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Home » Meals » dessert » Paris Brest with Raspberry Whipped Cream Filling

Paris Brest with Raspberry Whipped Cream Filling

April 27, 2012 by Savoring Italy

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Paris Brest with Raspberry Whipped Cream Filling is a delicate and light as air puff pastry filled with a sweet raspberry whipped cream. You could also make one large ring and and really impress your guests with this elegant and lovely French dessert!

overhead image of paris brest with raspberry whipped cream filling
April in Paris. The city of lights and romance. The city of crispy baguettes and delicate pastries. The city I dream of visiting again. I felt for a moment I was there making my Paris Brest dessert.


My darling friend Jamie from the delicious blog Life’s a Feast lives in France and this month is hosting a Monthly Mingle. The Monthly Mingle created by the lovely Meeta of What’s For Lunch, Honey? I couldn’t wait to get baking something très français!

overhead image of dough with almonds on top
I settled on a Paris Brest…not the breast kind of a breast! Get your minds out of the gutter. Now what exactly is a Paris Brest. The Paris Brest is said to have been created by a pastry chef in honor of a bicycle race between Paris and Brest.

It consists of a baked almond-topped choux pastry ring (patterned after a bicycle tire) that is split and filled with a praline-flavored buttercream. What was the race about? Paris–Brest–Paris (PBP) was originally a 1200km bicycle race from Paris to Brest and back to Paris. It is one of the oldest bicycling events still regularly run (the oldest being the Catford CC Hill Climb). The last time it was run as a race was 1951. (source Food Network and Wikipedia)

I’ve never been to the magical city in April but I did get to go there in a very cold November back when I was studying in France. Beautiful even on the dreary and frigid days.
image of eiffel tower

overhead image of pastry with powdered sugar on top

overhead image of city of paris

Piping pastry cream is tricky. You have to practice and you have to move the bag swiftly, carefully and purposefully. If you move a little to the side, the pretty pattern will not be so pretty. This is the way I wanted all of my cream to look. They didn’t all look this way. But it didn’t matter…it was the taste! I don’t talk too often about puff pastries here. That doesn’t mean I don’t love them.
overhead image of pastry with whipped cream filling
Fabrizio’s zio Antonio lives in Valle D’Aosta. Many of his pastries are influenced by French recipes and his bignè  are made with Pâte a Choux. These delicate puffs are filled mile high with the richest and most wonderful whipped cream. These little cream puffs are the ruin of me every year when we go to visit zio Antonio. That is why I hardly ever bake them here.;)

image of pastries with whipped cream

overhead image of pastry with powdered sugar on white plate

overhead image of pastry with almonds on top

 

Delicate and light as air puff pastry filled with a sweet raspberry whipped cream. Making your own cream puff dough is not as difficult as it may seem. You could make something sweet or savory with this basic dough recipe. If you are going savory, omit the sugar. The dough can be spooned onto your sheet to make puffs and freeze them until you’re ready to use them.

 

Paris Brest with Raspberry Whipped Cream Filling

Pâte a Choux-Cream Puff Dough
dough adapted from Dorie Greenspan’s Around My French Table


1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup water
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup of almond slivers

Raspberry Whipped Cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/4 cup whipped cream
1 cup fresh raspberries

Raspberry Whipped Cream Directions:
Puree the raspberries in a mixer. Strain the raspberries through a fine sieve and set aside (you need to remove the seeds from raspberries).

If you like your cream sweeter, add a little more powdered sugar. In the bowl of a mixer, beat the cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Slowly add in the raspberry coulis and beat on low speed until combined. Set in refrigerator to chill while you prepare the dough.

To make the Pâte a Choux-Cream Puff Dough:

In a heavy sauce pan, combine the milk, water, butter, sugar and salt to a boil. Add the flour and stir until smooth with a heavy wooden spoon.
overhead image of dough in pan
 
Turn the heat up to high and cook the flour mixture stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. The flour will be cooked when a thin film forms on on the bottom. You are essentially drying out the dough and the process should take about 4-5 minutes.
overhead image of dough in pan
 
Transfer the dough to the bowl of a mixer (I used a stand mixer) and let the dough rest a minute or two. Add the eggs to the dough one at at time on medium speed until the dough is thick and smooth.
overhead image of dough in a mixer
overhead image of dough in a bowl
overhead image of dough in mixing bowl
 
 
The dough needs to be used as soon as it’s made. It can’t be put in the refrigerator to use later, so make sure you are ready to go when it’s done.)
 
*You could draw with a  pencil 8 circles on your parchment paper lining your baking pans to help you follow the design and make them evenly shaped. Place the dough in a pastry bag using a star tip (or plain round) 1/2 –inch tip and pipe onto parchment lined baking sheets forming 8 circles.
overhead image of dough being piped on parchment paper lined tray
 

Sprinkle with almond slivers and bake at 375 F for about 22-26 minutes (omit the almonds if you need to. still will be wonderful!). If you open the door, the puffs may deflate. The dough should be golden colored. Allow the puffs to rest on the baking sheet.Assembling the Paris Brest:

After the dough has cooled, carefully slice in half the pastry rings. Pipe the chilled whipped cream on the bottom layer of the rings. Top with the other halves and dust with powdered sugar.

