Decadent Paris Brest With Passionfruit Curd You’ll Adore

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

Imagine walking into your kitchen, the enticing scent of freshly baked pastry filling the air. Inspired by the art of French patisserie, this Paris Brest with passionfruit curd is a delightful dessert that balances rich flavors with a refreshing twist. I first created this recipe while experimenting with brilliant tropical flavors, and the experience captivated my senses. The light, airy choux pastry envelops a creamy, tangy passionfruit curd, making it an impressive centerpiece for any gathering perfect for celebrating cherished moments like Mother s Day.

As elegant as it is indulgent, this Paris Brest not only showcases your baking skills but also guarantees smiles around the table. Join me in crafting this exquisite dessert, and let s bring a slice of France to your home!

Why will you love Paris Brest With Passionfruit Curd?

Irresistible Flavor: The vibrant passionfruit curd brings an exhilarating tanginess that perfectly complements the sweet choux pastry.

Elegant Presentation: This stunning dessert is sure to steal the show at any dinner party, impressing your guests with its sophisticated look.

Simple Steps: The recipe is broken down into manageable steps, making it accessible even for novice bakers.

Endless Customization: Feel free to swap the passionfruit for your favorite fruit curd or experiment with different toppings to create your unique version.

Perfect for Celebrations: It s ideal for special occasions, transforming any meal into a memorable feast.

Bake-Ahead Option: Whip up the passionfruit curd in advance for a stress-free baking experience. For more delightful recipes, don t miss my dessert collection!

Paris Brest With Passionfruit Curd Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry
Unsalted Butter Adds richness and moisture; use salted butter if unsalted is unavailable.
Caster Sugar Provides sweetness and improves texture; regular granulated sugar can work if well dissolved.
Milk Contributes moisture for a smooth dough; substitute with plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
Plain Flour Gives structure to the pastry; consider gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Eggs Essential for binding; ensure they are at room temperature for the best results.
Flaked Almonds Adds delightful texture and flavor; omit for nut-free or replace with crushed cookies.

For the Passionfruit Curd
Passionfruit Pulp Central to the curd, providing a creamy tanginess; substitute with lemon or lime juice for a different flavor profile.
Thickened Cream Stabilizes the whipped cream filling; opt for light cream if you want a lighter version.
Icing Sugar For dusting and sweetening; can be replaced with your favored sweetener.
Lemon Juice Brightens the flavors; lime juice works well as a substitute.
Cornflour Thickens the curd, ensuring a smooth texture; arrowroot or potato flour can be used as alternatives.

For Assembly
Strawberries Fresh topping that adds vibrant color and sweetness; swap for any seasonal berries for variety.

Dive into this Paris Brest with passionfruit curd, and create a dessert that s not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor!

How to Make Paris Brest with Passionfruit Curd

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200 °C (fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking paper and mark an 18cm circle to guide your pastry shape.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine unsalted butter, caster sugar, milk, and water. Heat together until it reaches a rolling boil, then remove it from heat immediately.

3. Add Flour: Stir in plain flour until fully incorporated. Return to medium heat, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the dough leaves the sides cleanly.

4. Mix the Dough: Transfer the hot dough into a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, until you achieve a smooth texture.

5. Pipe the Dough: Using a piping bag, pipe a ring of dough around each side of the circle. Then, pipe another ring on top, creating a layered effect. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle flaked almonds on top.

6. Bake Pastry: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 170 °C and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and hollow. Allow it to cool on a wire rack.

For the Passionfruit Curd:

7. Start the Curd: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together eggs, caster sugar, and passionfruit pulp over a pot of simmering water. Keep whisking for about 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves.

8. Incorporate Butter: Gradually mix in butter, continuing to whisk continuously. Add lemon juice and cornflour, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

9. Cool the Curd: Remove the bowl from heat and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating until set.

For Assembly:

10. Cut and Fill: Once the pastry has completely cooled, carefully cut it in half horizontally. Spread the passionfruit curd generously on the base layer.

11. Add Whipped Cream: Pipe the thickened cream onto the curd layer, then top with sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of extra passionfruit pulp. Finish by placing the top half of the pastry back on and dusting with icing sugar.

Optional: Serve with a dollop of additional whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Paris Brest with Passionfruit Curd

• Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep the choux pastry at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain its crispness.

• Fridge: Store any leftover passionfruit curd in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This creamy curd will develop even deeper flavors over time.

• Freezer: If needed, freeze the unfilled choux pastry for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and seal it in a freezer bag. Thaw before reheating.

• Reheating: To refresh baked choux pastry, warm it in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 5-10 minutes until crisp. Avoid reheating the filled dessert to retain the texture of the pastry.

What to Serve with Paris Brest With Passionfruit Curd?

Let the enjoyment of this creamy, tangy dessert inspire a delightful meal pairing to elevate your dining experience.

• Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries brightens the plate and complements the passionfruit s tartness. It s a vibrant and refreshing touch that celebrates seasonal flavors.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Silky-smooth vanilla ice cream adds a rich, creamy contrast to the airy pastry, enhancing the overall indulgence. The classic pairing never disappoints your sweet tooth.

• Espresso or Coffee: A robust cup of espresso or a soothing cup of coffee offers a perfect balance, cutting through the sweetness and intensifying the dessert s flavors. The warmth of the drink complements the pastry s lightness beautifully.

• Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of sparkling wine adds an elegant touch, with its effervescence brightening the palate after each bite. Celebrate special occasions with this bubbly pairing!

• Mint Infused Whipped Cream: Elevate your Paris Brest by adding a dollop of mint-infused whipped cream. The cool mint flavor refreshes each bite, creating a unique twist that adds an aromatic experience.

• Lemon Sorbet: The zesty kick of lemon sorbet acts as a palate cleanser, contrasting delightfully with the passionfruit flavor. This combination is not only refreshing but adds a burst of citrus excitement.

Exploring these pairings brings balance and harmony to your dessert experience, creating a memorable feast for your loved ones!

Make Ahead Options

These Paris Brest with Passionfruit Curd are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the passionfruit curd up to 24 hours in advance, simply refrigerate it in an airtight container after cooling to keep it fresh. The choux pastry can also be baked ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, it s best to assemble the dessert just before serving to ensure the pastry remains crisp and airy. When you re ready to enjoy, gently slice the cooled pastry, fill it with the curd, and pipe in the whipped cream for that delightful finishing touch. This way, you ll impress your guests with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Paris Brest With Passionfruit Curd

• Mix Thoroughly: Ensure the pastry dough is blended thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency, enabling proper puffing during baking.

• Oven Control: Avoid opening the oven door while baking. This can cause your beautiful pastry to collapse, ruining that impressive height you worked so hard for.

• Knife Choice: Use a serrated knife to slice the cooled pastry gently. This helps achieve a clean cut without squishing your delicate layers and maintains the beautiful presentation.

• Room Temperature Eggs: Always use eggs that are at room temperature; this ensures they incorporate smoothly into the dough, contributing to an airy texture for your Paris Brest with passionfruit curd.

• Cooling Time: Allow the pastry to cool completely before assembly. This prevents the curd from melting and ensures a perfect stack of flavors.

• Creative Variations: Don t hesitate to try different fruits for the curd! While passionfruit is tangy and delightful, experimenting can lead to new family-favorite desserts!

Paris Brest With Passionfruit Curd Variations

Get ready to elevate your Paris Brest with delightful twists that make this dessert even more exciting.

• Lemon Curd: Swap out the passionfruit for a tangy lemon curd to brighten up the flavors. The refreshing citrus will create a zesty version that s simply irresistible.

• Mixed Berries: Top your Paris Brest with a medley of fresh berries instead of just strawberries. The combination of sweet and tart berries adds a vibrant touch, transforming the dessert into a colorful masterpiece.

• Chocolate Ganache: For a decadent twist, layer chocolate ganache inside along with the curd. This rich chocolate flavor perfectly complements the tanginess of the passionfruit, creating an indulgent treat.

• Coconut Cream: Replace whipped cream with whipped coconut cream for a tropical flair. This adds a delightful creaminess and pairs beautifully with the passionfruit.

• Mango Pulp: Substitute passionfruit pulp with mango pulp for a sweeter and creamier filling. This tropical alternative lends a luscious flavor that s perfect for summer gatherings.

• Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into your whipped cream for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness. This unexpected kick will surprise and delight your guests!

• Nut-Free: Omit the flaked almonds and substitute with crushed digestive biscuits for a nut-free crunch. This will still provide that delightful texture without the allergens.

• Vanilla Bean: Enhance the flavor of your choux pastry by adding vanilla bean seeds into the dough. This aromatic addition brings a warm, comforting essence to your lovely dessert.

Paris Brest With Passionfruit Curd Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe passionfruits for the curd?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose passionfruits that feel heavy for their size and have a slightly wrinkled skin. This indicates ripeness and sweetness. If the skin is firm and shiny, it may not be fully ripe yet.

What is the best way to store leftover Paris Brest?
Very good question! The choux pastry can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you have leftover passionfruit curd, keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week, where it will actually deepen in flavor.

Can I freeze Paris Brest and the passionfruit curd?
Certainly! You can freeze unfilled choux pastry for up to 2 months. To do this, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. For the passionfruit curd, it can be frozen in ice cube trays for easy use later, and will keep well to about 3 months. Thaw both in the refrigerator before using.

What should I do if my choux pastry doesn t rise?
No worries! If the pastry hasn t puffed up, it s often due to the dough not being mixed thoroughly enough or the oven not being hot enough at the start. Ensure that when you first mix the dough, it pulls away cleanly from the sides of the saucepan. And remember, your oven should be preheated fully to ensure your pastry gets that initial burst of steam to rise correctly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! If you d like to create a gluten-free version of Paris Brest, simply substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. I often recommend brands that contain xanthan gum to help mimic the elasticity of traditional flour.

Is there a way to reduce the sugar in the passionfruit curd?
Very much so! You can reduce the amount of sugar in the passionfruit curd by either using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup or by cutting the sugar by a third if you re okay with a less sweet curd. Just keep in mind that this might change the texture to a degree, but the tangy flavor of the passionfruit will still shine through.