Paris, the City of Light, is renowned for its stunning architecture, art museums, fashion, and delectable cuisine. Among the plethora of sweet treats that Paris has to offer, profiteroles stand out as a classic French dessert that never fails to impress. These small, round choux pastry balls filled with whipped cream or ice cream are a delight to the taste buds. If you’re wondering where to buy profiteroles in Paris, you’re in luck because this article will guide you through the best patisseries, cafes, and bakeries that serve these heavenly treats.
A Brief History of Profiteroles
Before we dive into the best places to buy profiteroles in Paris, let’s take a brief look at the history of this beloved dessert. Profiteroles, also known as cream puffs, have been a staple of French patisserie since the 16th century. The name “profiterole” is derived from the French word “profiter,” which means “to profit.” According to legend, the profiterole was created by the French chef Marie-Antoine Carême, who is often referred to as the “King of Chefs.” Carême is said to have invented the profiterole as a way to use up leftover choux pastry dough.
Where to Buy Profiteroles in Paris
Now that we’ve covered the history of profiteroles, let’s get to the good stuff – where to buy them in Paris. Here are some of the best patisseries, cafes, and bakeries that serve delicious profiteroles:
Ladurée
Ladurée is a world-renowned patisserie that has been a Parisian institution since 1862. This luxurious bakery is famous for its macarons, but its profiteroles are equally impressive. Ladurée’s profiteroles are made with the finest ingredients and are filled with a light and airy whipped cream. You can find Ladurée patisseries throughout Paris, but the flagship store on the Champs-Élysées is a must-visit.
Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé is another iconic patisserie that is known for its exquisite pastries and desserts. Hermé’s profiteroles are a masterpiece of French patisserie, with a delicate choux pastry exterior giving way to a rich and creamy filling. You can find Pierre Hermé patisseries in several locations throughout Paris, including the 6th and 7th arrondissements.
Carette
Carette is a charming patisserie that has been a Parisian favorite for over 30 years. This cozy bakery is known for its delicious pastries, sandwiches, and salads, but its profiteroles are a standout. Carette’s profiteroles are made with a light and airy choux pastry dough and are filled with a rich and creamy whipped cream. You can find Carette patisseries in several locations throughout Paris, including the Marais and Montmartre neighborhoods.
Angelina
Angelina is a historic patisserie that has been a Parisian institution since 1903. This luxurious bakery is famous for its hot chocolate and delicious pastries, but its profiteroles are a must-try. Angelina’s profiteroles are made with a rich and creamy choux pastry dough and are filled with a light and airy whipped cream. You can find Angelina patisseries throughout Paris, but the flagship store on the Rue de Rivoli is a must-visit.
How to Make Profiteroles at Home
While buying profiteroles at a patisserie is always a treat, making them at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s a simple recipe for profiteroles that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) whipped cream or ice cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the cubed butter to the saucepan and stir until melted.
- Add the flour to the saucepan and stir until a dough forms.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs to the saucepan one at a time, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Pipe the dough into small, round balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the profiteroles for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow the profiteroles to cool completely before filling with whipped cream or ice cream.
Conclusion
Profiteroles are a classic French dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re buying them at a patisserie or making them at home, these delicious treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With this guide, you’ll know where to buy profiteroles in Paris and how to make them at home. So go ahead, indulge in the flaky, creamy goodness of profiteroles – your taste buds will thank you!
What are profiteroles and why are they popular in Paris?
Profiteroles are small, round choux pastry balls filled with whipped cream or ice cream and typically drizzled with chocolate sauce. They are a classic French dessert that originated in the 16th century and have since become a staple in Parisian patisseries. Profiteroles are popular in Paris due to their rich history and the fact that they are a quintessential French dessert.
Profiteroles are also a popular treat among tourists and locals alike because of their unique texture and flavor combination. The crispy, flaky exterior of the choux pastry gives way to a light and airy interior, which is perfectly balanced by the rich and creamy filling. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a decadent dessert, profiteroles are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Where can I buy profiteroles in Paris?
There are many patisseries and bakeries throughout Paris where you can buy profiteroles. Some popular options include Ladurée, Pierre Hermé, and Gérard Mulot. These patisseries offer a wide range of flavors and fillings, from classic whipped cream to more unique options like matcha or pistachio.
In addition to these well-known patisseries, you can also find profiteroles at many local bakeries and cafes throughout the city. These smaller establishments often offer a more authentic and traditional take on the classic dessert, and may be a more affordable option for those on a budget.
What is the best way to enjoy profiteroles in Paris?
The best way to enjoy profiteroles in Paris is to indulge in them at a charming patisserie or café. Many of these establishments offer a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a sweet treat. You can also pair your profiteroles with a cup of coffee or tea for a more complete experience.
If you’re looking for a more unique experience, consider visiting a patisserie that offers profiteroles as part of a dessert tasting or flight. This will allow you to sample a variety of flavors and fillings, and may even include other French desserts like macarons or madeleines.
Can I make profiteroles at home?
While it’s possible to make profiteroles at home, it can be a bit tricky to get the choux pastry just right. Choux pastry requires a specific ratio of ingredients and a precise cooking technique, which can be difficult to master without practice.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try making profiteroles at home, there are many recipes available online that can guide you through the process. However, if you’re short on time or not feeling confident in your baking skills, it’s often easier to leave the profiterole-making to the professionals and indulge in them at a Parisian patisserie.
How much do profiteroles typically cost in Paris?
The cost of profiteroles in Paris can vary depending on the patisserie and the type of filling or flavor. On average, you can expect to pay around 5-10 euros for a single profiterole, although some high-end patisseries may charge more.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider visiting a local bakery or café, which may offer profiteroles at a lower price point. You can also look for patisseries that offer a “profiterole flight” or tasting, which can be a more cost-effective way to sample a variety of flavors.
Are profiteroles suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Profiteroles typically contain gluten, dairy, and eggs, making them unsuitable for those with certain dietary restrictions. However, some patisseries in Paris may offer gluten-free or vegan profiterole options, so it’s worth asking if you have specific dietary needs.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan profiterole option, consider visiting a patisserie that specializes in vegan or gluten-free desserts. These establishments often offer a wide range of creative and delicious options that cater to specific dietary needs.
Can I buy profiteroles to take home or give as a gift?
Yes, many patisseries in Paris offer profiteroles to take home or give as a gift. These establishments often provide beautifully packaged boxes or containers that are perfect for transporting or gifting profiteroles.
If you’re looking to buy profiteroles as a gift, consider visiting a high-end patisserie that offers beautifully packaged and presented desserts. You can also ask the patisserie to include a personalized note or card with your gift, making it an even more special and thoughtful present.