel-like shape symbolizes the bicycle wheel, while its crisp shell and velvety cream make it one of France’s most beloved desserts.
This dessert combines choux pastry (used in éclairs and cream puffs) with a luxurious vanilla or praline pastry cream and whipped cream filling. It’s crispy on the outside, cloud-soft inside, and simply divine in every bite.
🧁 Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup (250 ml) water
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Pastry Cream (Vanilla or Custard Filling):
- 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional (for Praline Cream Variation):
- ¼ cup praline paste or crushed roasted hazelnuts
👩🍳 Instructions / Method
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Once butter is melted, add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one by one until the dough is smooth and shiny.
- Pipe the dough in a ring shape (like a wheel) on the baking tray.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden. Turn off the oven and let it dry inside for 10 minutes with the door slightly open.
- Let cool completely before slicing horizontally.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Cream
- Heat the milk until warm but not boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth.
- Slowly add the hot milk to the mixture while whisking.
- Pour back into the pot and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla.
- Let cool completely, covering the surface with plastic wrap to avoid a skin forming.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the cooled pastry cream to make a light, airy custard-cream filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Paris-Brest
- Cut the cooled choux ring horizontally.
- Pipe or spread the cream mixture evenly on the bottom half.
- Place the top half back on and dust with powdered sugar.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
📜 History
The Paris-Brest was invented by pastry chef Louis Durand in 1910 to commemorate the Paris–Brest–Paris bicycle race. Its circular form resembles a bicycle wheel, and it quickly gained fame among cyclists and pastry lovers for its energy-rich cream and light choux dough.
It became one of the most iconic pastries in France, often served in patisseries and family gatherings alike.
🌿 Benefits
- Light & airy texture with a satisfying creamy filling.
- Rich in protein from eggs and dairy.
- Perfect energy boost thanks to its balance of carbs and fats.
- Elegant dessert for celebrations or romantic dinners.
- Brings a touch of French sophistication to any occasion.
🏗️ Formation
- The round ring represents unity and eternity — a perfect dessert for weddings, anniversaries, or loved ones.
- The layers of cream and pastry symbolize harmony: crisp, soft, sweet, and smooth all at once.
💞 Lovers’ Connection
The Paris-Brest is often called a “pastry for lovers”, because its circular shape represents endless love — no beginning, no end. Sharing a slice with someone you love makes it even sweeter.
It’s a dessert that says: “I care enough to make something beautiful.” ❤️
🧠 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Note: These values may vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.
🍽️ Conclusion
The Paris-Brest is more than a dessert — it’s a story of passion, creativity, and French finesse.
Its golden crust, creamy filling, and soft texture create a luxurious experience in every bite. Whether served at a romantic dinner, festive table, or Sunday afternoon tea, it never fails to impress.
💕 For the Lovers
To all dessert lovers — this pastry is a symbol of love, patience, and perfection.
Make it with someone you cherish, share it warm or chilled, and taste the magic of Paris in your own home.
Would you like me to make a version with chocolate hazelnut filling (Nutella Paris-Brest) next? It’s even more indulgent! 🍫