Ah, the chocolate and hazelnut Paris Brest! This delightful pastry is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Originating from France, it’s named after a famous bicycle race, and let me tell you, it’s a race to the finish when this beauty is on the table! Picture this: a golden, airy choux pastry ring, perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, filled with a luscious chocolate and hazelnut cream that’s just dreamy. The flavor combination of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut creates an irresistible treat that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this Paris Brest will make every bite feel like a little celebration. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
1 cup water: This is the base for your choux pastry, so make sure it’s fresh and filtered if possible for the best flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Use high-quality butter for that rich taste. Remember to cut it into chunks for faster melting!
1 cup all-purpose flour: I always use all-purpose flour for a perfect structure. Make sure to sift it for a lighter texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those delicious flavors. Don’t skip this step!
4 large eggs: Room temperature eggs work best as they mix more easily into the dough. Trust me, it makes a difference!
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread: The star of the show! Go for a good quality spread, as it’ll really elevate the flavor of your filling.
1 cup heavy cream: For whipping up that light, fluffy cream that complements the pastry perfectly. Use cold cream for better whipping results!
2 tablespoons powdered sugar: This will sweeten the whipped cream just enough. Don’t worry if you don’t have any; you can always adjust the sweetness to your taste!
How to Prepare Chocolate and Hazelnut Paris Brest
Making a chocolate and hazelnut Paris Brest is easier than you might think, and I can’t wait to share the process with you! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating this indulgent pastry masterpiece.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important for getting that perfect golden color on your pastry.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. You’ll want to watch it closely; the moment it starts bubbling, you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt all at once. Mix it vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial; you don’t want to cook the eggs when you add them!
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. I find using a hand mixer works wonders here. You want the dough to be smooth and glossy.
Now it’s time to pipe! Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a ring shape onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for about 1 inch wide for that nice, puffed look.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until your pastry is beautifully golden brown. Resist the urge to open the oven door while it’s baking – we want that steam to create a fluffy texture!
Once baked, let the pastry cool completely on a wire rack before filling it.
While it cools, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This will be the perfect sweet complement to the rich chocolate hazelnut spread.
Finally, slice the cooled pastry in half, fill it with a generous layer of chocolate hazelnut spread, and top it off with the whipped cream. Put the top back on, and voilà! You’ve just made a stunning Paris Brest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious pastry in no time. Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!
Flavor Explosion: The rich combination of chocolate and hazelnut is absolutely divine, creating a dessert that’s indulgent yet comforting.
Impressive Presentation: This pastry looks stunning on any table. Your friends and family will be wowed by your baking skills when they see this beauty!
Versatile Treat: Whether it’s for a special occasion, a dinner party, or just because you deserve a treat, this Paris Brest fits the bill perfectly.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings! You can swap in your favorite flavors or even add a drizzle of chocolate on top.
Decadent Delight: Each bite gives you that perfect crunch on the outside and a soft, creamy filling on the inside. It’s pure bliss!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to tackle this chocolate and hazelnut Paris Brest, here are some pro tips to ensure your pastry turns out perfect every time!
Don’t Rush the Cooling: It’s tempting to fill the pastry right after baking, but make sure it cools completely. If you fill it while it’s warm, the cream can melt and make a mess. Patience is key!
Watch the Oven: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your pastry during the last few minutes of baking. You want that perfect golden brown color, so if it looks like it’s getting too dark, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Consistency is Crucial: When mixing in the eggs, make sure to add them one at a time and mix until fully incorporated. This helps create that smooth, glossy dough that puffs beautifully in the oven.
Piping Technique: For piping the dough, hold the piping bag straight up and apply even pressure. If you’re nervous, practice on a piece of parchment paper first to get the hang of it.
Fill Generously: Don’t skimp on the chocolate hazelnut spread or whipped cream! The filling is where all the flavor lies, so load it up for that decadent bite.
Leftover Pastry? If you have leftover pastry, you can fill it with other delicious fillings like pastry cream or fruit preserves. It’s a great way to switch things up!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress with your chocolate and hazelnut Paris Brest. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your chocolate and hazelnut Paris Brest, there are so many delicious options to elevate this already indulgent dessert! Here are a few ideas that will make your dessert experience even more delightful:
Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side adds a lovely tartness that balances the rich flavors of the pastry. Plus, they look gorgeous on the plate!
Espresso or Coffee: A warm cup of espresso or a smooth latte pairs beautifully with the chocolate and hazelnut flavors. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a meal.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Who doesn’t love a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream? It melts slightly into the warm pastry, creating a luscious combination that’s hard to resist!
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers out there, a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over the top adds an extra layer of decadence. Just melt some chocolate and pour it on right before serving!
Whipped Cream: If you want to keep it simple, serve a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. It complements the filling perfectly and adds a light, airy touch to every bite.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect dessert plate! Each pairing enhances the chocolate and hazelnut Paris Brest in its own unique way, making every bite a little more special. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious chocolate and hazelnut Paris Brest, and now you’re left with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly to keep that wonderful flavor and texture intact!
First off, let the pastry cool completely if you haven’t already. Once it’s cool, you can store the filled pastry in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2–3 days. Just be sure to keep it away from anything overly fragrant in your fridge; we don’t want those beautiful flavors getting muddled!
If you have any leftover pastry shells without filling, you can keep them at room temperature in a sealed container for about a day or two. Just make sure they’re not in a humid environment, as that can make them soggy. If you need to keep them longer, freeze the shells by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They should keep well for up to a month.
Now, when it comes to reheating, if you’ve got filled pastries, I recommend enjoying them cold right from the fridge. But if you prefer them warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes. This will help restore that delightful crispness without making the cream melt away.
For any leftover pastry shells, you can reheat them in the oven as well, and they’ll regain their lovely texture. Remember, a little care goes a long way in keeping your Paris Brest as delicious as the day you made it! Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information Section
When indulging in a chocolate and hazelnut Paris Brest, it’s always good to know a bit about what you’re enjoying! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one piece of this delightful pastry. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 150mg
So, while this pastry is certainly a treat, it’s nice to be aware of what’s inside. Enjoy every decadent bite, and remember, life is all about balance! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I make chocolate and hazelnut Paris Brest ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry shells a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just fill them with the chocolate hazelnut spread and whipped cream right before serving to keep everything fresh and delightful.
What can I substitute for chocolate hazelnut spread? If you’re not a fan of chocolate hazelnut spread or want to try something different, you can use almond butter, peanut butter, or even a fruit preserve for a unique twist. Just remember that the flavor will change, so choose something you love!
Why did my pastry not puff up? Oh no! If your pastry didn’t puff, it might be due to a couple of reasons. One common issue is undercooking the dough; it needs enough time in the oven for steam to create that beautiful rise. Also, make sure you didn’t open the oven door while baking, as that can let the steam escape!
Can I freeze the filled Paris Brest? I recommend freezing the pastry shells without the filling. Once filled, the cream can separate or become soggy when thawed. So, freeze the shells, and then fill them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
How do I know when the pastry is fully baked? Great question! You’ll know your pastry is done when it’s a gorgeous golden brown and feels light. If you gently tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. Avoid pulling them out too soon; patience is key for that perfect texture!
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