10 Paris Brest Recipes: Indulge in the Perfect French Dessert Delight

Discover the 10 best Paris Brest recipes that bring the famous French pastry into your kitchen. From classic praline to innovative chocolate and fruit variations, these recipes are perfect for every dessert lover.

Paris Brest, the iconic French dessert, has charmed dessert lovers around the world with its crisp choux pastry, rich fillings, and irresistible praline flavors. Originally created in 1910 to honor the Paris–Brest–Paris bicycle race, this wheel-shaped delicacy symbolizes perfection in taste and texture.

If you’ve been craving this classic treat or want to experiment with unique flavor twists, here are 10 Paris Brest recipes that promise to delight your taste buds. Whether you are a baking enthusiast or a professional pâtissier, these recipes will help you master the art of Paris Brest at home.

1. Classic Paris Brest Recipe (Traditional Praline Cream)

The original Paris Brest is filled with luscious hazelnut praline mousseline cream and garnished with toasted almonds.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry (butter, water, flour, eggs)
  
• Praline paste
  
• Butter
  
• Pastry cream
  
• Toasted sliced almonds
  
• Powdered sugar
  

Steps:

1. Prepare the choux pastry ring.
   
2. Bake until golden brown.
   
3. Make praline mousseline cream by mixing praline paste, pastry cream, and butter.
   
4. Fill the cooled choux pastry with cream.
   
5. Top with toasted almonds and dust with powdered sugar.
   

2. Chocolate Paris Brest

For chocolate lovers, this version replaces the praline cream with silky chocolate ganache and chocolate whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry
  
• Dark chocolate ganache
  
• Chocolate whipped cream
  
• Cocoa powder for dusting
  

Steps:

1. Make a dark chocolate ganache and chill until set.
   
2. Whip the ganache into a mousse texture.
   
3. Fill the choux ring and sprinkle cocoa powder on top.
   

3. Pistachio Paris Brest

A delightful twist featuring nutty pistachio flavors, this version is elegant and unique.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry
  
• Pistachio paste
  
• Pastry cream
  
• Butter
  
• Crushed pistachios
  

Steps:

1. Blend pistachio paste with pastry cream and butter to make pistachio mousseline cream.
   
2. Pipe into the choux ring.
   
3. Garnish with crushed pistachios.
   

4. Raspberry Paris Brest

Add a fruity burst with fresh raspberries and raspberry coulis for a summery dessert.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry
  
• Vanilla pastry cream
  
• Raspberry coulis
  
• Fresh raspberries
  

Steps:

1. Make a simple vanilla pastry cream.
   
2. Mix in raspberry coulis for flavor.
   
3. Fill the choux with the cream and insert fresh raspberries.
   
4. Decorate with powdered sugar.
   

5. Coffee Paris Brest

Perfect for coffee aficionados, this Paris Brest is filled with rich coffee cream that pairs beautifully with the crisp pastry.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry
  
• Espresso shot
  
• Pastry cream
  
• Butter
  
• Chocolate-covered coffee beans (for garnish)
  

Steps:

1. Add espresso to the pastry cream for flavor.
   
2. Make coffee mousseline by blending butter with the cream.
   
3. Fill the choux pastry and top with coffee beans.
   

6. Almond Paris Brest

This variation intensifies the nutty taste using almond praline and almond cream filling.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry
  
• Almond praline paste
  
• Pastry cream
  
• Toasted almonds
  

Steps:

1. Create almond praline cream by mixing almond paste with pastry cream.
   
2. Pipe into the choux pastry.
   
3. Top with sliced toasted almonds and powdered sugar.
   

7. Caramel Paris Brest

Rich caramel filling adds a luxurious sweetness to the traditional Paris Brest.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry
  
• Salted caramel sauce
  
• Pastry cream
  
• Sea salt flakes
  

Steps:

1. Make salted caramel and mix into pastry cream.
   
2. Fill choux ring with caramel cream.
   
3. Sprinkle sea salt on top for flavor contrast.
   

8. Matcha Green Tea Paris Brest

A Japanese-inspired version with earthy matcha powder offers a refreshing and unique flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry
  
• Matcha green tea powder
  
• Pastry cream
  
• White chocolate chips (optional)
  

Steps:

1. Whisk matcha powder into pastry cream.
   
2. Fill the choux with matcha cream.
   
3. Garnish with white chocolate shavings.
   

9. Lemon Curd Paris Brest

Tangy lemon curd adds a zesty brightness to the sweet, creamy Paris Brest.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry
  
• Lemon curd
  
• Pastry cream
  
• Lemon zest
  

Steps:

1. Prepare homemade lemon curd.
   
2. Fold lemon curd into pastry cream.
   
3. Pipe into the choux pastry.
   
4. Garnish with lemon zest and powdered sugar.
   

10. Vegan Paris Brest

A plant-based Paris Brest made with dairy-free butter and coconut milk for a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients:

• Choux pastry made with vegan butter and plant milk
  
• Coconut milk pastry cream
  
• Almond or hazelnut butter
  
• Maple syrup
  

Steps:

1. Prepare choux pastry using vegan substitutes.
   
2. Make coconut milk-based pastry cream.
   
3. Add nut butter for a creamy filling.
   
4. Assemble and chill before serving.
   

Tips for the Perfect Paris Brest

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Real butter, fresh eggs, and top-notch praline or chocolate make a difference.
   
2. Pipe Evenly: A uniform choux ring ensures even baking and presentation.
   
3. Chill Your Filling: Creams hold their shape better when well-chilled.
   
4. Garnish Creatively: Use fresh fruits, nuts, or edible gold leaf to impress guests.
   

Why You Should Try These Paris Brest Variations

Exploring these Paris Brest recipes allows you to experience the versatility of this classic French pastry. From nutty delights like pistachio and almond to fruity surprises like raspberry and lemon, each recipe offers a distinct taste journey. Even vegans can now enjoy this luxurious dessert without compromise.

These recipes are perfect for:

• Festive celebrations
  
• Dinner parties
  
• Afternoon tea treats
  
• Special gifts
  

They also allow creative bakers to showcase their skills and impress family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make Paris Brest ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the choux pastry in advance and store it in an airtight container. Fill just before serving for the best texture.

Q2: How do I store Paris Brest?
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that the pastry will lose its crispness over time.

Q3: Can I freeze Paris Brest?
You can freeze the unfilled choux rings, but filled Paris Brest is best enjoyed fresh.

Q4: Is it possible to make gluten-free Paris Brest?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for choux pastry.

Conclusion

Paris Brest is more than just a pastry—it’s an experience. Whether you prefer the original praline version or want to venture into exciting flavors like matcha, lemon, or chocolate, these 10 Paris Brest recipes provide endless inspiration for your dessert table.