Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both impressive and indulgent, Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries is exactly what you need. This classic French pastry, created to honor the Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race, is a showstopper. Imagine a delicate choux pastry ring, perfectly crisp on the outside, airy and soft on the inside, filled with rich, creamy whipped cream. Add a few plump, sweet strawberries, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

This pastry is the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The choux pastry has just the right amount of crunch, while the light, fluffy whipped cream and the juicy, fresh strawberries offer a wonderful contrast. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this recipe will leave everyone asking for more. Trust me—it’s a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries

• Elegant & Beautiful: These pastries are stunning, with the golden choux ring filled with billowing whipped cream and garnished with fresh, vibrant strawberries. They’re perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or for a fancy weekend treat.
• Perfectly Balanced: The choux pastry is light and crispy, the whipped cream is sweet and airy, and the strawberries bring a burst of freshness. Every bite is a delicate balance of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more.
• Simple but Special: While they may look complex, these pastries are actually fairly easy to make. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels as indulgent as it looks.

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• Butter
• Water
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

For the Topping and Garnish:

• Fresh strawberries
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

(Note: Full ingredient list and measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through how to create these mouthwatering Paris-Brest pastries from start to finish.

1. Make the Choux Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and the mixture starts to bubble, remove it from the heat and stir in the flour. Mix until the dough comes together into a smooth ball.

Next, return the saucepan to low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps dry out the dough slightly, which gives it the right texture. Once the dough feels smooth and slightly sticky, remove from heat. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy when ready.

2. Shape the Choux Rings

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the choux dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the dough into a circle on the parchment paper, forming a ring. You can make the ring as large or small as you prefer, but aim for about 3 inches in diameter. Pipe a second smaller ring on top of the first one to create a hollow center once it bakes.

3. Bake the Choux Pastry

Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during the baking process, as this can cause the pastries to deflate. Once baked, let the pastries cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Whip the Cream

While the choux pastries are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it; you want the cream to be fluffy and soft.

5. Assemble the Paris-Brest Pastries

Once the choux pastries have cooled, slice them in half horizontally. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream into the hollow center of the bottom half of each pastry ring. Be generous! Then, place fresh strawberry slices on top of the whipped cream.

Top with the other half of the pastry ring, creating a sandwich. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

6. Serve & Enjoy

These pastries are best served fresh, so enjoy them immediately! The combination of the crisp choux pastry, the light whipped cream, and the sweet strawberries is sure to impress.

How to Serve Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries

• As a Showstopper Dessert: Serve these pastries as the centerpiece of a special dinner or brunch. They look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make.
• Coffee Pairing: Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
• Fresh Fruit: You can also garnish the top of the pastries with additional fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: The choux pastry can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The whipped cream should be prepared just before serving to maintain its fluffiness.
• Keep it Crisp: If you’re not serving the pastries immediately, keep the choux rings separate from the whipped cream filling to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Customize the Filling: While whipped cream is traditional, you can also add a bit of lemon zest, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel to change things up.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the choux pastry in advance?
A1: Yes! The choux pastry can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Just wait to fill them with whipped cream until right before serving.

Q2: Can I use a different filling?
A2: Of course! You can experiment with different fillings, such as custard, pastry cream, or even a chocolate mousse for a twist on the classic.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Leftover Paris-Brest pastries should be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. The choux pastry may lose its crispness, but they will still be delicious.

Q4: Can I freeze the pastries?
A4: It’s not ideal to freeze the assembled pastries, as the whipped cream might not hold up well. However, you can freeze the baked choux rings and then fill them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A5: Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but if frozen strawberries are all you have, make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before using them.

This Paris-Brest Pastry with Whipped Cream and Strawberries recipe is a perfect dessert for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something elegant and sweet. The crispy pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries are a winning combination that will make any occasion feel extra special!

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