Top 25 French desserts

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.

Put your pastry skills to the test with more choux pastry recipes.

3. Gateau basque

Get ahead for your next dinner party with this elegant French dessert, which can be made up to two days in advance. Filled with smooth pastry cream and a spoonful of cherry jam (if you like), it’s a classic that will impress, with minimal last-minute effort.

Finish your evening in style with more of our dinner party dessert recipes.

4. 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.

Discover more of our fruit tart recipes. There's one for every season.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Financiers

Treat family and friends to these miniature French almond cakes – perfect for afternoon tea or bringing along to a coffee morning. Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty depth that makes them feel extra-special despite their simplicity.

Host a catch-up with friends using our best coffee morning recipes.

9. Cherry clafoutis

Try a twist on clafoutis (a French baked dessert with a creamy base and tart cherries) with this mini version, ready in under an hour. Our version is infused with nutty almond extract and a boozy kirsch kick.

10. French walnut cake

Orlando Murrin’s walnut cake may take more effort, but it’s well worth it. With its intensely nutty flavour and a texture that falls between a tart and a cake, it’s a standout dessert bound to surprise and impress. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream at a dinner party, then enjoy any leftovers (if there are any) with a cup of tea the next day.

11. 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.

12. Matcha madeleines

This playful twist on the classic madeleine uses on-trend matcha for a vibrant green hue and subtle bitterness that beautifully balances the sweetness. The result is a delicate, moreish teatime treat – it’s just as well the recipe makes 24.

13. 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 flaky puff pastry. Serve with crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.

14. 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 if you like.

15. Beignets

A drying rack of beignets next to a bowl of icing sugar

The name 'beignet' comes from the French word for ‘bump’, a fitting nod to these pillowy bites of fried pastry. Dusted generously with icing sugar, they make a light-as-air treat with coffee or as an afternoon snack.

16. Elderflower & meringue eclairs

These stunning elderflower and meringue eclairs are filled with a delicately floral cream and finished with a soft pastel glaze. Light, elegant and ideal for a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to impress.

17. Chinon apple tarts

These little French tarts are crisp and buttery, finished with a glossy red wine jelly glaze. They make a memorable end to a special date night – a dessert that shows care and attention, and rewards the extra effort.

18. Double-chocolate profiteroles with salted caramel cream

If you’re a chocoholic, this twist on classic profiteroles is sure to hit the spot. Light, airy choux pastry is filled with rich salted caramel and finished with a generous double drizzle of chocolate.

19. Gooseberry crème brûlée tart

Gooseberry crème brûlée tart cut into slices

Seasonal gooseberries and buttery sweet pastry come together in this elegant dessert, perfect for a summer dinner party. Finish with a blow-torched sugar topping for a beautifully crisp, caramelised finish that adds drama as well as flavour.

20. Raspberry religieuse

Raspberry religieuse on a plate next to a fork

This fabulously fruity take on the classic French choux bun is filled with fluffy vanilla cream, fresh berries and a naturally coloured pink icing. It’s a joyful bake that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

21. Chocolate fondants

Chocolate fondant on a plate with the middle oozing out

Few desserts are as satisfying as a perfectly baked chocolate fondant, with its molten centre spilling onto the plate. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold contrast, making this pudding top-tier.

Celebrate everything cocoa with more of our chocolate dessert recipes.

22. Apricot & ginger frangipane tart

Apricot & ginger frangipane tart with a slice cut out

A showstopping tart that brings together buttery homemade shortcrust pastry, soft almond frangipane and jewel-like apricots. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche for a dessert that’s as elegant as it is satisfying.

23. Pistachio & raspberry pithiviers

These individual puff pastry pithiviers are filled with pistachio frangipane and raspberries – a delicate balance of flavour and texture. For a personalised touch, decorate with your guests’ initials before baking. They can also be frozen ahead, making them a stress-free yet impressive finale to any dinner party.

24. Macarons

Red macarons on a baking tray being piped

Edd Kimber, winner of the first series of Bake Off, shares his expert tips for baking picture-perfect macarons every time – from achieving that signature smooth shell to mastering the perfect filling.

25. Ultimate meringues

Master the basics of meringue-making and sharpen your whisking technique with this simple recipe. These light, crisp bakes are the perfect blank canvas for a range of flavours – try pairing them with whipped cream and fresh berries in a classic pavlova.