These impressive French-inspired dessert recipes are great for a dinner party. We’ve included both traditional French sweets, such as crème brûlée, tarte tatin and eclairs, alongside a range of exciting flavour twists on classics, from chocolate crêpes suzette to matcha madeleines. Try an impressive stack of profiteroles or a show-stopping apple tart. For a dessert that’s not too challenging, make a batch of classic crêpes or madeleines.
For flavour-specific ideas, see our strawberry desserts, lemon desserts and chocolate desserts. Or hop across Europe for our top 10 Italian dessert ideas, including tiramisu, panna cotta and gelato.
Discover more French-inspired recipes in our French recipe collection.
French dessert recipes
1. Chocolate soufflé
These individual chocolate soufflés are light as a feather and make an impressive dinner party dessert. Each soufflé is served with a hot chocolate sauce poured into the centre for extra indulgence. This recipe serves six, and although they require a bit of effort, they are well worth it for a special occasion.
2. Mousse au chocolat
Mousse au chocolat is a classic French chocolate mousse, known for its deliciously light and airy texture. Made with dark chocolate, this dessert is perfect for those who enjoy deep chocolate flavours without excessive sweetness. It is quick to prepare — taking about 30 minutes plus chilling — and serves six.
3. Galette des rois
Galette des rois is a puff pastry pie filled with frangipane. The combination of crisp, golden pastry and rich almond filling makes it a proper treat. It is easy to prepare, with minimal hands-on time, and cuts into 6–8 slices. This dessert can be served warm or cold and is great for sharing with family and friends.
Discover more puff pastry recipes.
4. Chocolate crêpes suzette
This chocolate twist on the French classic features crêpes filled with a smooth chocolate ganache and served with a vibrant orange sauce. The combination of chocolate and orange provides a luxurious, well-balanced flavour. It’s relatively easy and makes a wonderful choice for a special brunch or dessert.
Check out more crêpe recipes.
5. Chocolate-orange French toast
This indulgent French toast pairs zesty marmalade and dark chocolate with thick slices of brioche (or panettone or challah). The bread is dipped in a spiced egg mixture and fried until crispy and golden, then served with warm orange slices and maple syrup. It’s quick and easy to prepare – try it for an indulgent brunch or fun dessert.
Discover more French toast recipes.
6. French crêpes
Classic French crêpes aren’t just for breakfast. Try topping these easy pancakes with chopped fruit, ice cream, chocolate spread or caramel to take them to the next level. You can even stack them up into an impressive crêpe cake.
7. Profiteroles
A batch of classic profiteroles will always go down a treat at a dinner party. Learn how to make your own choux pastry buns, then fill with lightly whipped cream and top with chocolate sauce.
Put your pastry skills to the test with more choux pastry recipes.
8. Gateau basque
Get ahead for your next dinner party with this elegant French dessert, which can be made up to two days in advance. Filled with smooth pastry cream and a spoonful of cherry jam (if you like), it’s a classic that will impress, with minimal last-minute effort.
Finish your evening in style with more of our dinner party dessert recipes.
9. French apple tart
Layer apple slices in neat, concentric circles to make this stunning French dessert. Bake a pastry case, then fill with a lightly sweetened apple purée and top with your apple design. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Discover more of our fruit tart recipes. There’s one for every season.
10. Crème brûlée
Serve a crème brûlée at a dinner party for an elegant dessert option. Stick to a classic recipe or this ginger-infused version, filled with chunks of rhubarb. If you don’t have a blowtorch, either leave off the demerara sugar or put under a hot grill.
11. Madeleines
Make a batch of simple madeleines to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee after dinner. Our easy recipe only requires five ingredients and comes together in just 15 minutes.
12. Chocolate eclairs
Fancy a challenge? Make a batch of eclairs from scratch with our step-by-step guide. To plan ahead for a dinner party, try making the choux pastry ahead of time and freezing, then just fill and decorate on the big day.
13. Financiers
Treat family and friends to these miniature French almond cakes – perfect for afternoon tea or bringing along to a coffee morning. Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty depth that makes them feel extra-special despite their simplicity.
