Classic French Pastries to Try at Home
French pastries have a way of capturing hearts with their flaky, buttery layers and delicate flavors. Whether you’re craving something rich and creamy or light and airy, these classic pastries bring the charm of a Parisian patisserie right into your kitchen. With a little patience and love, you can master these recipes and indulge in these treats made by your own hands. Here are seven French pastries that are worth every whisk and fold—give these recipes a go, and discover why they’re adored worldwide.
The croissant is a true labor of love, but it’s well worth it. This recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction walks you through each careful step, from creating buttery dough to mastering the iconic layers. The end result is a flaky, golden croissant that rivals any bakery. I love how it simplifies the process, making homemade croissants feel achievable. Give this one a try for the ultimate homemade breakfast treat.
These éclairs from AllRecipes are the perfect blend of crisp pastry shell, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate topping. This recipe nails the texture, and I adore how the pastry puffs up in the oven. It’s a great way to practice a few classic techniques, like making pâte à choux and pastry cream. With a little practice, you'll find it rewarding to make these elegant pastries at home.
BBC Good Food’s Tarte Tatin recipe brings a cozy warmth with its caramelized apples and buttery crust. This upside-down tart is simple but impressive, with deep flavors that come from slow-cooking the apples in caramel. I love the rustic elegance of this dessert—each bite is sweet, sticky, and just a little tangy. If you're a fan of apple desserts, this one is a must-try.
French macarons are notoriously tricky, but Preppy Kitchen’s recipe demystifies them with clear instructions and helpful tips. The shells come out delicate and crisp, with that perfect chewy center. I love how this recipe encourages patience and precision, rewarding you with pastel-colored macarons that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Don’t be intimidated—this is the recipe to follow if you want to master macarons.
Madeleines have a soft, cake-like crumb and a hint of lemon, and Sugar Spun Run’s recipe makes them especially delightful. With just a few ingredients, these golden shell-shaped pastries bake up fluffy and light. I love how easy and foolproof this recipe is, perfect for a quick, elegant dessert. Plus, the fresh lemon zest adds just the right touch of brightness, making each bite wonderfully fragrant.
For those who love layered desserts, Preppy Kitchen’s Mille-Feuille is a must-try. This recipe combines buttery puff pastry with rich pastry cream, topped with a signature marbled glaze. I love how each bite balances the flaky pastry with the creamy filling—it's both decadent and delicate. Mille-Feuille takes some time, but the beautiful result is worth every step.
Serious Eats’ Canelés are a lesser-known French treat with a unique caramelized crust and custardy interior. This recipe captures the essence of a classic canelé, giving you that perfect balance of crunchy and soft textures. I love how this dessert is unexpected yet deliciously satisfying, perfect for those who want to try something a little different from the usual pastries.