Delicious Paris Brest with Almond Cream You Can Make at Home
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by rodrigorecipez
As the warm scent of freshly baked pastry wafts through my kitchen, I m instantly transported to the charming streets of Paris, where patisseries line each corner, overflowing with delicate delights. One such treasure is the Paris Brest a dessert inspired by a famous bicycle race, perfectly merging the decadent flavors of almond cream and airy choux pastry. It s a treat that not only tickles your taste buds but also seems to impress anyone lucky enough to share in its glory.
I first encountered this sublime pastry during a culinary adventure, and since then, it has become my go-to for gatherings and special celebrations. The beautiful rings brushed with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of powdered sugar add an impressive finish that will make you feel like a master pastry chef in your own home. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can achieve a dessert that looks and tastes extraordinary, all while steering clear of the monotonous fast-food routine. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let s dive into making this delightful Paris Brest!
Why is Paris Brest a must-try dessert?
Delightful Experience: Paris Brest is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that transports you to the heart of France.
Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks craving a challenge.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful ring shape, adorned with almonds and powdered sugar, makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
Decadent Flavor: The creamy almond filling paired with airy choux pastry creates a heavenly balance that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Versatile Treat: Whether for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon tea, this pastry fits every occasion beautifully.
For even more indulgence, try serving it alongside a rich coffee or tea for a decadent treat!
Paris Brest Ingredients
Prepare for a delightful baking adventure with these essential Paris Brest ingredients!
For the Almond Cream
- Almond paste adds rich, nutty flavor and creaminess to the filling.
- Sugar sweetens the almond cream for the perfect balance of flavor.
- Butter use at room temperature for smooth integration into the mixture.
- Egg yolks enrich the cream and provide a luscious texture.
- Cornstarch thickens the cream, ensuring it holds its shape.
- Milk brings the almond cream to life with a creamy base.
- Vanilla extract a splash adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
For the Choux Pastry
- Water provides moisture for the dough and helps it puff up.
- Milk enhances the flavor and texture of the choux pastry.
- Butter melted, it creates a flaky and rich pastry base.
- Flour gives the desired structure; all-purpose works beautifully here.
- Eggs key for making the pastry rise and become light and airy.
- A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the pastry.
- Sliced almonds and powdered sugar for decoration, adding a touch of elegance and crunch.
Now, you’re one step closer to creating an irresistible Paris Brest that will leave everyone enchanted!
How to Make Paris Brest
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures our pastry bakes evenly, achieving that perfect golden color.
Combine the almond cream ingredients by mixing almond paste, sugar, and butter in a bowl until smooth. Next, add egg yolks and cornstarch, mixing until the components are beautifully blended and creamy.
Heat the milk in a pot until it’s hot but not boiling, ensuring a gentle warmth to enhance the cream. Slowly pour the hot milk over the almond mixture while whisking constantly to keep the texture smooth.
Thicken the mixture by returning it to the pot and cooking over medium heat. Stir constantly until the cream thickens to a lovely velvety consistency. Once thickened, stir in the vanilla extract and let cool.
Heat the water, milk, and butter in a pot until the butter melts completely, creating a rich base for our choux pastry. This fusion of flavors is the secret to that delightful dough.
Add the flour to the pot and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides. This step is crucial for developing the structure of the pastry. Transfer to a bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
Incorporate the eggs one by one, mixing until the dough is smooth and shiny. This is where the magic happens, transforming our mixture into the perfect choux pastry for piping!
Pipe a ring of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, then pipe a second ring on top, ensuring they touch. Finally, add a third ring on top for a beautiful layered effect that will rise beautifully in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and puffed. You’ll know they’re ready when the pastry is crisp to the touch and has that irresistible golden hue.
Cut the pastry horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom. This is the moment to fill your piping bag with the delicious almond cream and generously pipe it onto the bottom half.
Assemble by placing the top half of the pastry over the almond cream, creating a harmonious match. For that extra flourish, sprinkle with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serve and enjoy the delightful texture and flavors of your homemade Paris Brest! Gather your loved ones to share in this exquisite pastry.
Optional: Pair with coffee or tea for an indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Paris Brest?
Create the perfect spread to accompany your delightful pastry and impress your guests.
- Rich Coffee: The bold flavors of a freshly brewed coffee perfectly balance the sweet almond cream, enhancing every bite of the Paris Brest.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast, melting gently with each luscious layer of pastry.
