10 French Dessert Recipes for a Parisian-Style Valentine's Day

You're planning a Valentine's Day celebration and want to impress your loved one with a Parisian-style dessert. You've got options like Chocolate Mousse, Crème Brûlée, and macarons to choose from.

Each dessert offers a unique taste and presentation, but which one will you choose? You'll have to weigh the recipes and ingredients to make your decision, and that's just the starting point.

1. French Chocolate Mousse

Rich and decadent French Chocolate Mousse made with dark chocolate and whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dark chocolate
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the egg mixture into the melted chocolate until well combined.
5. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

2. Crème Brûlée Recipe

Rich cream base topped with caramelized sugar, crème brûlée is a classic French dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large egg yolks

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together cream, sugar, milk, and salt.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks.
6. Gradually pour warm cream mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly.
7. Pour mixture into 4-6 ramekins or small baking dishes.
8. Place ramekins in a large baking dish and add hot water to come halfway up sides.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
10. Remove from water bath and let cool to room temperature.
11. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
12. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over top of each ramekin.
13. Caramelize sugar with a kitchen torch or under broiler.

3. Macaron Tutorial

Delicate meringue-based French macarons require precise technique and ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Food coloring
• Filling of choice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sift the almond flour and confectioners' sugar into a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add the granulated sugar to the egg whites and whip until stiff peaks form.
5. Add a few drops of food coloring to the egg mixture and whip until combined.
6. Sift the almond flour mixture over the egg mixture and fold until well combined.
7. Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Tap the baking sheet gently to remove any air bubbles.
9. Allow the macarons to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour to form a skin.
10. Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
11. Allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheet.
12. Pair up the macarons by size and shape, and sandwich a small dollop of filling in between.

4. Tarte Tatin Dessert

Tarte Tatin is a caramelized apple tart dessert.

Ingredients

• 3-4 apples
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 pie crust

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel, halve, and core the apples, then cut them into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a large skillet, combine the sugar, butter, and 1/4 cup water over medium heat.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the apples to the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.
6. Roll out the pie crust and place it over the apple mixture.
7. Tuck the edges of the crust under the apples and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
8. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
9. Run a knife around the edges of the tart to loosen it, then invert it onto a serving plate.
10. Serve the Tarte Tatin warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

5. French Madeleines

Delicate shell-shaped cakes with a light, spongy texture and distinctive flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter madeleine molds.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool in the molds for 5 minutes.
8. Transfer the madeleines to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

6. Creamy Éclairs Recipe

Creamy éclairs are a classic French dessert consisting of light and airy pastry shells filled with rich cream.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, water, and granulated sugar, and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the butter to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour, stirring vigorously to combine.
5. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
7. Add the eggs to the saucepan one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition.
8. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
9. Pipe long, thin strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake the éclairs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
11. Allow the éclairs to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Split the éclairs in half lengthwise and fill with whipped heavy cream.
13. Dust the éclairs with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.

7. Parisian Fruit Tart

A classic Parisian dessert, the fruit tart is a masterpiece of French patisserie.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mixed berries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and confectioners' sugar.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the flour mixture.
4. Press the mixture into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
6. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
8. Arrange the mixed berries on the tart shell, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
9. Drizzle the sugar and egg mixture over the berries.
10. Bake the tart for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
11. Allow the tart to cool completely before serving.

8. Chocolate Soufflé Recipe

Rich, decadent chocolate soufflé that rises like a cloud from the oven.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces high-quality dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3 large egg whites

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and butter six 1-cup ramekins.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the milk mixture.
6. Add the flour mixture to the egg yolk mixture and whisk until smooth.
7. Add the melted chocolate to the egg yolk mixture and whisk until well combined.
8. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
9. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
10. Pour the mixture into the prepared ramekins and smooth the tops.
11. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and set.
12. Serve immediately, dusting with powdered sugar if desired.

9. French Cream Puffs

Flaky pastry filled with whipped cream, French Cream Puffs are a classic dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
4. Add the flour and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
6. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe into small circles.
8. Bake the puffs for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow the puffs to cool completely before filling with whipped cream.
10. Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fill the cooled puffs.

10. Raspberry Mille Feuille

Raspberry Mille Feuille is a French pastry with layers of puff pastry, pastry cream, and raspberries.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of 1/8 inch and cut into 12 equal rectangles.
3. Place pastry rectangles on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. In a medium bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form and set aside.
5. In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
6. Fold sugar mixture into whipped cream until well combined.
7. To assemble the Mille Feuille, place a layer of puff pastry on a serving plate, followed by a layer of pastry cream, and then a layer of raspberries.
8. Repeat step 7 two more times, ending with a layer of puff pastry on top.
9. Drizzle with melted butter and serve immediately.

Conclusion

You'll charm your lover with these French desserts. Notably, 50% of French couples celebrate Valentine's Day with a romantic dinner, and you can too. With these 10 recipes, you'll create an unforgettable Parisian-style evening, complete with decadent treats like Chocolate Mousse and Crème Brûlée, making your celebration truly magnifique.