7 Decadent French Chocolate Recipes

Written by
Rebecca Franklin
Rebecca Franklin is a freelance lifestyle writer and recipe developer. Her expertise is in French cuisine, which she writes about and teaches.
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Rebecca Franklin
Updated 03/26/20

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 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 07

    Pears Belle Helene Recipe

    French pear dessert

    The Spruce 

    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 07

    Individual Chocolate Souffles Recipes

    Chocolate Souffle
    Chocolate Souffle.

    The Spruce / 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 07

    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 07

    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 7 below.
  • 05 of 07

    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 07

    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.

  • 07 of 07

    Spiced Chocolate Crepes Recipe

    Chocolate Crepes
    Chocolate Crepes.

    Olena Gorbenko / 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!