Desserts > French > Pastry > Choux Pastry

Strawberry-Vanilla Paris-Brest Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Powdered sugar, for garnish

Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Pastry bag
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Add the flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until just combined.
6. Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the dough into 8-inch circles on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Let cool completely.
9. In a medium bowl, whisk together the strawberry jam and heavy cream until smooth.
10. Spread the strawberry cream over the cooled pastry circles.
11. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 8 servings

Nutritional Information: N/A

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Whole milk can be substituted with almond milk or other non-dairy milk.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream.

Variations:
- Use different types of jam, such as raspberry or blueberry.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for an almond flavor.
- Sprinkle the top with chopped nuts or shredded coconut.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.
- Pipe the dough onto the baking sheet in even circles for even baking.
- Let the pastry cool completely before spreading the cream on top.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve on a platter with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.

Garnishes:
Powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, and mint leaves.

Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pastry is not baking evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
- If the pastry is not browning, increase the oven temperature to 400°F.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- Keep the pastry refrigerated until ready to serve.

Food History:
Paris-Brest is a French pastry that was created in 1910 to celebrate the Paris-Brest bicycle race. It is traditionally made with choux pastry and filled with a praline cream.

Flavor Profiles:
This pastry has a sweet and creamy flavor, with notes of vanilla and strawberry.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert after a meal or as a snack.

Related Categories

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Region: French

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Fruity, Vanilla, Strawberry