Let’s Look at Some French Desserts You Can Bake
French desserts may sound fancy and intimidating, but plenty of them are beginner-friendly and oh-so-delicious. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can bring a little piece of France into your kitchen. Here are 14 French desserts you’ll love baking, even if you’re just starting out.
1. Madeleines
These delicate, shell-shaped sponge cakes are surprisingly easy to make. With a simple batter of eggs, sugar, butter, and flour, you can whip up these buttery, tender treats in no time. A hint of lemon zest or vanilla adds a touch of elegance.
2. Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée is easier than it looks and feels like a luxurious dessert. Made with just cream, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla, it’s baked in the oven until set. The best part? Torching the sugar on top to create that iconic crunchy caramel layer.
3. Chocolate Mousse
Rich, airy, and chocolatey, mousse au chocolat is a beginner’s dream. Melted chocolate, whipped cream, and a pinch of sugar come together for a simple but decadent dessert that requires no baking at all.
4. Clafoutis
This rustic, custard-like dessert is a great way to use fresh fruit. Traditionally made with cherries, clafoutis is essentially a pancake batter poured over fruit and baked until golden. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for any season.
5. Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is an upside-down caramelized apple tart that’s easier than it sounds. Sliced apples are cooked in sugar and butter until golden, then topped with puff pastry and baked. Flip it over for a show-stopping yet beginner-friendly dessert.
6. Palmiers
These buttery, flaky cookies are made with just two ingredients: puff pastry and sugar. Roll out the pastry, sprinkle it generously with sugar, and fold it into the signature palm shape before baking. They’re quick, crispy, and so satisfying.
7. Profiteroles
Profiteroles are cream-filled pastry puffs that look fancy but are easy to make. The dough, called choux pastry, requires just flour, butter, eggs, and water. Bake the puffs, fill them with whipped cream or ice cream, and drizzle with melted chocolate.
8. Galette des Rois
This simple French king cake uses puff pastry and a creamy almond filling called frangipane. It’s as easy as layering the filling between two sheets of pastry and baking until golden. Perfect for celebrating or just enjoying with coffee.
9. Lemon Tart (Tarte au Citron)
A lemon tart combines a crisp pastry shell with a tangy, sweet lemon curd filling. If making the crust from scratch feels too daunting, use store-bought pastry dough to make it even easier. The zesty flavors are always a hit.
10. Financiers
These small almond cakes are made with simple ingredients like almond flour, butter, and egg whites. They’re moist, nutty, and perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. You don’t need any special equipment—just a basic muffin tin will do.
11. Crêpes
Crêpes are thin French pancakes that can be made sweet or savory. The batter is simple, and flipping them is easier than it looks. Fill them with Nutella, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a classic French dessert.
12. Eclairs
Eclairs may look intimidating, but they’re just elongated profiteroles. Once you’ve mastered the choux pastry, pipe it into long shapes, bake, and fill with pastry cream. Top with chocolate glaze for that bakery-style finish.
13. Riz au Lait (French Rice Pudding)
This creamy, comforting dessert is as simple as simmering rice with milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that tastes even better when topped with caramel sauce or fresh berries.
14. Canelés
These little custard cakes from Bordeaux are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. While traditionally baked in copper molds, a regular muffin tin works just fine for beginners. The batter is simple, but the result is uniquely delicious.
The Sweet Takeaway
You don’t need to be a professional pastry chef to enjoy the magic of French desserts. With these beginner-friendly recipes, you can create beautiful, mouthwatering treats right in your kitchen.
