Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Introduction

There’s something undeniably enchanting about pastries, especially when they come together in a way that celebrates both elegance and indulgence. Recently, I decided to make Paris-Brest Pastries filled with luscious whipped cream and fresh strawberries, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The moment I pulled the golden, puffed choux pastries from the oven, my family gathered around, eagerly awaiting a taste. The light, airy texture of the choux combined with the sweetness of the whipped cream and the freshness of the strawberries created a dessert that left everyone wanting more. It’s a recipe that not only impresses but also makes for a delightful celebration of flavors. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your loved ones, this is it!

Ingredients

For the 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)

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the Choux Pastry:

In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Add the flour all at once and stir quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1-2 minutes).

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool slightly.

Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and shiny.

3. Shape the Pastry:

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in circles (about 3-4 inches in diameter), leaving space between each one.

Sprinkle the top of each pastry with sliced almonds.

4. Bake the Pastry:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

5. Prepare the Whipped Cream:

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

6. Assemble the Pastries:

Once the pastries have cooled, slice each one in half horizontally.

Pipe the whipped cream onto the bottom half of each pastry, then add fresh strawberry slices on top of the cream.

Place the top half of the pastry back on and dust with powdered sugar.

7. Serve:

Serve these delightful Paris-Brest Pastries with whipped cream and strawberries fresh and enjoy! These light and airy pastries filled with cream and berries make for a perfect dessert or special treat!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

• Presentation: Arrange the pastries on a decorative platter.
• Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
• Beverage Pairing: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

1. Piping Technique: Use a steady hand when piping the dough to achieve even shapes.
2. Chilling: If your whipped cream isn’t holding its shape, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping.
3. Egg Temperature: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the choux pastry.
4. Cooling: Allow the pastries to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent the cream from melting.
5. Flavor Variation: Experiment with different flavors of whipped cream, such as chocolate or almond, for a unique twist.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Paris-Brest: Add cocoa powder to the choux pastry for a chocolate version.
• Fruit Variations: Substitute strawberries with other fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries.
• Nutella Filling: Swap out whipped cream for Nutella or a chocolate mousse for a richer filling.
• Different Toppings: Try using crushed pistachios or hazelnuts for an extra crunch instead of almonds.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light fruit salad for a refreshing side.
• Serve alongside a rich dessert wine or a light sparkling beverage for a special occasion.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: The unfilled choux pastries can be frozen for up to a month. Store them in an airtight container.
• Storage: Filled pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the cream may soften the pastry over time.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the choux pastry ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the choux pastry in advance and freeze them unfilled.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   You can use whipping cream, but the texture may be lighter.
3. How do I know when the choux pastry is done?
   It should be golden brown and puffed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
4. Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
   Yes, you can use almond milk and dairy-free butter for the pastry and whipped cream.
5. Why did my choux pastry not puff up?
   This could be due to insufficient moisture or not enough eggs. Make sure to follow the recipe closely.
6. How can I store leftover whipped cream?
   Store leftover whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
7. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
   Yes, store-bought whipped cream can be used for convenience.
8. How can I enhance the flavor of the whipped cream?
   Add a bit of lemon zest or a splash of liqueur for extra flavor.
9. What should I do if my pastries collapse?
   Make sure they are fully baked before removing them from the oven.
10. Can I make mini Paris-Brest pastries?
    Yes, simply pipe smaller circles of dough and adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Making Paris-Brest Pastry with whipped cream and strawberries is not just a culinary task; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy and satisfaction. The combination of textures—from the crispy choux to the creamy filling and the fresh fruit—creates a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether for a special occasion or just a fun treat at home, this pastry will surely impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the art of pastry-making!

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