25 Must-Try French Dessert Recipes

Are you looking for easy yet amazing French dessert recipes? Not surprising! There's something undeniably captivating about the artistry and indulgence that French pastry chefs infuse into their creations. French desserts are nothing short of a culinary masterpiece.

In this delectable journey, we'll explore not just one or two, but a delightful collection of 25 French dessert recipes that will transport your taste buds to the romantic streets of Paris, the charming countryside of Provence, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring baker or simply someone with a sweet tooth, get ready to uncover the secrets of French patisserie, as we embark on a tantalizing adventure through the heart and soul of French culture and lifestyle, one irresistible dessert at a time.

This list has everything you’re looking for! From classic cakes and pastries to tarts, cookies, mousse, and more! You might especially like the crepe recipe and the eclairs. 

Ooh La La Pretty Pastries 

Fraisier Cake

The Fraisier Cake, a quintessentially French dessert, is an amazing example of strawberry fruit in a dessert! With its delicate texture, summery vibes, and abundant use of fresh strawberries, it never fails to amaze me!

Pistachio Dacquoise Cake

Without a doubt, the Pistachio Dacquoise Cake is the most delicious thing I've ever had! I don't make this claim lightly. It manages to be chewy and crispy, while also being wonderfully smooth. Plus it is packed with the authentic taste of pistachios. If you're a fan of pistachios, you simply must try this cake.

Profiteroles

Profiteroles, which can also be used to make eclairs, are crafted from French choux pastry dough. They are incredibly simple to prepare. They can be packed with many different sweet or savory fillings! These are filled with sweet custard and topped with decadent chocolate.

Crepes With Strawberries & Cream

Crepes are a fantastic dessert because they’re effortless to whip up! This strawberry and cream recipe is easy. All you have to do is blend the batter then fry them up in a skillet. They are then filled with homemade whipped cream and fresh strawberries – yum! 

Maple Pecan Eclairs 

Indulge in the ultimate tea-time treat with these delightful candied Maple Pecan Eclairs. These delicate pastries are filled with a silky smooth pecan pastry cream! Plus they’re topped with a delectable maple glaze. Surprisingly easy to make, they are perfect for any occasion.

Choux Au Craquelin Cream Puffs

How lovely are these Choux Au Craquelin Cream Puffs (Crispy Cream Puffs)? As lovely as they look, they taste even better! With a crunchy Craquelin cookie topping, they make the most delicious dessert for parties and more.

Chocolate French Dessert Recipes 

Chocolate Flan Tart

The Chocolate Flan Tart is a wonderfully decadent French dessert recipe that’s creamy and smooth. It is a baked chocolate custard tart that is sure to be a hit! It’s very popular in Paris, France for good reason. 

Pear & Chocolate Pie

If you’re looking for an easy-to-make French dessert recipe look no further. The Pear & Chocolate Pie is an indulgent chocolate ganache paired with juicy pears on top of a pie crust. Serve this up for any occasion and everyone will be impressed. 

Poached Pears With Chocolate 

Poached Pears With Chocolate is a winning combination that’s why I’ve included this second idea. With homemade chocolate sauce, fresh pears, sweet white wine, and more what’s not to love? 

Chocolate Mousse 

This French dessert recipe for Chocolate Mousse is oh-so-simple to whip up any day of the week. All you need is 4 oz baking chocolate, 4 eggs separated, 4 Tbsp butter, and ⅛ tsp cream of tartar!

French Chocolate Mousse Pie Brownies 

How tasty does this French Chocolate Mousse Pie Brownie recipe look? It tastes even better and it’s so simple to make! You won’t believe it’s made with a box brownie mix! 

Crème Brûlée Recipes

Easy Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée is a classic French dessert recipe that is always a crowd-pleaser! Made with a creamy vanilla custard topped with a thin layer of crackly, caramelized sugar. 

Earl Grey Crème Brûlée

This Earl Grey Crème Brûlée recipe is truly heavenly! If you like desserts that are silky smooth, and creamy, but not too sweet, this is the treat for you. The best part is the perfect crunch on top.

Lavender Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée is such a beautiful and delicious French dessert recipe I had to include a few versions on this list! Like this Lavender twist in the classic treat with lavender-lemon infused cream whisked into egg yolks and adorned with burnt sugar.

Fruit Ideas 

Rustic French Apple Tart

Want to make a classic French dessert recipe with simple pantry ingredients and delicious flavor? This Rustic French Apple Tart has scrumptious flavors like cinnamon, brown sugared apples, and a buttery tart crust.

Cherry Clafoutis

Looking for French dessert recipes with cherries? This Cherry Clafoutis is a simple, traditional French treat that’s half cobbler and half custard. It’s also a scrumptious way to use fresh cherries this summer.

Strawberry Galette

A classic French dessert recipe featuring delicious strawberries wrapped in a flaky crust! The crust is super buttery and soft plus the filling is easy to make and packed with strawberry flavor. 

French Pear Cake

Want a delicate yet decadent French dessert recipe featuring juicy chunks of pear? This French-style pear cake is a fantastic tender-crumb cake that’s sure to impress the table.

French Apple Tart

Apples are perfect for French dessert recipes like this French Apple Tart! The simple pastry hack crust is simple to make. Plus the vegan frangipane filling and apricot-glazed apples will delight you. 

French Cherry Clafoutis Aux Cerises

 Clafoutis Aux Cerises is delightful for summer! That’s because this classic French custard-like dessert is full of flavor. The flavor combinations and textures are absolutely amazing. 

French Cookie Recipes 

Sourdough Matcha Madeleines

French dessert recipes like Sourdough Matcha Madeleines will impress you! They are light, spongy, and perfect when served with coffee or tea. You will adore the mellow matcha green tea flavor heightened with a hint of lime zest! 

Fool Proof Macarons 

Pastry chefs will say macarons are the hardest things to make. But this recipe makes it easy with a step-by-step tutorial and troubleshooting guide. The light and lovely French cookie is perfect for any occasion. 

Strawberry Madeleines 

How lovely are these Strawberry Madeleines? If you think they look pretty, wait till you taste how yummy they are! With simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, and eggs, they are easy to make. 

Red Velvet Madeleines

Delicate, light, and sweet these Red Velvet Madeleines are a must-make French dessert recipe! Red velvet and white chocolate combine for a pretty and heavenly cookie. They are easy to make too and take barely any time at all.

French Sable Cookies

This simple French Sable Cookie recipe is a classic buttery biscuit treat. Everyone will love them because they’re crisp, rich, buttery, and scrumptious! They’re so good they’ve been around since the 1600s originating in Sablé-sur-Sarthe in Sarthe, France! 

I hope your taste buds have been tickled and your culinary curiosity piqued. French culture and lifestyle have an undeniable influence on the world of sweets, and these recipes offer a glimpse into the artistry and passion that define the French patisserie tradition.

Whether you're savoring a classic tarte tatin, indulging in a velvety crème brûlée, or mastering the intricate art of macarons, these desserts are more than just confections; they are a window into a rich and diverse culture. So, as you create and savor these delectable treats, remember that each bite carries with it a slice of French joie de vivre, inviting you to slow down, savor the moment, and celebrate life's sweetest pleasures.

Bon appétit!

Did you see any French dessert recipes you liked on this list? I want to try them all! Let me know in the comments which ones you liked best!