
Paris-Brest
Pâtisserie • France
À propos de Paris-Brest
Ring-shaped choux pastry with praline cream
How to Make Paris-Brest (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Paris-Brest is a classic French dessert, renowned for its elegant presentation and rich, nutty flavors. Created in 1910 by pastry chef Louis Durand in honor of the Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race, this pastry features a ring-shaped choux dough filled with luscious praline cream. The circular form symbolizes a bicycle wheel, making it a unique piece of French culinary history. With its airy pastry and creamy filling, Paris-Brest is a favorite in patisseries across France, especially in the Île-de-France region. Traditionally, Paris-Brest is indulgent, but this healthy adaptation maintains the authentic taste while reducing calories and saturated fat. The light choux pastry and hazelnut cream offer a delightful balance of texture and flavor, perfect for anyone seeking a guilt-free dessert. Its nutty and subtly sweet profile appeals to both locals and visitors, and it’s often enjoyed during special occasions or as a treat with afternoon coffee. With this recipe, you can savor the taste of France at home while keeping your diet in check.
Ingredients(for 1 individual Paris-Brest ring (approx. 8 cm diameter))
- 3/4 cup Whole wheat flour (Farine complète)
- 1/2 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Beurre doux)
- 2 large Eggs (Œufs)
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea salt (Sel de mer)
- 1/4 cup Hazelnuts (Noisettes, toasted and ground)
- 1/2 cup Low-fat milk (Lait écrémé)
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch (Maïzena)
- 2 tablespoons Maple syrup (Sirop d’érable, as a natural sweetener)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Extrait de vanille)
- 1 teaspoon Powdered sugar (Sucre glace, for dusting) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw two 8 cm circles as guides.
5 minutes
Use a template for even, round shapes.
- 2
Prepare the choux pastry: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, then add flour and stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms.
4 minutes
Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
- 3
Remove from heat. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is glossy and smooth.
4 minutes
Ensure eggs are fully incorporated for a silky dough.
- 4
Transfer the choux pastry into a piping bag. Pipe rings onto the prepared circles. Sprinkle ground hazelnuts over the rings for crunch.
3 minutes
Pipe evenly for uniform baking.
Why This Dish is Healthy
By substituting whole wheat flour and low-fat milk, this Paris-Brest keeps calorie count lower without sacrificing flavor. Hazelnuts are heart-healthy, and maple syrup is a natural sweetener, reducing reliance on refined sugar. This approach makes it suitable for calorie-conscious dessert lovers, fitting well into a balanced diet. The choux pastry is light, and the filling is rich in nutrients, making this a smart choice for those wanting a traditional treat without excess fat or sugar.
This healthy Paris-Brest recipe features whole wheat flour for added fiber and complex carbohydrates, supporting digestive health and prolonged energy. Hazelnuts offer healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, while low-fat milk helps reduce saturated fat and supplies calcium. Maple syrup replaces refined sugar, providing antioxidants and a lower glycemic index. Eggs contribute protein and essential vitamins, making each serving balanced in macros. The dessert is vegetarian and free from artificial additives.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Toast hazelnuts for deeper flavor before grinding.
- 💡Tip 2: Let choux pastry cool completely before filling to prevent soggy texture.
- 💡Tip 3: Use a piping bag for smooth, attractive rings and filling.
Storage & Serving
Store Paris-Brest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, fill just before serving. Choux rings can be frozen unfilled for up to 1 month.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 350.0 kcal |
| Protein | 7.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32.0 g |
| Total Fat | 22.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |





