25 Classic French Desserts to Make Your Taste Buds Dance
France, the land of love, art, and delicious pastries. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in the rich flavors and delicate textures of classic French desserts? From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming countryside, French patisserie has a way of making our taste buds sing. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 25 classic French desserts that are sure to impress your family and friends.
1. Chocolate Soufflés
Soufflés can be intimidating, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whip your egg whites until they’re stiff, coat your ramekins with sugar, and serve these beauties right away. Get the recipe here.
2. Easy Crêpes
Crêpes are a staple in French cuisine, and making them at home is easier than you think. Let the batter rest for at least 20 minutes, and you’ll be enjoying tender and delicious crêpes in no time. Get the recipe here.
3. Apple Tart
This classic French recipe is a game-changer. Skip the sauce and macerate the apple slices in brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla for a jammy and delicious tart. Get the recipe here.
4. Easy French Macarons
These delicate French cookies are a perfect blank canvas for creative flavors and colors. Make sure your ingredients are room temperature, and you’ll be enjoying crispy, chewy, soft, and light-as-air macarons in no time. Get the recipe here.
5. Profiteroles
Forget fancy French names – profiteroles are just little puffs of goodness filled with ice cream and chocolate. Make them at home and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs. Get the recipe here.
6. Chocolate Pots De Crème
Pots de crème is a rich and decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. Somewhere between pudding and mousse, this dessert is a French classic. Get the recipe here.
7. Easy Palmiers
Palmiers are also known as elephant ears, and for good reason – they’re shaped like hearts! Sprinkle sugar on top of flaky puff pastry, roll it up, and bake for a delicious and cute dessert. Get the recipe here.
8. Tarte Tatin
This classic tart is a French staple. Fruit is laid over caramel and topped with puff pastry for a delicious and golden dessert. Get the recipe here.
9. Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée says “fancy” like no other dessert. Rich, smooth, and indulgently creamy, this dessert is a French classic. Get the recipe here.
10. Galette De Rois
Galette de rois is a French pastry that’s made with puff pastry sheets filled with almond frangipane and jam. Prior to baking, the puff pastry is scored and egg-washed, giving it a beautiful golden hue. Get the recipe here.
11. French Apple Tart
This easy tart uses store-bought puff pastry, making it a breeze to make. The glaze uses a hint of Grand Marnier for an added flavor. Get the recipe here.
12. Poached Pears
Not-too-sweet poaching liquid and a hint of saffron make this dessert a true French classic. If you want an affordable swap, use ground turmeric! Get the recipe here.
13. Cherry Clafoutis
Clafoutis is like a cross between flan and cake, and it’s simply divine. The secret ingredient? Amaretto. It gives the dessert the slightest hint of almond flavor. Get the recipe here.
14. Fast(er) Homemade Croissants
There’s no such thing as a quick croissant, but this recipe is about as fast as they come. Use a borrowed pie crust technique to make flaky and delicious croissants at home. Get the recipe here.
15. French Apple Cake
This easy cake has just enough batter to hold all the apples together, making it super soft with a custard-like texture. The sugary, crunchy top is the perfect finish. Get the recipe here.
16. Fruit Tart
This tart is a perfect showcase for fresh fruit. The mascarpone filling is light, slightly tart, and just sweet enough to pair well with the apricot preserve-glazed fruit of your choice. Bonus: the crust is no-fuss and stress-free! Get the recipe here.
17. Easy Beignets
Traditional New Orleans beignets are a fried pastry made from French pâte à choux, but we’ve simplified the recipe to make it easier for you. Let the good times roll! Get the recipe here.
18. Best-Ever Lemon Tart
This impressive tarte au citron is surprisingly easy to make. We love serving it with a big dollop of homemade whipped cream or candied lemon peel. Get the recipe here.
19. Baked Brie
We love this as an after-dinner snack alongside some French wine. Pick your jam wisely – some Bonne Maman maybe, or make your own! Get the recipe here.
20. French Toast
French toast is a brunch classic, and we’re not sure why it’s called French, but it’s delicious nonetheless! Use fluffy French brioche for the best results. Get the recipe here.
More French Desserts to Try
- Éclairs – a classic French pastry filled with creamy goodness
- Macarons – delicate French cookies sandwiched with ganache or buttercream
- Mille-Feuille – a French pastry made with layers of puff pastry and pastry cream
- Opéra Gâteau – a multi-layered French cake made with chocolate and coffee syrup
- Tarte au Citron – a classic French lemon tart
Conclusion
French desserts are truly something special, and we hope this list has inspired you to try some new recipes at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these classic French desserts are sure to impress your family and friends. Bon appétit!
What are the 25 classic French desserts mentioned in the article? Chocolate Soufflés, Easy Crêpes, Apple Tart, Easy French Macarons, Profiteroles, Chocolate Pots De Crème, Easy Palmiers, Tarte Tatin, Crème Brûlée, Galette De Rois, French Apple Tart, Poached Pears, Cherry Clafoutis, Fast(er) Homemade Croissants, French Apple Cake, Fruit Tart, Easy Beignets, Best-Ever Lemon Tart, Baked Brie, French Toast.
How do you prepare Apple Tart in French style? Skip the sauce and macerate the apple slices in brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla for a jammy and delicious tart.
What are the steps to make Easy French Macarons? Ensure your ingredients are room temperature, and follow the recipe to make crispy, chewy, soft, and light-as-air macarons.
What is the secret ingredient in Cherry Clafoutis? The secret ingredient in Cherry Clafoutis is Amaretto, which adds a slight hint of almond flavor.
What makes French Toast special? French Toast is made with fluffy French brioche, which makes it incredibly delicious, and it’s a brunch classic.
What are additional French desserts mentioned for trying? Éclairs, Macarons, Mille-Feuille, Opéra Gâteau, and Tarte au Citron are additional French desserts mentioned for trying.
