French Pastry Recipes

Introduction

French pastry dishes, desserts and treats are known for their buttery, sugary deliciousness. Whether you’re a novice baker or an expert, you’ll be able to easily create classic pastries like éclairs, cream puffs, tarts and even classic brioche. Here are some French pastry recipes that every pastry lover should have in their recipe repertoire.

Éclair

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons margarine

  • 3 tablespoons flour

  • A pinch of salt

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

  • 4 tablespoons of semi-sweet chocolate

Method

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine and add the flour, stirring until it forms a paste.

  2. Once the paste has formed, add the water and salt and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and comes together.

  3. Once the mixture is thickened, beat in the eggs, one at a time, stirring until each egg is fully incorporated.

  4. Once the mixture is consistent, spoon it into a pastry bag.

  5. Liberally pipe the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet using approximate 2-inch lengths.

  6. Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

  7. Once the éclairs have cooled, make a chocolate glaze for the top. Heat the cream and chocolate until melted, then glaze the éclairs.

Summary

This éclair recipe is easy to follow and is sure to create light, fluffy and delicious éclairs. With simple ingredients like margarine, flour and eggs, it’s a simple recipe that’s sure to be a hit.

Cream Puffs

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter

  • 1 cup boiling water

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 4 eggs

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and add the boiling water and salt. Quickly add the flour and stir until the mixture comes together and forms a ball.

  3. Once the dough has been formed, transfer to a bowl and beat in the eggs until the dough is light and fluffy.

  4. Spoon the dough into a pastry bag, then pipe the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet in 2-inch mounds.

  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.

  6. Once they have cooled, fill them with sweetened whipped cream.

Summary

This cream puff recipe is delicious and easy to follow. Plus, with the addition of sweet whipped cream, you can customize the flavor however you want. Cream puffs make a classic, delicious treat for any occasion.

Tarts

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 eggs

  • 1/3 cup white sugar

  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup of your choice of jam

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugars.

  3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.

  4. Add the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and the vanilla extract until a dough forms.

  5. On a floured board, roll the dough out until it’s 1/4-inch thick.

  6. Cut the dough into 4-inch circles, then place them in a buttered tart pan.

  7. Poke a few holes in the bottom of each shell and brush them with egg whites.

  8. Bake the tart shells for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.

  9. Once they have cooled, spread the jam in the center of each tart and serve.

Summary

These classic French tarts are easy to make and are sure to wow everyone at your dinner table. With a buttery, flaky crust, these tarts are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Brioche

Ingredients

  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 3 eggs

  • 1/2 cup warm water

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Method

  1. In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast and salt.

  2. In another bowl, mix together the eggs, water and melted butter.

  3. Combine the egg mixture with the flour mixture and knead until a dough forms.

  4. Then, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover and let it rise for 1 hour.

  5. Once the dough has risen, knead it again until it’s smooth, and form into a cylinder shape.

  6. Place the dough on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for 1 hour.

  7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until it is golden brown.

Summary

This classic French brioche recipe is simple to make and sure to impress your guests. With a sweet, buttery flavor and a light, airy texture, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Conclusion

French pastries are a delicious way to add a touch of sweetness to any occasion. From éclairs and cream puffs to tarts and brioche, these recipes will become staples in your kitchen. Try these recipes and be transported to the French countryside with every bite.