Easy Paris Brest

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan, combine the water, milk, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together into a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

4. Transfer the dough to a large bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.

5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

6. Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a ring onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in the center for the filling.

7. Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent deflating.

8. Remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

9. In the meantime, prepare the cream filling by whipping the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

10. Once the choux pastry has cooled, cut it in half horizontally and fill the bottom half with the whipped cream.

11. Place the top half of the pastry back on top of the cream filling.

12. Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, then sprinkle them over the top of the Paris Brest.

13. Serve your Easy Paris Brest immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy the delightful contrast of the crisp pastry, creamy filling, and crunchy almonds!