Desserts are one of the most popular and beloved categories in French cuisine. From sweet crêpes and éclairs to richer, heavier dishes like gateaux, there’s something for everyone. Here are ten of France’s most iconic desserts and where you can find them.
Crêpes
These beloved pancakes can be found all over France, from roadside stands to high-end restaurants. The batter is typically made with a combination of flour, milk, salt, sugar, and eggs, which is then poured into a hot pan or griddle and cooked until the edges are crisp and the center is fluffy. A variety of fillings – from fruit to Nutella – can be added to make each crêpe unique.
These delicious desserts can be topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, and they make a perfect breakfast or lunch option.
Éclairs
These delicate doughnuts are filled with caramel, chocolate or cream – and often enhanced with a sugar glaze or whipped cream topping. Éclairs are typically served cold, but they can also be heated in the oven or served hot from the fryer.
Espresso Cake
Similar to chocolate cake, espresso cake is composed of alternating layers of flourless chocolate cake and whipped cream – but the addition of espresso makes it uniquely delicious. The dark flavor of espresso pairs beautifully with the sweetness of whipped cream, making this dessert a popular choice for coffee lovers everywhere.
Crème Brûlée
This classic French dessert features a layer of custard cooked over an open flame until it’s caramelized and crispy, giving it an incredibly burnt sugar flavor that’s hard to resist. Crème Brûlée can also be topped with lashings of whipped cream, which creates a silky texture that’s hard to beat.
Gateaux
This is France’s quintessential cake – delicate, light, and fluffy, with a signature almond flavor. Gateaux can be found at bakeries, cafes, and patisseries all over the country. They’re usually served iced but can also be topped with flavored cream or berries.
Croissants
Another quintessential French pastry, croissants are doughy croissant rolls that are filled with either sweetened whipped cream or flavored custard – usually strawberry or pistachio. Croissants can be found at most bakery shops and cafes in France, as well as some supermarkets and convenience stores.
Chocolate Cake
One of France’s most iconic desserts is undoubtedly chocolate cake. This moist chocolate cake is often served cold but can also be topped with whipped cream, nuts or fruit slices for added indulgence. It can also be made into layers – like a cake – and is perfect for special occasions like birthdays or weddings.
Quiche Lorraine
This savory dish typically features layers of unbaked pie crusts that are pan-fried until golden brown and then filled with cheese (usually Brie), ham, onions, and tomatoes. Quiche lorraine is best served warm but can also be chilled before serving.
Bavarian Cream Cake
Like chocolate cake, Bavarian Cream Cake is a rich chocolate dessert that features layers of devil’s food cake alternating with whipped cream filling and frosting. This decadent dessert is typically served at weddings but can also be enjoyed any time of year at a cafe or bakery near you!
Pistachio Gateau
This creamy pistachio gateau features layers of rich chocolate ganache sandwiched between two layers of devil’s food cake batter – making it one of the richest desserts on this list! The gateau is then baked until golden brown before being drizzled with pistachio syrup and served chilled.
Pies
A quintessential French dessert, pies are usually made from a pastry crust (either puff pastry or pie crust) that’s filled with either sweetened fruit or custard (usually flavored with vanilla). The filling is then crimped or folded into a neat shape before being baked in a pie dish until fully cooked through.
Tartes Tatin
Tartes Tatin are miniature pies made from an iconic flaky pastry dough that’s filled either with sweetened fruit (usually apples) or tart apple sauce mixed with glucose syrup and spices (cinnamon is especially common). The pies are prebaked before being served warm or at room temperature, accompanied by whipped cream and caramelized onions.
Soufflés
Another hallmark French dessert, soufflés consist of light, airy meringue shells that are filled either with whipped cream (a classic option) or custard (often lighter in flavor than cream). The soufflé is cooked briefly in hot steam before being served tableside – making it one of the easiest desserts to serve when the company arrives!
Chocolates & Confiseries
Chocolate lovers will definitely want to check out France’s confectionary offerings! From chocolate bars to boxed chocolates imported from Switzerland, France has something for everyone who loves sweet treats!
Et Voilà! Whether it’s tartes tatin and soufflés, chocolate and confiseries, or something altogether different, french cuisine has something for everyone who loves desserts.