Host a catch-up with friends using our best coffee morning recipes.
14. Cherry clafoutis
Try a twist on clafoutis (a French baked dessert with a creamy base and tart cherries) with this mini version, ready in under an hour. Our version is infused with nutty almond extract and a boozy kirsch kick.
15. French walnut cake
Orlando Murrin’s walnut cake may take more effort, but it’s well worth it. With its intensely nutty flavour and a texture that falls between a tart and a cake, it’s a standout dessert bound to surprise and impress. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream at a dinner party, then enjoy any leftovers (if there are any) with a cup of tea the next day.
16. Crème caramel
This delicate crème caramel is the perfect light dessert to follow a heavy meal. First make a rich golden-brown caramel on the hob and pour into ramekins. Then make a vanilla-infused custard and fill the dishes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the custards are just set and chill for at least four hours before serving.
17. Matcha madeleines
This playful twist on the classic madeleine uses on-trend matcha for a vibrant green hue and subtle bitterness that beautifully balances the sweetness. The result is a delicate, moreish teatime treat – it’s just as well the recipe makes 24.
18. Tarte tatin
Tarte tatin is a classic French recipe that can be made with a variety of fruits. We’ve opted for the apple version, made with a rich, dark caramel and flaky puff pastry. Serve with crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.
19. Lemon tart
A lighter version of a classic tart au citron, this zingy dessert is perfect in the summertime, or for those who prefer something less sweet. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar, and a scattering of fresh raspberries if you like.
20. Beignets
The name ‘beignet’ comes from the French word for ‘bump’, a fitting nod to these pillowy bites of fried pastry. Dusted generously with icing sugar, they make a light-as-air treat with coffee or as an afternoon snack.
21. Salted caramel & popcorn eclairs
A classic French bake gets a modern makeover! Pipe an indulgent salted caramel filling into light choux pastry buns and scatter with crunchy pieces of toffee popcorn.
For more eclair flavours, try these lemon & passion fruit eclairs, spiced raspberry eclairs or elderflower & meringue eclairs.
22. Chinon apple tarts
These little French tarts are crisp and buttery, finished with a glossy red wine jelly glaze. They make a memorable end to a special date night – a dessert that shows care and attention, and rewards the extra effort.
23. Double-chocolate profiteroles with salted caramel cream
If you’re a chocoholic, this twist on classic profiteroles is sure to hit the spot. Light, airy choux pastry is filled with rich salted caramel and finished with a generous double drizzle of chocolate.
24. Gooseberry crème brûlée tart
Seasonal gooseberries and buttery sweet pastry come together in this elegant dessert, perfect for a summer dinner party. Finish with a blow-torched sugar topping for a beautifully crisp, caramelised finish that adds drama as well as flavour.
25. Raspberry religieuse
This fabulously fruity take on the classic French choux bun is filled with fluffy vanilla cream, fresh berries and a naturally coloured pink icing. It’s a joyful bake that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
26. Chocolate fondants
Few desserts are as satisfying as a perfectly baked chocolate fondant, with its molten centre spilling onto the plate. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold contrast, making this pudding top-tier.
Celebrate everything cocoa with more of our chocolate dessert recipes.
27. Apricot & ginger frangipane tart
A showstopping tart that brings together buttery homemade shortcrust pastry, soft almond frangipane and jewel-like apricots. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche for a dessert that’s as elegant as it is satisfying.
28. Pistachio & raspberry pithiviers
These individual puff pastry pithiviers are filled with pistachio frangipane and raspberries – a delicate balance of flavour and texture. For a personalised touch, decorate with your guests’ initials before baking. They can also be frozen ahead, making them a stress-free yet impressive finale to any dinner party.
29. Macarons
Edd Kimber, winner of the first series of Bake Off, shares his expert tips for baking picture-perfect macarons every time – from achieving that signature smooth shell to mastering the perfect filling.
30. Ultimate meringues
Master the basics of meringue-making and sharpen your whisking technique with this simple recipe. These light, crisp bakes are the perfect blank canvas for a range of flavours – try pairing them with whipped cream and fresh berries in a classic pavlova.
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