Happy baking! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
 
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Paris Brest with Raspberry Whipped Cream Filling

The Paris Brest with Raspberry Whipped Cream filling should be eaten on the day it is made. The pastry gets soggy the next day. Make the filling in advance and the pastry the day you’re serving it. Fill it just before serving. You could make one large cake instead of the individual portions.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time28 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: pastry, pate a choux, whipped cream
Servings: 8
Author: Lora

Ingredients

  • Pastry
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup of almond slivers
  • Raspberry Whipped Cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/4 cup whipped cream
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions

  • Raspberry Whipped Cream Directions:
  • Puree the raspberries in a mixer. Strain the raspberries through a fine sieve and set aside (you need to remove the seeds from raspberries).
  • If you like your cream sweeter, add a little more powdered sugar. In the bowl of a mixer, beat the cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Slowly add in the raspberry coulis and beat on low speed until combined. Set in refrigerator to chill while you prepare the dough.
  • To make the Pâte a Choux-Cream Puff Dough:
  • In a heavy sauce pan, combine the milk, water, butter, sugar and salt to a boil. Add the flour and stir until smooth with a heavy wooden spoon.
  • Turn the heat up to high and cook the flour mixture stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. The flour will be cooked when a thin film forms on on the bottom. You are essentially drying out the dough and the process should take about 4-5 minutes.
  • Transfer the dough to the bowl of a mixer (I used a stand mixer) and let the dough rest a minute or two. Add the eggs to the dough one at at time on medium speed until the dough is thick and smooth.
  • The dough needs to be used as soon as it’s made. It can’t be put in the refrigerator to use later, so make sure you are ready to go when it’s done.)
  • You could draw with a pencil 8 circles on your parchment paper lining your baking pans to help you follow the design and make them evenly shaped. Place the dough in a pastry bag using a star tip (or plain round) 1/2 –inch tip and pipe onto parchment lined baking sheets forming 8 circles.
  • Sprinkle with almond slivers and bake at 375 F for about 22-26 minutes (omit the almonds if you need to. still will be wonderful!). If you open the door, the puffs may deflate. The dough should be golden colored. Allow the puffs to rest on the baking sheet.
  • Assembling the Paris Brest:
  • After the dough has cooled, carefully slice in half the pastry rings. Pipe the chilled whipped cream on the bottom layer of the rings. Top with the other halves and dust with powdered sugar.
Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!
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Comments

  1. El says

    April 27, 2012 at 5:00 pm

    This looks incredible. I've never seen this dessert with raspberry before but you did an amazing job. Excellent choice for the mingle!

    Reply
  2. Lizzy says

    April 27, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    Stunning, Lora! Just a work of art! I've made this before, but the raspberry pastry cream takes it to another level! YUM.

    Reply
  3. Angie's Recipes says

    April 27, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    Those are also very popular over here…yours look bakery perfect!

    Reply
  4. Paula says

    April 27, 2012 at 7:29 pm

    I love choux pastry! Those cream puffs shown certainly are filled to unbelievable whipped cream heights. Your Paris Brest look amazing and I love that you flavoured your whipped cream.

    P.S. Loved hearing about the history of these.

    Reply
  5. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says

    April 27, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    You had me at raspberry – wow these are gorgeous and positively tasty!

    Reply
  6. Kathy says

    April 27, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    These are absolutely stunning! I would love to be having one right now…I can never turn down a puff pastry! Love the raspberry pastry cream…delicious looking!

    Reply
  7. Renee @ Tortillas and Honey says

    April 27, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    That is so lovely! I totally don't have the steady have to make that for sure! 😉

    Reply
  8. Kimberly (unrivaledkitch) says

    April 27, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    fantastic. So beautiful

    Reply
  9. Gina says

    April 28, 2012 at 2:07 am

    I need one of these, you have no idea how badly. I've been making a ton of gougeres, will have to try this next time. Whip cream is my weakness. Hope all is well and that you have a great weekend.
    -Gina-

    Reply
  10. Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef says

    April 28, 2012 at 8:15 am

    I think one of these could take me out of the funk I've been in all day. It's either one of these or a nap! 🙂 It looks fantastic.

    Reply
  11. Jamie says

    April 28, 2012 at 8:28 am

    I LOVE your Paris Brest! And you beat me to it – I have long wanted to make these beauties but keep putting it off! I love making choux! And one can fill them with anything, sweet or savory. Your raspberry whipped cream is wonderful! Okay, my turn! Thrilled you baked these for my Monthly Mingle! xo

    Reply
  12. Xinmei @ Pudding Pie Lane says

    April 28, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Praline flavoured buttercream – yum! I love the instagram shots too 🙂 I think your pastry cream piping came out great!

    Reply
  13. Lisa says

    April 28, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous, Lora..and I love how you made individual 'brests'. I could see these in a window of a high-end patisserie. The raspberry whipped cream is driving me crazy! I want to eat itwith a spoon! What a luscious and stunning MM submission! You are a pastry goddess!

