There’s something special about desserts that remind us of sunny days, laughter, and the sweet moments shared with family. The Strawberry Paris-Brest captures that warmth in every creamy layer and juicy berry, making it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. This lovely dessert hails from France, yet it houses the spirit of home baking that most of us know and adore.
Why make this recipe? The Strawberry Paris-Brest is not just a treat for the eyes; it’s a celebration for the taste buds. Imagine the rich, buttery choux pastry cradling luscious whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It’s a joyful reminder of those sun-kissed summer afternoons, where the simple act of sharing dessert becomes a cherished memory. This time-honored recipe is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or even just a sweet indulgence on a quiet afternoon.
How to make Strawberry Paris-Brest
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:
Let’s get to the fun part—making this scrumptious Paris-Brest! First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (that’s 400°F for my fellow Southern folks). In a charming saucepan, bring the water to a boil along with the butter, salt, and sugar. Once that’s bubbling delightfully, remove it from heat and bravely add the flour in one go. You’ll want to mix this vigorously until the dough starts to separate from the sides of the pan—don’t you love how hands-on baking can be?
Next, let it cool just a tad before you incorporate those eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is so important, so be sure to channel your inner chef as you create that silky dough. Grab a plate and line it with some baking paper. Shape your dough into a circle about 20 cm in diameter—think of it as a sweet ring of joy—then, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated almonds on top.
Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Now, I know it’s hard, but resist the urge to open the oven during baking; we want our pastry to rise just right! Once it’s golden and puffy, let it cool completely on a wire rack. In the meantime, you can whip up that heavenly cream.
Grab your mixing bowl and whip the cold cream with the sugar and vanilla until it’s firm and ready to spread. Now comes the fun part: wash and slice your fresh strawberries, which will add that vibrant splash of summer flavor.
Carefully cut the cooled Paris-Brest in half horizontally. On the bottom half, spread half of that luscious whipped cream and pile on a generous helping of strawberry chunks. Then, replace the top and pipe a beautiful whipped cream rose in the center. Finish it off with a sprinkle of icing sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and fragrance.
How to serve Strawberry Paris-Brest
Serve your Strawberry Paris-Brest chilled and freshly made to appreciate the delicate textures and vibrant flavors. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making for a lovely afternoon treat. You can even set the table with your favorite floral tablecloth, creating a cozy atmosphere that draws everyone together.
How to store Strawberry Paris-Brest
If you find yourself with leftovers—though I doubt that will happen—store the Paris-Brest in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two, as the goodness of the cream and freshness of strawberries are at their peak then.
Tips to make Strawberry Paris-Brest
- Ensure your cream is very cold before whipping; this helps achieve that perfect fluffiness.
- Feel free to substitute strawberries with other berries or fruits; a mixed berry version would be equally delightful.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to your cream can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Variations
While the classic Strawberry Paris-Brest is undeniably delightful, you can experiment with different flavors by infusing the whipped cream with flavors like almond extract or even chocolate for a decadent twist.
FAQs
Can I make the pastry dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day beforehand, but it’s best to bake and assemble it on the same day for optimal freshness.
What’s the origin of Paris-Brest?
The Paris-Brest pastry was inspired by a bicycle race from Paris to Brest and is a celebration of the journey and sweetness of life.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it is not recommended to freeze the assembled dessert due to the cream and strawberries, you can freeze the pastry shells for later use. Just whip up some fresh cream when ready to serve!
Conclusion
Everything about the Strawberry Paris-Brest feels like a warm embrace and a sweet memory wrapped in layers of love. It’s a delightful way to bring a little piece of joy into your home. So gather your loved ones and indulge in this luscious creation together. For those looking to explore commercial options, you might be interested in trying this delightful Strawberry Paris Brest from Zingerman’s Deli. Also, check out this delightful recipe you’ll love for more inspiration. Let’s cherish those delightful moments over a sweet, shared treat!
Strawberry Paris-Brest
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a saucepan, bring the water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
- Remove from heat and quickly add the flour, mixing vigorously until the dough separates from the sides of the pan.
- Let the dough cool slightly, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Line a plate with baking paper and shape the dough into a circle about 20 cm in diameter. Optionally, sprinkle grated almonds on top.
- Place the shaped dough in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes without opening the oven.
- Once golden and puffy, allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Whip the cold cream with sugar and vanilla until firm.
- Wash and slice the fresh strawberries.
- Carefully cut the cooled Paris-Brest in half horizontally.
- Spread half of the whipped cream on the bottom half and add the sliced strawberries.
- Replace the top half and pipe whipped cream in the center.
- Finish with a sprinkle of icing sugar and garnish with mint leaves.