Whether you’re jetting off on vacation to France, or simply want a taste of French style and flavor at home, you have to try these classic French desserts. Each of them is a regional delicacy, and for good reason – whilst French cuisine may be world-famous, it’s the pastries, cakes, desserts, and sweets that really make French food utterly fantastic.
Mille Feuille or Napoleon
Layers of sweet pastry, custard, fruit, and cream – can it get any better than this? Hailing from France (and dating to around 1650), this is a classic French sweet treat that often gets brought out on special occasions, due to its show-stopping appearance. Seek it out in good French cafes or delicatessens near you, or if you’re feeling bold, have a go at making one yourself!
Canelé
This classic fluted pastry hails from the Bordeaux region and happens to pair very well with a full-bodied red wine. Traditionally stuffed with juicy currants, if it’s not quite wine-o’-clock yet, try your canelé with an espresso instead. Do be aware that when it comes to these pretty pastries, the fresher the better, so seek them out in the morning when they’re not long out of the oven.
Madeleines
These small, bite-sized cakes are buttery and go gorgeously with a morning coffee. They are from the northeastern region of France and acquire their shell-like shape from being baked in shell-shaped tins. They should be golden yellow in color and soft and fluffy to the bite. These are some of the easier French sweets to make, so it may be worth making your own if you can’t track them down.
