On my first trip to Paris, and while walking pass the various patisseries with huge glass windows displaying wonderfully presented desserts; rich-looking chocolate layered cakes, fresh berries-decorated tarts, or glazed-top of lemony coloured pastries, I just wish I can have them all.
So here are some of the popular typical French desserts that one should get to know, and of course, TRY, when one gets the chance!
#1 Opéra
If you’re a coffee and chocolate lover, THIS is not to be missed. The Opéra is a cake with layers of coffee-soaked almond sponge cake, layered with rich chocolate cream called ganache, and also coffee buttercream. They look delicious, and they taste heavenly!
There are many theories on how this cake came about, but one of the most interesting story tells the tale that the creator of Opéra is the Paris Opéra itself. It was believed that the reason behind the infusion of caffeine in it will help keep the opera audiences awake!
#2 Charlotte
There are several versions of Charlotte. One of the more popular ones is the sponge-fingers- lined cake with fruity purée and custard in the middle. A personal favourite of mine is the strawberry version; beautifully lined with pink sponge fingers on the side tied with a ribbon in the middle, and fresh strawberries covering the top, with an equally delicious taste to match.
This was first created in the early 18th century by an ex-chef of George IV, who named it after his daughter, Princess Charlotte. It was fabricated as a cold dessert with Bavarian cream as its fillings.
#3 Kouign-amann
This buttery Breton dessert is sinful but worth it! Sinful? Because it consists of bread dough folded with layers, and more layers of butter and sugar, then slowly baked until the sugar caramelises!
#4 Crème Brulée
Known almost world-wide, this burnt-cream dessert has captured many hearts. Traditionally consisting of vanilla-flavoured custard with a layer of caramel on top, which are sometimes served with the act of flambée performed at your table should you order this in a fancy restaurant.
#5 Tarte Tatin
This upside-down tart was an accidental creation by the Hotel Tatin in the 1880’s. While making some apple pies, one of the Tatin sisters had one day overburnt the apple purée. So instead of wasting it, she had quickly added the pie pastry on top of the purée in the pan, and popped the whole pan into the oven to bake. It turned out that the hotel guests liked the result very much, so it became a classic dessert ever since.
#6 Profiteroles
Another dessert I can never say no to, especially the version that is made up of choux pastry filled with whipped ice cream, and drizzled generously with chocolate sauce. Essentially, it is the cream puff that is the main attraction, and a simpler version would be cream puff dusted with powdered sugar.
#7 Callison
Now this is in fact a type of candy fabricated in the Provence. Almond-shaped, it consists of almond, melons and orange paste, candied, and coated with a layer of royal icing on top. A perfect fruity sweet for a summery weather.
#8 Pièce Montée
Finally, the most elaborate-looking dessert to end this food piece. The Pièce Montée is quite often used as a centerpiece at events like weddings. Literally meaning “the mounted piece”, it consists of small-to-medium sized choux puffs, carefully assembled on top of each other, by using caramel or spun sugar, into a conical shape.
Although edible, most of the time, it is used for decorative purposes. Still, no harm to feast your eyes on them ay?
So there you go… fabulous desserts you must try at least once in your life. And if you’re worried about the calories, just take a long stroll along the beautiful River Seine to burn them off.
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