Rustic French desserts from hazelnut Madeleines and apple galette to the silkiest creme Anglaise and milk chocolate mousse, these recipes celebrate tradition and the joy of uncomplicated baking.
If the mere mention of French desserts conjures up the 3 “Fs” ~ FUSSY, FANCY, and FINICKY, think again. Unlike the intricate pastries in fancy patisseries, these homemade treats focus on taste over perfection. Like my apple galette, above, where caramelized apples and buttery pastry come together in a perfectly imperfect way. These desserts invite you to roll up your sleeves and enjoy the process, imperfections and all.
Start by stocking your kitchen with some of the essential French pantry and refrigerated ingredients ~
The Make-or-Break French Dessert Ingredients:
- High-Fat European-Style Butter: such as Plugrà or Kerrygold, the flavor and texture payoff is huge.
- Cake Flour: essential for delicate cakes.
- Almond Flour (finely ground): a core ingredient for so many classic recipes.
- High-Quality Dark Chocolate: choose one you love. Valrhona is a French brand that’s available here in the US.
- Vanilla Beans (or high-quality vanilla bean paste): pure vanilla flavor is key.
- Heavy Cream: plays a crucial role in French desserts, contributing to their rich luxurious textures.
- Sea Salt: a staple in French baking.
- Nuts: integral to so many French desserts.
- Citrus (lemons, oranges): fresh zest is essential.
French and French inspired dessert recipes
French Pistachio Cake
A unique method makes this one of the most light and fluffy cakes I’ve ever tasted. I loved it so much I adapted it for my Mocha Hazelnut Cake, which turned out equally amazing. This cake is a must try!
Chocolate Hazelnut Madeleines
These chocolate hazelnut madeleines are just so good! A little bit of finely ground toasted hazelnuts in the batter, and a final dunk in dark chocolate makes them utterly irresistible. Try my Lemon Madeleines, too. I’ve even made Madeleines in a muffin pan!
Cherry Almond Tart
My easy Cherry Almond Tart pairs fresh cherries with an almond frangipane filling for a simple but memorable French style dessert. Also check out my Cranberry Almond Tart.
Milk Chocolate Mousse
I used Hershey’s chocolate in this incredibly silky mousse, but of course the French would prefer Valrhona. More mousse recipes to try:
Fresh Strawberry Galette
This rustic fruit tart can be made with all kinds of different fruits, and it’s an ideal French inspired dessert for spring and summer entertaining.
Almond Croissant Cake
My almond croissant cake marries a classic pastry with a moist and fluffy coffee cake for a thoroughly modern style French dessert. Also try my Sheet Pan Almond Croissant.
Fromage Blanc Cheesecake
This silky French dessert is all about the texture! Fromage blanc makes a lighter cheesecake that’s every bit as delicious.
Easy Chocolate Soufflé
I’ll take you through this classic French dessert step by step It’s an impressive recipe anyone can master with just five pantry ingredients. This special chocolate dessert rises beautifully and won’t fall!
Chocolate Ganache Tart
The term “ganache” originated in France during the 19th century. According to culinary lore a young apprentice accidentally poured hot cream over chocolate, prompting his master to exclaim “ganache,” a term meaning “fool” in French!
Chantilly Cream
The OG whipped topping, made the French way!
Chocolate Pot de Crème
This quintessentially French dessert is quick and easy to make ~ with no baking! Also try:
- Salted Caramel Pot de Crème
- Pumpkin Pot de Crème (with maple whipped cream)
- Salted Maple Pot de Creme with Bourbon Whipped Cream
Raspberry Frangipane Tart
This luxe almond and berry tart is perfect for the spring holidays ~ it can easily be made gluten free.
Chocolate Truffles
Follow my easy step by step instructions to make your own homemade chocolate truffles worthy of the finest chocolatier. For a colorful variation, see my Jewel Box Truffles!
Creme Anglaise (easy custard sauce)
Creme Anglaise is a velvety French vanilla custard sauce that’s surprisingly simple to make! Serve it with seasonal fruit for the ultimate easy French dessert.
Classic Crème Brûlée
Only the French could have come up with this amazing dessert, and everyone should know how to make it! For a creative twist have a look at my Maple Bourbon Pumpkin Creme Brulee!
Rustic Apple Galette
An apple galette is a no pressure, no pretensions apple pie ~ just buttery, flaky pastry meets perfect in-season apples with a hint of sugar and spice. No fancy pastry skills required for this favorite fall dessert.