    Reply
  14. Karriann says

    April 28, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    That looks absolutely decadent! Yummy 😉

    "Happy Cooking"

    Reply
  15. Deb says

    April 28, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    Your Paris Brest is gorgeous! I find the raspberry whipped cream to be a marvelous pairing with the ethereal pastry.

    Reply
  16. Sara @OneTribeGourmet says

    April 29, 2012 at 3:47 am

    Gorgeous post! I'm speechless! Love the light and airy puff pastry filled with raspberry whipped cream…YUM!

    Reply
  17. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

    April 29, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    This looks amazing. I want to take my finger and dip it into the fluffy center. Yum!

    Reply
  18. lael Hazan @educatedpalate says

    April 29, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    I love how the light plays with your first photo! Gorgeous. Now, can I get my daughter to make these for me…. hmn… she isn't a fan of nuts, how do you think it would be without the almonds?

    Reply
  19. Magic of Spice says

    April 29, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    Oh wow that is just beautiful! No doubt just as delicious as it is gorgeous 🙂

    Reply
  20. Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says

    April 29, 2012 at 8:32 pm

    My goodness, so much to love about this sweet treat. So pretty and I love the raspberry whipped cream. I bet these just as tasty as they are pretty, Lora. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Vicki @ WITK says

    April 29, 2012 at 8:55 pm

    The raspberry cream might not make it into the pastry rings in my house! 🙂 Love raspberry anything! I'm also wanting one of those super tall brests in the bakery window picture! Lovely dessert and pics here!

    Reply
  22. Paula - bell'alimento says

    April 29, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    Will you bring me a dozen now per favore? ; ) xoxo

    Reply
  23. Elle says

    April 29, 2012 at 9:20 pm

    Beautiful! I could eat a few of those right now. And some more later! So light and pretty!

    Reply
  24. Carolyn says

    April 29, 2012 at 9:48 pm

    You did a gorgeous job on that, Lora. It's perfect!

    Reply
  25. Amy says

    April 30, 2012 at 1:38 am

    This looks and sounds amazing! Such a light yet rich dessert, and I love that you have added raspberry to the filling!

    Reply
  26. LetMeEatCake Eat With Me! says

    April 30, 2012 at 7:16 am

    wow Paris Brest sounds incredible! and looks beautiful

    Reply
  27. SweetSugarBelle says

    April 30, 2012 at 11:22 am

    These are dreamy, Lora!!!

    Reply
  28. bunkycooks says

    April 30, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    Another beautiful dessert! Maybe we can all meet in Paris sometime and enjoy one of these beautiful pastries. Wouldn't that be a dream come true?! Until then, I will drop in on you soon in Florida and you can make one for us to have there. 🙂

    Reply
  29. Happy When Not Hungry says

    May 1, 2012 at 12:16 am

    This looks beautiful! Paris is one of my favorite cities and I've only been there once! Love this. Nice job!

    Reply
  30. Barbara | Creative Culinary says

    May 1, 2012 at 12:49 am

    This is nothing less than amazing. What else can I say? AMAZING!

    Reply
  31. Jersey Girl Cooks says

    May 1, 2012 at 11:52 am

    Gorgeous dessert!

    Reply
  32. Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says

    May 1, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    What an absolutely beautiful post! Pate a choux is one of those classics that I, sadly, have never attempted in my own kitchen. However, your gorgeous Paris Brest has inspired me to give it a go.

    Reply
  33. Ilke says

    May 1, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    Beautiful, wish we had more bakeries in the US like they have in Europe! Have been wanting to try this dough. How big the circles are?

    Reply
    • Savoring Italy says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:57 pm

      Hi Ilke-Thank you!I have the same wish;) The circles were about 5 inches diameter;)xx

  34. Beth Michelle says

    May 2, 2012 at 10:43 am

    I just got back from a week in Paris this April! It was magical! I would love to go in the winter to see the city blanketed in a thin layer of snow!I love this Paris Brest. It looks delicious and is beautiful!

    Reply
  35. Natalie Atick says

    May 3, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    This is just gorgeous! I bet it was really good too!

    Reply
  36. Sally - My Custard Pie says

    May 3, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    You must have a lot of patience to make them look this gorgeous. Bravo

    Reply
  37. Mari says

    May 4, 2012 at 3:51 am

    This looks spectacular! I have fallen in love with this filling! Your focaccia look scrumptious!

    Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    Reply
  38. Sue says

    May 4, 2012 at 4:36 am

    These look so delicate and delicious!

    Reply
  39. RecipeNewZ says

    May 12, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    These puffs look amazing – light and delicious! And the photos are gorgeous :-). I wish I could have one of those pastries with a cup of tea now…

    Reply
  40. Tara says

    May 14, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    This looks so amazing, I am going to add it to my Mouth Watering Mondays post, come on over next Monday to see it at http://www.noshingwiththenolands.com Cheers, Tara

    Reply
  41. Brittany Campbell says

    May 20, 2012 at 9:34 am

    That is a great flavor idea! I love Paris-Brest especially from Patisserie de Reve with little hidden pockets of praline in the cream. Raspberry sounds amazing though!

    Reply
  42. hermes bag outlet says

    December 28, 2012 at 9:12 am

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