Think of France and often the first thought is of wine and perfume. But do you know that France is equally famous for their sweets? Yes, the French people have perfected the art of making delectable pastries, fruit tarts and crème pâtissières. Everything else takes a backseat when you take a bite into one of those sweet little sins. Here is a list of the 20 best French desserts you must try when visiting France.
- Eclair au chocolat
Intense chocolate pastry cream, filling a delicate and crispy golden shell — the combination is both magical and comforting. It is one of the top French desserts that can be made at home too.
- Paris-Brest
This classic French dessert was created in the shape of a cycle wheel to commemorate the Paris-Brest-Paris cycle race. It is a delicate beauty of choux pastry filled with delicious hazelnut praline cream.
- Macarons
Sandwiched between two cookies hides the bliss of buttercream or jam. A sweet and light meringue-based delight, macarons can be found in a wide range of flavors, including traditional ones like chocolate and strawberry — as well as unconventional flavors like matcha, foie grass etc.
- Mont Blanc
There can’t be a more perfect coffee partner than this cake. Made with pureed sweetened chestnut, topped with whipped cream, and placed on a meringue, Mont Blanc resembles a snow-capped mountain which just melts in your mouth.
- Croissants
You have seen this French classic in many forms. A buttery, flaky pastry in familiar crescent shape, the croissant is the perfect breakfast partner for all seasons.
- Ispahan
The signature creation of Pierre Hermé, Ispahan is one such dessert which not only tastes heavenly but is also a sheer beauty to look at. An amazing combination of raspberries or strawberries, lychee, and rose, Ispahan is nothing but sheer joy!
- Tarte Tatin
Yet another French classic, Tarte Tatin is an upside down apple tart where the apples are caramelised in sugar and butter before the tart is baked. A light, golden puff pastry with juicy fruit and caramel is an unbeatable combo to every dessert lover.
- Opera Cake
Layers of almond sponge cake dipped in coffee syrup, combined with layers of ganache and coffee buttercream, and finally covered in a chocolate glaze. This French delight is too yummy to even imagine.
- Clafoutis
A traditional and delicious French dessert, Clafouti is made with fruits covered with flan-like batter and dusted with powdered sugar. It’s traditionally prepared with black cherries, though other fruits are also used for variation.
- Chocolate Profiteroles
Light as air and sweet as kisses, Chocolate Profiteroles are choux pastry with a center of heavenly cream and garnished with oodles of chocolate. Certainly something to cheer you up in no time!
- Gâteau Saint Honoré
A puff pastry topped with cream puffs dipped in caramelized sugar, pastry cream and whipped cream, this is a classic French dessert. Savor it and find heaven melting right in your mouth.
- Mille-Feuille
Mille-Feuille literally means a thousand layers. Three layers of puff pastry with custard and whipped cream or jam, and occasionally topped with strawberry, make this crispy sugary treat a real delight.
- Choux à la Crème
An irresistible French pastry where a light pastry shell is filled with sweet custard cream. One bite and even the most mundane surroundings will transform into a paradise.
- Religieuses au Chocolat
A traditional French confectionery made of two choux pastries filled with crème pâtissière and made into a glorious tower. The temptation is too much to resist.
- Baba au Rhum
A traditional French delight. It is a small yeast cake soaked in a syrup made with hard liquor and then filled with whipped cream. Literally a spirited dessert, this one!
- Croquembouche
This Christmas-tree lookalike dessert is made by piling up choux pastry balls in the shape of a cone and binding them up with caramel threads. The treat is not only good to taste but spectacular to look at.
- Tarte Tropézienne
A giant-sized cream cake made of buttery brioche and filled with orange blossom, vanilla cream and drizzled with pearl sugar. Doesn’t that sound too good to be true?
- Canelé
So you thought Bordeaux is famous only for its wine? Time to get introduced to Canelé. With a thick custard filling in a thin caramelized shell, it is the perfect coffee companion.
- French Lemon Tart
When life gives you lemons, make a lemon tart with them just like the French. This sun-like citrus tart will instantly brighten up your day with its delectable combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Chocolate Soufflé
Is there anything more alluring than rich, creamy chocolate? Have it as it is, or drench it with more chocolate sauce — either way the temptation will sweep you off your feet.
Originally posted 2017-06-06 08:58:17.