- Mixed Berries: The tartness of fresh berries brightens the dish, cutting through the richness for a refreshing twist that complements the sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of vanilla-infused whipped cream adds extra decadence and a delightful texture to every slice.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, echoes the comforting qualities of the pastry, offering a light finish.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the Paris Brest for a luxurious touch that will leave chocolate lovers swooning with delight.
- Fruit Tart: For a whimsical twist, serve a fruit tart alongside to introduce fruity freshness, making your dessert table truly irresistible.
- Champagne: If you feel fancy, a glass of bubbly champagne can elevate your dessert experience, adding elegance and celebration to any occasion.
Paris Brest Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize this delightful pastry by exploring these tempting variations and substitutions!
Nut-Free: Substitute almond paste with sunflower seed butter for a delicious and allergy-friendly filling. The nutty flavor will still shine through!
Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil and use plant-based milk along with aquafaba (chickpea water) for a creamy almond cream that’s fully vegan.
Chocolate Twist: Mix in cocoa powder with the almond cream to create a decadent chocolate version of the classic. Chocolate and almond are a match made in heaven!
Fruit-Filled: For a fruity surprise, add fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries into the almond cream before piping. This adds refreshing juiciness that beautifully complements the almond flavor.
Flavored Cream: Infuse your almond cream with orange zest or almond extract for an extra pop of flavor. Elevate the classic recipe with these simple aromatic additions!
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the almond cream for a surprising heat that plays wonderfully with the sweetness. It s an adventurous twist!
Texture Variation: Replace half of the flour in the choux pastry with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and a nutty flavor without compromising the pastry s lightness.
Decorative Touch: Use caramel drizzle or chocolate ganache instead of powdered sugar for a decadent finish that will give your Paris Brest an elegant flair.
With these delightful options, your Paris Brest can transform into countless tantalizing treats that suit every taste!
How to Store and Freeze Paris Brest
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Paris Brest fresh for up to 1 day at room temperature, keeping it in an airtight container to maintain its delicate texture.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, store the pastry in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it s well-wrapped to prevent the choux pastry from becoming soggy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled Paris Brest for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Paris Brest, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes to restore its crispy exterior.
Expert Tips for Perfect Paris Brest
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your almond paste and eggs are fresh for richer flavors in your Paris Brest. Stale ingredients may lead to a lackluster filling and unpuffed pastry.
Proper Cooling: Allow the choux pastry to cool adequately before adding eggs. Adding eggs to hot dough can create scrambled eggs instead of smooth choux!
Consistent Ring Size: When piping, maintain consistent pressure for even rings. Uneven sizes can cause uneven baking and affect the shape of your Paris Brest.
Don t Peek: Avoid opening the oven door while baking. This can alter the temperature and cause your pastry to collapse. Patience is key!
Thickening Control: Keep stirring the almond cream until it reaches a creamy consistency. Under-thickened cream will ooze out, while over-thickened cream can be too stiff.
Make Ahead Options
These Paris Brest pastries are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the almond cream up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to prevent it from developing a skin. Additionally, you can make the choux pastry ahead of time and freeze it for up to 1 month. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to assemble the pastry this ensures it’s just as airy and delicious! When you’re ready to serve, fill the cooled pastry with the almond cream, assemble, and garnish with sliced almonds and powdered sugar for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests with minimal effort.
Paris Brest with Almond Cream Recipe FAQs
What type of almond paste should I use for the almond cream?
It’s best to use high-quality almond paste that has a smooth texture for the almond cream. Look for one with a high almond percentage; the richer the paste, the better the flavor in your pastry!
How should I store leftovers of the Paris Brest?
I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the pastry from becoming soggy, which is super important for maintaining that delightful texture.
Can I freeze my Paris Brest?
Absolutely! You can freeze your assembled Paris Brest for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to shield it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes. This restores the crispiness of the choux pastry beautifully.
What do I do if my choux pastry doesn t rise?
If your choux pastry doesn’t rise, it could be due to undercooking or not incorporating enough air while mixing the dough. Make sure the dough is thoroughly mixed until it pulls away from the pot and is smooth before adding the eggs. Additionally, ensure your oven is preheated fully before baking, as this initial heat is crucial for creating steam that makes the pastry puff.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! By substituting regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can make a gluten-free version of Paris Brest without sacrificing taste. Be careful to check that your almond paste and other ingredients are also gluten-free for a safe treat!
Is there a way to increase the almond flavor in the cream?
Certainly! If you want a more intense almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the cream. Just be cautious, as almond extract is quite potent. I often start with half a teaspoon and adjust to taste!