8 Decadent French Chocolate Recipes

By Rebecca Franklin

Updated 02/17/17

Chocolate features heavily in most cuisines around the world, but in France, it is revered with most of the recipes considered classics of the French kitchen. 

Here are eight of those classics and no repertoire of French recipes is complete without them. When making these recipes, use the highest quality chocolate you can afford; the flavor and texture really do make the difference between just good and out of this world!  The higher the cocoa solids (for strong dark flavours look to 50 % and...MORE above, (the  lower percentage chocolate is better when you require a milder flavour, or for children) You will pay more fo good chocolate  but it is so worth it. 

  • 01 of 08
    Pears Belle Helene Recipe
    poires-belle-helene
    Poires Belle Helene French Pear Dessert. Getty

    Desserts do not come more classic than this delightful Poires Belle Helene which is essentially poached pears with a chocolate sauce but sounds so much more enticing with its beautiful enticing French name.

    The dessert was invented by Auguste Escoffier in Paris in the 19th century and purportedly named after the  opera, La Belle Helen  by Offenbach.

  • 02 of 08
    Individual Chocolate Souffles Recipes
    chocolate-souffle
    Chocolate Souffle. Diana Miller

    Chocolate soufflé is a magical, airy, rich, and complex confection that perfectly rounds out any meal. Served fresh out of the oven, it delights young children and impresses dinner guests. And, souffle is not as hard to make as you think. 

  • 03 of 08
    Basic Chocolate Truffles Recipe
    Dark Chocolate Truffles
    Classic French Dark Chocolate Truffles. Vladimir Shulevsky - Getty Images

    Basic chocolate truffles are so rich they require being eaten slow. Ganache and the proper rolling technique are the secrets of this recipe's success. Follow the recipe to see how. 

  • 04 of 08
    Chocolate Crepes Recipe
    Crepes with chocolate sauce
    Kelly Sillaste / Getty Images

    Classic chocolate crepes can be filled with just about any dessert-oriented food. Try combinations of nuts, fruit, and sauces for your own unique crepe, the variations on the fillings are limitless. 

    Continue to 5 of 8 below.
  • 05 of 08
    Chocolate Mousse Recipe
    Chocolate Mousse
    Chocolate Mousse. Laurence Mouton - Getty Images

    Chocolate mousse is the quintessential romantic French dessert. Many cuisines claim the recipe originated with them,not so, it is French, through and through. 

  • 06 of 08

    Chocolate Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe

    chocolate and pistachio ice cream
    Philippe Desnerck Getty Images
    Chocolate and pistachio is a favorite flavor combination in France. Make sure to shave the chocolate into thick strips so it doesn’t disappear during the mixing phase.
  • 07 of 08
    Rich Chocolate Torte
    Chocolate Torte
    Chocolate Torte. Monty Rakusen Getty Images

    This chocolate gateau recipe, also known as gateau au chocolat, makes for a versatile, rich dessert. Try topping it with blueberry wine coulis, caramel drizzle, or fresh raspberries for a delicious and remarkably easy treat.

  • 08 of 08
    Spiced Chocolate Crepes Recipe
    Chocolate Crepes
    Chocolate Crepes. Olena Gorbenko delicious food Getty Images

    This classic chocolate crepes recipe can be whipped up quickly and filled with just about any dessert-oriented food. Try using combinations of nuts, fruit, and sauces for your own unique crepes. To make an intensely rich dessert, layer a few berries with homemade whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Enjoy!