Everyone knows that French desserts are some of the most visually appealing in the world, and French cakes live up to this expectation. French cake recipes are full of mouthwatering surprises, from well-known favorites such as Madeleines and Croquembouche to less well-known specialties such as Gateau Basque and Cannelés.
We have gathered 20 French cake recipes that are mouthwatering and simple to prepare for you to try here on our blog. We hope you enjoy them! Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting, these recipes will impress your family and friends.
This blog covers whether you are seeking a sweet treat for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in baking inspired by French cuisine. Be ready to dive headfirst into the abundant and wonderful world of French pastries!
1. Easy French Butter Cake
This cake recipe from The Café Sucre Farine is one of the most popular cakes in France. It’s quick to make but totally delicious.
Whisking together yogurt, sugar, eggs, and almond extract results in a light, airy sponge cake with a subtle almond taste. Bring this delicious gift to potlucks, barbecues, and other social occasions to impress the people.
2. Madeleines
Little French butter cakes, often recognized by their scalloped shape, are delicious and appropriate for any celebration. They melt like butter in your mouth and have a velvety texture.
Sweeten up your day with these treats by serving them with tea or at mealtimes. Madeleines are an excellent option for a quick and simple snack. Both young and old will appreciate these goodies’ aesthetic and gustatory delights.
3. French Apple Cake
You’ll feel like you’re in France whenever you eat this French apple dessert from Once Upon a Chef.
As a sweet treat with a long history of use in French cuisine, it is a superb symbol of France’s gastronomic heritage. A bite of the cake’s buttery, crisp crust followed by the airy, fluffy middle is like a trip to the romantic streets of Paris.
4. Lemon Madeleines
Although traditional madeleines are already delicious, their lemon-flavored counterparts are superb. Thanks to the harmonious combination of citrus and sugar, these tasty treats will have your mouth watering.
Lemon madeleines are excellent because the lemons’ tartness complements the batter’s sweetness. If you serve these to your guests, they will be immediately impressed.
5. French Chocolate Cake
You’re in for a real treat if you’re craving something sweet. Look at this easy and quick French chocolate recipe from Baking Like a Chef.
It’s a luscious chocolate cake that will satisfy your sweet tooth. You only need five easy ingredients to make this luscious chocolate cake. And because it only requires one bowl, you can whip up and bake this delectable cake every day, even on a hectic weeknight.
6. Tourteau Fromagé
Hailing from the picturesque region of Poitou-Charentes, Tourteau Fromagé is a cheese lover’s dream. Legend has it that a French chef invented this cake after discovering a stash of goat cheese and mixing it with flour, eggs, and sugar to create something truly unique.
The result? A creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious cake that’s become a beloved classic.
7. Classic French Opera Cake
Many culinary historians believe that an unknown baker made the French Opera Cake in the late 1800s as a tribute to the Paris Opera.
And what a tribute it is! Layers of delicate sponge cake, silky buttercream, and rich chocolate ganache combine in a symphony of flavor and texture. With every bite, you can almost hear the strains of a grand opera.
8. Milk Caramel & Coffee Opera Cake
For those who like their desserts with a little extra drama, the Milk Caramel & Coffee Opera Cake is a must-try. Layers of coffee-soaked sponge cake are interspersed with silky milk caramel and rich chocolate ganache, creating a flavor combination that’s nothing short of operatic.
9. French King Cake
For centuries, the French have celebrated Epiphany with the King Cake – a festive dessert with almond paste wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry. But this cake is no mere confection – it symbolizes tradition, community, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
10. Fancy Opera Cake
Sometimes you just want to go all out when it comes to dessert. And the Fancy Opera Cake is the perfect way to do just that.
With layers of delicate sponge cake, rich chocolate ganache, and smooth buttercream, you can dress this cake to impress with edible gold leaf and fresh berries. It is an excellent cake for special occasions like weddings and anniversaries.
11. Fraisier Cake
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just throwing a classy dinner party, a Fraisier cake is the ideal dessert to bring to the table.
It has a light and delicate texture, but it’s overflowing with taste, thanks to the fresh strawberries and the creamy pastry cream. This refined dessert will likely leave a lasting impression on your guests and elevate any occasion’s significance.
12. French Pound Cake
There’s something about this French pound cake from Hendrik that’s truly irresistible and addicting. Even though it is a simple and quick recipe, you will surely indulge in this sweet treat as slowly as possible to further enjoy its flavor.
The cake has a dense, buttery texture and mildly vanilla-flavored flavor. It is the cake that does not need embellishments or additions; it is simply pure, unadulterated bliss.
13. Classic Gateau Basque
This classic gateau basque recipe is a buttery, flaky cake traditionally prepared with a creamy filling made from almond flour and a crisp golden crust. This time-honored dessert is ideal for any occasion, whether you serve it as a sweet course after dinner or savor it in the afternoon with a cup of coffee or tea.
14. Chocolate Dacquoise Cake
A slice of chocolate dacquoise cake is a rich and luscious treat that will please the sweet tooth of any chocolate lover. Dacquoise is a crisp, nutty meringue, and it and chocolate ganache make up this cake.
Although this dessert is certainly worthy of a special event or a formal dinner party, it is also easy enough to prepare on the weekend or whenever the whim strikes.
15. Petit Fours
These beautiful pastries from France are like little works of art in cake form. Each petit four is like a little work of beauty thanks to its layers of sponge cake, buttercream, and different garnishes. From bright macarons to sparkling fruit pastries, there is a sweet delight to satiate everyone’s sweet craving.
16. Quatre Quarts
The Quatre Quarts is a time-honored French cake that gets its name from the four basic ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
Because of its dense, buttery texture and subtle vanilla flavor, this cake is perfect for enjoying peaceful afternoons and evenings when you want to unwind and take it easy. It becomes the pinnacle of all comfort foods when combined with a warm beverage such as tea or coffee.
17. Cannelés
These little French pastries have a fascinating story. There is a myth that nuns first made them in Bordeaux, who used the excess egg yolks from manufacturing wine to make a dessert.
Combining the crisp, caramelized shell and the smooth custard filling makes for a delicious treat. These are ideal anytime, especially when paired with a sweet white wine.
18. Buche de Noel
This festive cake, shaped like a log and filled with rich chocolate ganache, is a beloved tradition in France.
Families gather around to share it on Christmas Eve, enjoying the warmth and togetherness of the holiday season. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or adorned with festive decorations, the Buche de Noel is a true centerpiece of the holiday table.
19. Galette des Rois
The Galette des Rois is a French tradition that’s as fun as delicious. A cake filled with almond cream and hidden inside is a lucky charm.
Whoever finds the charm in their slice is crowned the king or queen of the day. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and creates memories that last a lifetime – a true celebration of French culinary heritage.
20. French Strawberry Charlotte
With its layers of soft sponge cake and juicy strawberries, the French Strawberry Charlotte is an elegant and refreshing dessert. Perfect for a summer’s day or a special occasion, it’s the kind of dessert that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a true feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Strawberry lovers will surely adore this one!
Summary
When having a party or an all-out dinner with your family, it always calls for a dessert. Good thing that there are various French cakes and pastries you can try. We hope you find the best dessert for your special occasion from these 20 French cake recipes from various professional and home bakers.
