French cuisine is still looked to for classic dishes. No matter what changes in the food world - and do we see hundreds of new trends every year or what? Classic French desserts are the mainstay of pastry chefs the world over. Can you create classic French patisserie in your own kitchen? Why yes - here'ssome recipes to try.
1. Crêpe Suzette
Source: French Crepes Suzette
You couldn't go to a dinner party in the 1970s without being served Crêpe Suzette for dessert.
2. Apple Galette
Source: 5 French Bistro Classics | ...
Some wonderful apple desserts originate in Normandy - a major orchard region that's also famous for cider and calvados.
3. Mille Feuilles
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Source: French Napoleons. Click the photo ...The name means "thousand layers". I believe they are called Napoleons in the US. One of thebest French desserts in the world!
4. Crêpes
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Source: Crazy for CrepesClassic French pancakes.
5. Chocolate Soufflé
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Source: Classic Chocolate Soufflé Recipe by ...Master this famous French dessert and you'll be set to wow any and all dinner guests
6. Macarons
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Source: How to Make Macarons | ...The trendiest dessert treat around at the moment.
7. Croquembouche
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Source: Croquembouche (Caramel-Glazed Cream Puffs) | ...One of the most impressive French desserts you'll ever see. A tower of choux pastry filled puffs. Often made as wedding cakes.
8. Croissants
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Source: Adventures in Cooking: Croissants: Three ...Store bought croissants are infinitely inferior to home-baked ones.
9. Éclairs
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Source: The Best Éclairs in Paris ...The same goes for éclairs. Unless of course, you buy them fresh from a Paris patisserie.
10. Tarte Tatin
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Source: Tarte Tatin Recipe | Martha ...time to pimp up good ole apple pie.
11. French Apple Cake
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Source: French Apple Cake - Cook's ...A dessert with a custardy, apple-rich base beneath a light, cakelike topping.
12. Paris-Brest
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Source: TreatsA large ring of choux pastry filled with a praline-infused pastry cream.
13. Madelines
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Source: madelines-DSC_0028 | ChinDeepThe classic French tea time treat - not quite a cake, not quite a cookie.
14. The Saint Honoré
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Source: MangerNamed for the patron saint of pastry chefs.
15. Crème Brûlée
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Source: How Brit Rachel Khoo seduced ...Such a simple but impressive dessert! Even better served with fresh raspberries.
16. Raspberry Clafoutis
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Source: Raspberry Clafoutis Recipe - Alix ...A simple batter and yummy fruit. You can use practically any fruit in a clafoutis.
17. Opera Cake
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Source: bisousatoi.comThe ultimate layer cake with layers of coffee butter cream and chocolate ganache.
18. Dacquoise
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Source: Sweet And Sour | Recetas ...A dacquoise is a dessert cake made with layers of almond and hazelnut meringue and whipped cream or buttercream
19. Sablés
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Source: Portable Desserts | Food & ...A butter cookie with a crumbly texture.
20. Tarte Framboise
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Source: Tarte Framboises (Raspberry Tartlets) - ...Raspberry Tartlets - a classic and timeless French favorite
21. Flan Parisien
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Source: Flan Patissier | Zen Can ...Also known as flan pâtissier. Delicious thick custard browned on top and a buttery pâte brisée on the bottom.
22. Classic French Apple Tart
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Source: Recipe Graze - A Curated ...Absolutely must be thin slices of apple.
23. Oeufs À La Neige
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Source: Floating Islands | SAVEURLiterally 'eggs in the snow' or île flottante (floating island) is meringue floating in crème anglaise (a vanilla custard)
Oh la la, my mouth is watering. Are your taste buds dancing?
If this has whetted your appetite for French food and you want to try some more classic dishes click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some must-try classic French desserts?
- Try classics like crème brûlée, éclairs, tarte Tatin, and mousse au chocolat for a true taste of France.
- Are French desserts typically very sweet?
- French desserts balance sweetness with rich flavors and textures, often light and not overly sugary.
- Which French dessert is easiest to make at home?
- Crème brûlée and chocolate mousse are simple yet impressive options for home bakers.
- What is the difference between a French tart and a cake?
- Tarts have a pastry crust filled with fruit or custard, while cakes are usually soft, spongy, and layered.
- Are there French desserts suitable for special occasions?
- Yes, desserts like mille-feuille and Opera cake are elegant choices perfect for celebrations.
- Do French puddings differ from English puddings?
- French puddings tend to be lighter, often custard or cream-based, unlike the heavier boiled English puddings.
- Can these desserts be made gluten-free?
- Many can be adapted to gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free pastry alternatives.
- What ingredients are common in classic French sweets?
- Common ingredients include butter, cream, chocolate, vanilla, almonds, and fresh fruit.
- How can I serve French desserts authentically?
- Serve with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for a traditional touch.
- Are French desserts suitable for a light summer treat?
- Yes, desserts like fruit tarts and sorbets are perfect light and refreshing options for warm weather.