Paris-Brest: A Classic French Pastry Ring That Never Fails to Impress

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry Ring:

• 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) water
• 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) whole milk
• 80g (5¾ tablespoons) unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour, sifted
• 4 large eggs, room temperature

For the Praline Cream Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 150g (¾ cup) vanilla sugar
• 70g (⅓ cup) cornstarch
• 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
• 160g (11 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

For Finishing:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preparing the Praline Cream (Make Ahead)

1. In a medium saucepan, I whisk together eggs, vanilla sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. I gradually stream in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Over medium heat, I cook the mixture, whisking continuously, until it thickens and begins to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Once thickened, I immediately transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface.
5. I let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Making the Choux Pastry

1. I preheat my oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a 20cm (8-inch) plate as a guide, I draw a circle on the parchment paper and flip it over.
3. In a medium saucepan, I combine water, milk, butter, salt, and sugar.
4. I bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, ensuring the butter is completely melted.
5. I remove from heat and add all the flour at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon.
6. Back over medium heat, I cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it forms a smooth ball and leaves a film on the bottom of the pan.
7. I transfer to a stand mixer bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
8. Using the paddle attachment, I beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Shaping and Baking

1. I transfer the choux pastry to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip.
2. Following my traced circle, I pipe two concentric rings of pastry, one slightly overlapping the other.
3. I pipe a third ring on top of where the first two meet.
4. With remaining dough, I pipe small balls around the top of the ring.
5. I brush carefully with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with sliced almonds.
6. I bake for 35-40 minutes until deeply golden brown, rotating halfway through.
7. Once done, I turn off the oven and let it cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes.

Assembly

1. Once completely cool, I slice the ring horizontally into two layers.
2. I beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate the cooled custard.
3. I transfer this praline cream to a piping bag and pipe generous rosettes onto the bottom half.
4. I carefully place the top layer and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The unfilled pastry can be stored in an airtight container for 24 hours. Once filled, it’s best enjoyed within 4-6 hours but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, serves 8)

• Calories: 485
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 215mg
• Sodium: 185mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 10g

Pro Tips

• Room temperature eggs are crucial for proper pastry puff
• The pastry is done when it sounds hollow when tapped
• Don’t open the oven door during the first 25 minutes of baking
• Let the cream filling chill thoroughly before whipping with butter

This Paris-Brest is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with your French pastry skills. The combination of light choux pastry and rich praline cream makes it an unforgettable dessert that’s worth every minute of preparation.

Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread
Bread is one of the oldest and most universally loved foods, and the art of making bread is passed down through generations, from baker to baker, in every culture around the world. There is something undeniably comforting about the aroma of fresh bread baking in the oven, and it’s a process that brings together simple, humble ingredients to create something truly magical. Among the vast variety of bread recipes, the Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread stands out for its light, airy texture, and delightful flavor.

This particular recipe brings a unique twist to traditional bread, thanks to the addition of poppy seeds that offer both visual appeal and a subtle crunch, as well as a hint of nutty flavor. The combination of warm milk, soft butter, and yeast creates a bread that is moist, tender, and wonderfully soft. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven with a smear of butter, using it for sandwiches, or serving it alongside your favorite soup, this bread is sure to become a staple in your home.

The inclusion of vinegar and baking soda in the recipe helps create a bread that rises perfectly, and the use of soft butter adds richness without overwhelming the flavor. With a bit of patience and a few simple steps, you can create a loaf that’s not only delicious but also beautiful to look at.

Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Wheat flour: 47-500 grams (adjust depending on desired dough consistency)
Dry yeast: 5 grams
Sugar: 2 tablespoons
Poppy seeds: 2 tablespoons
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Vinegar: 1 teaspoon
Egg: 1 (at room temperature)
Vegetable oil: 25 ml
Salt: 0.5 teaspoon
Warm milk: 200 ml
Soft butter: 50 grams
Steps to Make Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread
Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast and helps the bread rise properly.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Stir to combine, ensuring the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add Wet Ingredients
To the flour mixture, add the frothy milk and yeast mixture, along with the egg, vegetable oil, and vinegar. Mix until the dough begins to come together. The vinegar helps activate the baking soda and ensures the bread rises properly.
Add the soft butter and continue to mix until incorporated. The dough will be slightly sticky at this stage.
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as you want the dough to remain soft and moist.
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The warm environment will encourage the yeast to work its magic and create a light, airy dough.
Shape the Bread
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges into the center and rolling it tightly, or divide the dough into smaller pieces to make individual rolls.
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, or arrange the rolls on a baking sheet.
Second Rise
Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This final rise will ensure that the bread is light and fluffy once baked.
Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the Bread
Once the dough has completed its second rise, place the bread in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer—aim for around 190°F (88°C) inside the loaf for perfect doneness.
Cool and Serve
After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing, which will help it retain its texture.
Prep Time
Preparation: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1.5 hours (for first rise) + 30-45 minutes (for second rise)
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 2.5–3 hours (including rising time)
Servings
This recipe yields 1 loaf of bread or approximately 8–10 slices, depending on the thickness of your cuts.

Why This Recipe Is Timeless
The appeal of bread is simple: it brings people together. There’s something universally comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. This Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread is no exception. The addition of poppy seeds gives it a distinctive flavor that enhances the bread’s texture and provides a slight crunch, making it stand out from more traditional bread recipes. The poppy seeds not only add flavor but also serve as a lovely visual contrast against the golden-brown crust.

The simplicity of the ingredients used in this recipe is part of what makes it so timeless. From the familiar warmth of the milk and butter to the earthy depth of the poppy seeds, each ingredient brings something unique to the dish. The bread is soft, light, and fluffy, yet rich and flavorful thanks to the combination of butter and egg.

This recipe’s versatility is another reason why it has stood the test of time. Whether you’re making it to accompany a meal, use for sandwiches, or enjoy it with butter and jam, this bread works well in any context. The ease of preparation, along with the incredible taste, ensures that this recipe will continue to be a staple in kitchens for years to come.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1 Slice)
Calories: 170 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 190 mg
Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs
1. Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the white flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be denser.

2. What other seeds can I use instead of poppy seeds?
Flax seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds would all work well in this recipe.

3. How can I ensure the bread stays soft?
Make sure to store the bread in an airtight container once it has cooled to preserve its softness.

4. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! Once the bread has cooled completely, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.

Tips for Making Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread
Use warm milk: Ensure that the milk is warm (not hot) when you add it to the yeast to activate it properly. Too hot or too cold milk can affect the yeast’s ability to rise.
Don’t rush the rising times: Allow the dough plenty of time to rise. This will ensure your bread is light and airy rather than dense.
Flour amounts vary: The exact amount of flour can vary depending on the humidity and the type of flour you’re using. Add flour gradually to achieve a dough that is soft but not sticky.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To extend shelf life, freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a zip-top bag before freezing.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes for the best results
Conclusion
Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread is a recipe that offers both practicality and indulgence. The use of simple ingredients, like milk, butter, and yeast, combined with the distinctive flavor of poppy seeds, creates a bread that is both comforting and sophisticated. The light, airy texture of the bread paired with the richness of butter and egg makes it a perfect accompaniment to any meal, and it’s versatile enough to be used for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own.

What makes this recipe truly timeless is its balance between ease and flavor. It’s the kind of bread you can make any day of the week without requiring fancy equipment or complicated techniques, yet it results in a product that’s worthy of any occasion. As you bake this bread, you’re not only creating a meal—you’re embracing a tradition that has brought joy to countless people for generations.

Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with family and friends, Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread will surely make an impression with its soft texture, delicious flavor, and lovely appearance. It’s the kind of recipe that makes any meal feel more special, and it’s sure to be a bread recipe that you’ll return to time and time again.