5 Essential French Pastry Recipes

Chanel your inner pastry chef and experience a little taste of France at home with these

classic, simple and delicious French dessert recipes.


Almond Financier: The dreamy little French almond cake

A financier is a small and moist French almond cake with a crispy exterior, typically baked in rectangular molds. For this recipe, I used little donut-shaped molds and added a chocolate ganache inside to make them extra tasty, so feel free to use any small molds of your liking. A financier is made with brown butter (beurre noisette), which gives the pastry its distinctive nutty taste and golden color. While almond flour is the original main ingredient, variations may include other nuts, such as pistachios or hazelnuts, as well as flavorings like vanilla or citrus zest.

The name "financier" is believed to have originated from its popularity among bankers and financiers in the financial district of Paris due to its convenient size and shape for on-the-go consumption. They are typically enjoyed as a sweet treat with tea or coffee, but they can also be served as part of a dessert spread or enjoyed on their own. Their delicate texture and rich flavor make them beloved pastries, cherished for their simplicity and elegance.

Profiteroles: The perfect French dessert to impress your dinner guests

A profiterole is a classic French pastry made from choux pastry dough, which is light and airy, typically filled with whipped cream, pastry cream, or ice cream. The pastry is usually shaped into small, round balls and baked until puffed and golden. Once cooled, the profiteroles are split open and filled with the desired filling before being topped with a sauce, often warm chocolate sauce. They are commonly served as a dessert, known for their delicate texture, specially after a heavy meal. Profiteroles are a staple of French patisserie and are enjoyed worldwide for their indulgent taste and elegant presentation. From decadent caramel sauce to fruity coulis, the possibilities are endless. This dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression and make your dinner party a memorable one!

Although the origins of the choux are traced all the way to the 16th century, it is the pastry chef Avice who perfected the dough and created the choux that we are all familiar with today, and who renamed to pâte à choux due to the puffs looking like a sprout (chou in French). Later, Marie - Antoine Carême, one the leading French chefs of the 19th century  had the idea to fill the choux with cream; this innovation popularized profiteroles across France and eventually internationally, solidifying their place in culinary history as a beloved dessert.

Éclair: a quintessential French pastry

An éclair is a classic French pastry made from choux pastry dough, similar to that used for profiteroles. Éclairs have a long and narrow shape with a hollow center, allowing for various fillings such as custard, whipped cream, or pastry cream. The pastry is then topped with a flavored icing, which adds sweetness and a glossy finish to the dessert. For a more modern twist, fun piping techniques and decorations can be used to garnish the eclair instead of fondant, as displayed in the ebook.

The name "éclair" translates to "flash of lightning" in French, possibly referring to the speed with which one can devour this delicious treat. Éclairs are known for their light, airy texture and rich, indulgent fillings, making them a popular choice for dessert lovers worldwide. Like profiteroles, éclairs offer a canvas for culinary creativity, with variations in flavors, fillings, and toppings!

Madeleine : An easy recipe for the perfect afternoon tea pastry

A madeleine is a small, shell-shaped French cake, typically baked in a special mold called a madeleine pan. Madeleines are characterized by their delicate, sponge-like texture and slightly crispy edges. They are often flavored with lemon zest, vanilla, or almond extract, lending them a subtle and fragrant taste.

Traditionally enjoyed with tea or coffee, madeleines are a beloved French treat that dates back to the 18th century. According to popular lore, these petite cakes were named after a young maid named Madeleine, who baked them for the court of King Louis XV. Madeleines gained literary fame through Marcel Proust's "Remembrance of Things Past," where the narrator experiences a flood of memories upon tasting a madeleine dipped in tea.

Macaron: Learn how to make luxury macarons at home

A macaron is a delicate French pastry made with egg whites, almond flour, and sugar, sandwiched together with a flavored filling such as ganache, buttercream, or jam. These small, colorful, and extremely popular confections are renowned for their crisp outer shell and soft, chewy interior. Macarons come in a variety of flavors, ranging from traditional ones like vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry to more exotic options such as matcha, earl grey, and lavender. They are a beloved treat in French patisseries and have gained popularity worldwide for their elegant appearance and delightful taste.

Macarons are delicate French confections with a long history. They likely originated in Italy during the Middle Ages but gained fame in France, especially through Catherine de Medici's influence. The modern macaron, with its smooth top and filling, was refined by the famous Ladurée shop in Paris in the early 20th century. Since then, macarons have become a symbol of French pastry expertise, enjoyed worldwide for their delicate texture and variety of flavors.