There’s something truly enchanting about sweets that whisk us away to cherished memories of family kitchens, bustling with love and laughter. The Paris-Brest, with its luscious cream and fresh strawberries, invites us to indulge not just in flavor, but in the warmth of shared moments. Just as Mama used to say, “A little sweetness makes the world go round.”
Why make this recipe?
This delightful pastry is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of simpler times. The Paris-Brest, originally created to honor the famous bicycle race in France, is a puff pastry filled with whipped cream that makes you feel at home with every bite. Add fresh strawberries, and you have a classic dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for relishing with family or friends during the sweetest occasions.
How to make Paris-Brest with strawberries
Ingredients:
- 80 grams of butter
- 200 ml of water
- 100 g of flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 400 ml of very cold liquid cream
- 60 g of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 400 g of fresh strawberries
- Icing sugar to sprinkle
- Mint leaves for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C. The warmth of the oven is like a blanket that comforts your dough.
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil with butter, salt, and sugar, letting the aroma fill your kitchen as it begins to bubble.
- Once boiling, remove from the heat, then add the flour all at once and mix vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Allow it to cool slightly. As the dough gathers itself, incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well to create a luscious texture.
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, make a circle of dough about 20 cm in diameter. If you fancy, sprinkle some grated almonds for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, resisting the urge to peek, as that lovely pastry rises to perfection.
- Once done, let it cool completely on a wire rack; this helps maintain that delightful crunch you’re looking for.
- Meanwhile, whip your very cold liquid cream with sugar and vanilla until it forms stiff peaks, like fluffy clouds of delight.
- Rinse and slice the strawberries into halves or quarters, letting their natural sweetness dance in the air.
- Carefully cut the Paris-Brest horizontally in half. On the base, spread half of the whipped cream generously and adorn it with your vibrant strawberry chunks.
- Place the top half back on, then pipe a beautiful swirl of whipped cream in the center, adding a few more strawberries for good measure. Finish with a dusting of icing sugar and a sprig of mint for a touch of elegance.
Tip: If you want an extra crispy pastry, prepare the dough the day before and assemble it fresh the next day.
How to serve Paris-Brest
This elegant dessert steals the show at any gathering. Slice it into wedges and serve it with a steaming cup of coffee or a chilled glass of sweet tea. It’s perfect for gatherings filled with laughter or for cozy evenings spent recounting memories around the dinner table.
How to store Paris-Brest
Keep any leftovers in the fridge, but know that it’s best enjoyed fresh. If the puff pastry sits too long, it may lose its delightful crunch. For the best tasting experience, savor every moment until it’s gone.
Tips to make Paris-Brest
Don’t rush the process; let the dough rest sufficiently before adding the eggs. This creates a delightful texture that will make your Paris-Brest truly shine. And remember, the best desserts are made with a sprinkle of love and a dash of joy.
Variations
While the classic Paris-Brest is beautiful on its own, you might want to play around with fillings. How about chocolate mousse or lemon curd instead of whipped cream? Let your imagination take flight as you create your unique versions.
FAQs
Q: Can I add different fruits to the Paris-Brest?
Absolutely! Try peaches or blueberries for a twist, embracing the fruits that speak to your heart.
Q: Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, making the dough the day before is a fantastic way to save time on the day of your gathering, giving you one less thing to worry about while you celebrate.
Q: What if I can’t find fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries can work as long as they’re thawed and drained properly. Just be sure to enjoy the flavors that make you feel at home.
Conclusion
As you gather around the table to share this Paris-Brest with strawberries, you’ll find that it’s more than just a dessert—it’s a gateway to cherished memories and the warmth of togetherness. For more delicious ideas, you could explore this delightful dessert recipe or surprise your loved ones with a special treat from Zingerman’s Deli. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and whip up this sweet delight to celebrate the beautiful moments in life. After all, every great meal starts with a great story!
Paris-Brest with Strawberries
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C.
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil with the butter, salt, and sugar.
- Once boiling, remove from heat, add the flour all at once and mix vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides.
- Allow the dough to cool slightly, then incorporate the eggs one at a time.
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, form a circle of dough about 20 cm in diameter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Let the pastry cool completely on a wire rack.
- Whip the very cold liquid cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Rinse and slice the strawberries.
- Cut the Paris-Brest horizontally in half. Spread half the whipped cream on the bottom half, then add strawberry chunks.
- Place the top half back on, pipe the remaining whipped cream in the center, and add more strawberries. Dust with icing sugar and garnish with mint.