Desserts

Here’s to a dessert that always brings people together! A Quebecois classic, Pouding Chômeur – or “Poor Man’s Pudding” – is a simple, yet decadent dessert that originated in Quebec during the Great Depression. With a light and fluffy cake that soaks in a creamy maple syrup sauce, this dessert is as decadent as it is comforting. Absolutely perfect for cozy nights in, or for sharing with family and friends.

This Mediterranean-inspired Grape Olive Oil Cake is a moist, tender cake that strikes a perfect balance of sweet and fruity flavors. It features an orange-zest crumb infused with fresh grapes, which get baked into the cake, lending it a fruity burst and soft texture. It’s ideal for celebrating the harvest season and perfect for all your fall gatherings!

A French home baker’s favorite, the Invisible Apple Cake is a deceptively easy, yet exceptional recipe for apple season. It features nearly invisible apple slices layered in a custardy batter and baked until sweet, melty and golden. The result is an incredibly moist dessert with a big fruity flavor and a visually striking look. A fabulous way to showcase freshly picked apples!

A French plum tart, also known as “Tarte aux Prunes,” is a classic French dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and juiciness of plums. This tart features a buttery, flaky crust filled with fresh plums that are baked until jammy. It’s buttery, nutty, sweet and tart all at once. Enjoy it on its own, or with a dollop of crème fraiche on top – heavenly!

Here’s to the perfect summer treat – a Cherry Cake, inspired by the beloved dessert from the Vosges Mountains, in Eastern France. This cake is light, airy, bouncy and nestled with sweet, juicy cherries. It’s the perfect baked good to celebrate cherry season and enjoy all summer long.

Known as “carrés aux fraises”, these strawberry oat bars belong to the long list of baked goods the French love to whip up in the Spring. They yield a tangy homemade filling made of fresh strawberries sandwiched between a crisp and buttery oat crumble. This is a delicious hand-held treat to be served for dessert or packed up to enjoy at a sunny picnic.  

These Lemon Poppy Seed Sablé cookies are melt-in-your-mouth French shortbreads that I recommend for any season, any occasion, or any reason. They offer a burst of zesty lemon, a gentle crunch from earthy poppy seeds, all wrapped in a rich buttery flavor. With their delicate, sandy texture, these sablés are perfect to pair along with your afternoon tea or coffee.

This Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake is typically what we call a “Gâteau régréssif” in France – meaning it makes you feel like a kid again. With a buttery and tender crumb and beautiful chocolate and vanilla swirls, this is a staple French afternoon snack for kids and adults alike. Ready for this childhood favorite?

Homemade chocolate truffles are as decadent as they are simple to make. These bite-sized chocolate confections are made with only 4 ingredients, yet they’re blissfully elegant and incredibly delicious. They’re creamy, melt-in-your-mouth and will satisfy any chocolate lovers’ cravings. They’re a luxurious treat to serve after dessert or a perfect edible gift.

January in France is the month of the King’s Galette, or if you are in Provence, the King’s Brioche. This sweet, crown-shaped citrus-flavored brioche is adorned with candied fruits and traditionally enjoyed the first few weeks of the year to help celebrate the Epiphany. This bakery staple is easy to recreate at home, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the fun tradition that comes along with it!