10 Top Classic French Dessert Recipes

This classic French dessert is punched up with the essence of cinnamon. Ease of preparation and beautiful presentation make this dish a great selection for dinner parties.

Poires Belle Helene Recipe

Adding a touch of lemon zest and spice really perks up this classically delicious apple tarte Tatin recipe. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Chantilly cream to the dessert for a rich after-dinner treat.

Apple Tarte Tatin

This cherry clafouti recipe, also know as Clafouti aux Cerises, is the most well-known version of the traditional puffed French custard cake. In France, it is customary to serve clafoutis with cherry pits intact.

Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

Babas au rhum were once the loved dessert of the '60's, they disappeared for a few decades except in the most classic of French restaurants. Glad to say, they are now back and as popular as they ever were. 

Babas au Rhum Recipe

Orangettes are strips of candied orange peel dipped in dark chocolate. They are a delicious treat and even better they make lovely gifts wrapped in a little cellophane and a pretty ribbon. 

Orangettes Recipes

Chocolate mousse is the quintessential romantic French dessert made so quickly and easily, what's not to like?

Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Crème au caramel is a wonderful dessert recipe for dinner parties and known as a  bistro classic for decades. The creme can be made at least a day ahead also making it somewhat convenient. 

Creme Caramel Recipe

This is the quintessential French tart, found at patisseries and cafes year-round. Cool, sharp lemon filling contrasts nicely with the flaky, slightly sweet pastry. A little dollop of Chantilly cream served with the dessert makes the ideal treat.

Lemon Tart Recipe

 There is much debate as to who, exactly, invented the original opera cake recipe and where. Some culinary historians have set it as far back as the 1890s, while others put its creation at a Paris shop in the mid-twentieth century. Most opera cake enthusiasts agree

This Breton butter cake is a classic dessert in Brittany. Kouign Amann means "bread and butter," and if bread is the staff of life, then this particular bread is indeed gilding the lily! Rich with butter and sugar, this cake needs no adornment whatsoever, although berries or whipped cream make for a special treat.

Breton Butter Cakes - Kouign Amann