Check out our French-style desserts for the perfect after-dinner treat. Our impressive recipes are great for a dinner party – try an impressive stack of profiteroles or a show-stopping apple tart. For a dessert that’s not too challenging, make a batch of classic crêpes or madeleines.
For flavour-specific ideas, see our strawberry desserts, lemon desserts and chocolate desserts. Or hop across Europe for our top 10 Italian dessert ideas, including tiramisu, panna cotta and gelato.
Top French-inspired desserts
1) French crêpes
Classic French crêpes aren’t just for breakfast. Try topping these easy pancakes with chopped fruit, ice cream, chocolate spread or caramel to take them to the next level. You can even stack them up into an impressive crêpe cake.
2) Profiteroles
A batch of classic profiteroles will always go down a treat at a dinner party. Learn how to make your own choux pastry buns, then fill with lightly whipped cream and top with chocolate sauce.
3) French apple tart
Layer apple slices in neat, concentric circles to make this stunning French dessert. Bake a pastry case, then fill with a lightly sweetened apple purée and top with your apple design. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4) Crème brûlée
Serve a crème brûlée at a dinner party for an elegant dessert option. Stick to a classic recipe or this ginger-infused version, filled with chunks of rhubarb. If you don’t have a blowtorch, either leave off the demerara sugar or put under a hot grill.
5) Madeleines
Make a batch of simple madeleines to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee after dinner. Our easy recipe only requires five ingredients and comes together in just 15 minutes. For a more decadent version, try these blood orange & dark chocolate madeleines.
6) Chocolate eclairs
Fancy a challenge? Make a batch of eclairs from scratch with our step-by-step guide. To plan ahead for a dinner party, try making the choux pastry ahead of time and freezing. Then just fill and decorate on the big day.
7) Cherry clafoutis
Try a twist on clafoutis (a French baked dessert with a creamy base and sharp cherries) with this mini version, ready in under an hour. Our version is infused with nutty almond extract and a boozy kirsch kick.
8) Crème caramel
This delicate crème caramel is the perfect light dessert to follow a heavy meal. First make a rich golden-brown caramel on the hob and pour into ramekins. Then make a vanilla-infused custard and fill the dishes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the custards are just set and chill for at least four hours.
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9) Tarte tatin
Tarte tatin is a classic French recipe that can be made with a variety of fruits. We’ve opted for the apple version, made with a rich, dark caramel and flakey puff pastry. Serve with crème fraîche or high-quality vanilla ice cream.
10) Lemon tart
A lighter version of a classic tart au citron. This zingy dessert is perfect in the summertime, or for those who prefer something less sweet. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar and a scattering of fresh raspberries.
Enjoyed these ideas? See more inspiration…
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