Paris Brest

Thank you for being here 💛 Truly. When I want to make a dessert that stops people mid-conversation and earns that “Wow, you made this?!” reaction, Paris Brest is the one I reach for. It looks elegant and bakery-level fancy, but underneath all that beauty is a surprisingly approachable recipe. I promised you versatile—and this show-stopping cream puff wreath absolutely delivers!

Light choux pastry, silky custard, fluffy whipped cream, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar… this is the kind of dessert that turns any gathering into a celebration.

Introduction to Paris Brest

Paris Brest is a classic French dessert made from pâte à choux pastry, shaped into a ring, filled with creamy custard and whipped cream. Traditionally inspired by a bicycle race between Paris and Brest, this dessert is meant to resemble a wheel—and it’s just as unforgettable as its history.

It’s indulgent, elegant, and perfect for entertaining.

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Overview of the Recipe

This recipe is made in three simple components:

• Choux pastry wreath

• Vanilla custard filling

• Light, homemade whipped cream

Each element can be prepared ahead, making assembly stress-free on serving day.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Gorgeous, bakery-style presentation

• Perfect balance of light pastry and creamy filling

• Great make-ahead dessert

• Feeds a crowd without individual plating

• Classic French dessert made approachable

What Does Paris Brest Taste Like?

Delicate, lightly crisp pastry with a soft interior, filled with smooth vanilla custard and airy whipped cream. It’s rich yet light, sweet but not overpowering—pure elegance in every bite.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Impressive without being complicated

• Uses simple pantry ingredients

• Flexible timing with make-ahead components

• Customizable flavors

Ingredients

For the Pâte à Choux Pastry

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

For the Custard

• 2 cups whole milk

• 3 large eggs

• 1 egg yolk

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ¼ cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Saucepan

• Whisk

• Wooden spoon

• Mixing bowls

• Hand or stand mixer

• Parchment paper

• Baking sheet

• Wire rack

• Sharp knife

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Flavor twist: Add almond extract to custard

• Chocolate version: Fold melted chocolate into custard

• Nutty upgrade: Sprinkle toasted almonds on top

• Lighter filling: Use all whipped cream if preferred

How to Make Paris Brest

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