Category: Desserts
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Spiced French Pear Cake
Autumn is the season when markets brim with apples and pears, when kitchens fill with the scent of warming spices, and when baking feels less like a task and more like a ritual. It’s a time for lingering afternoons, warm drinks, and desserts that are simple enough for everyday yet elegant enough for company. This…
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Raspberry Crème Pâtissière Tartlets
There’s something elegant about a tartlet—crisp, buttery pastry filled with a rich, creamy custard, each bite refined and satisfying. These Raspberry Crème Pâtissière Tartlets celebrate textures: golden shells, silky raspberry cream, and gem-toned berries that burst with freshness. It’s the kind of dessert that turns any meal into something special. Inspired by the classic French…
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Candy Cane Crème Brûlée
As the holiday season sparkles with festive cheer, there’s no better way to embrace the magic than with a dessert that combines elegance and nostalgia: Candy Cane Crème Brûlée. This stunning treat takes the classic French custard and infuses it with the cool, refreshing flavor of peppermint, creating a decadent and whimsical dessert that’s as…
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Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a dessert that captures the essence of fall. Enter the Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake – a rustic, burnt-edge delight that combines the smooth creaminess of a classic cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavours…
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Basil Lemon Tart
This classic Lemon Tart (also known as Tarte au Citron) infuses fresh basil into the lemon curd for a subtle hint of herby sweetness. So fresh & vibrant, making it the perfect dessert to celebrate all things spring. If you are looking for a make-ahead dessert to serve this Mother’s Day, this is it! The…
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Raspberry & White Chocolate Muffins
With the Family Day weekend just around the corner, a family-friendly baking recipe is order! These Raspberry & White Chocolate Muffins come together quickly & are the perfect treat to enjoy on a cozy Sunday morning. The sweetness from the creamy white chocolate pairs perfectly with the tart raspberries. If in a pinch, frozen raspberries…
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Maple Cheesecake
Celebrate the start of autumn with a maple syrup infused cheesecake. A simple baked cheesecake using only a handful of ingredients to kick off my favourite season! Although there are not a lot of ingredients involved in this recipe, there are many steps you will want to take to ensure you bake up a perfectly…
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Classic Tiramisù
One of my favourite make ahead no-bake desserts to serve during the summer months is a Classic Tiramisu. It is the perfect end to dining alfresco! Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert flavoured with espresso. Think layers of espresso soaked lady fingers with a creamy mascarpone filling. I like to include a little amaretto in…
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Molten Chocolate Cake
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, everyone needs a decadent chocolate recipe to indulge in & this Molten Lava Cake is a chocolate lovers dream! It features only a handful of ingredients & comes together in 30 minutes. Molten Chocolate Cake, also known as Chocolate Lava Cake, features a brownie-like exterior with gooey chocolate…
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Rosemary & Apple Tarte Tatin
The classic Tarte Tatin originated in the Centre-Val de Loire of France & is named after the Tatin sisters who created this dessert. At the time it was the Tatin’s signature dish at the Hotel Tatin, but it has now become a popular dessert for home bakers too. The recipe is essentially fruit that is…
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Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake
Well, I can’t think of a more fitting cake to celebrate May & all the beautiful the flowers in bloom! This cake features layers of lemon cake with a fresh strawberry filling & strawberry buttercream. Even the buttercream features fresh strawberries, which give it that beautiful natural pink hue! I decorated the cake with a…
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Brioche Bread Pudding with Maple Caramel Sauce
Growing up, bread pudding was one of my favourite desserts. As it wasn’t something my mom often made, seeing it on a dessert menu was always a treat! As a bread lover it doesn’t get much better than bread baked in a sweet custard sauce. This is an upscale version using brioche bread as the…
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French Chocolate Mendiants
Happy holiday season! I am sharing a beautiful, yet (super) simple traditional French Christmas confection. There are almost no rules when it comes to making these chocolate mendiants. You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate as the base. You can keep the toppings as simple or as complicated as you like. I prefer to…
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
You didn’t think I’d go through the fall season without sharing at least one pumpkin spice recipe did you? After all, pumpkin spice season is in full swing & I am here for it! There are not many things I won’t try to incorporate a little pumpkin in this time of year, and cheesecake is…
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Peach & Blueberry Crisp
Is it really summer without a fresh fruit crisp? Some recipes are just worth turning on the oven for and this is definitely one of them! Canada’s peach season is finally here and it doesn’t get much better than local peaches. They are so sweet and juicy, which always result in the best desserts! This…
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French-Style Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
With the hot summer weather in full swing, I can’t think of a better way to cool down after a long day in the garden than with a bowl of homemade ice cream! This recipe features locally roasted strawberries (hello strawberry picking season) & a creamy vanilla base. What makes this recipe a French-style ice…
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Carrot Cake Roll
A Carrot Cake for Easter celebrations is a must in my family! But with gatherings being much smaller this year, my classic three layer 8-inch loaded carrot cake is a bit too much. Cue this beautifully spiralled carrot cake roll! Everything you love about carrot cake (cream cheese frosting I’m looking at you) in a…
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Chocolate Fudge Cake With Smoked Sea Salt
Happy holidays! Who is ready to dive head first into this decadent chocolate fudge cake? It features a dark chocolate ganache frosting & a sprinkle of smoked sea salt flakes. This chocolate cake is what all chocolate cake dreams are made of. A mature take on a classic childhood favourite. Although the holidays are my…
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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream
Because it isn’t October without a little pumpkin spice (or in my case a lot of pumpkin spice), this recipe celebrates my favourite seasonal ingredient: pumpkin! The coziest pumpkin spiced cupcake topped with a salted caramel buttercream & a candied pumpkin. This combination is a sweet & salty lovers dream. It even includes a pinch…
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Roasted Berry & White Chocolate Mousse
July marks the start of Ontario’s summer berry season! Arguably the best part of summer living in the Niagara Region, surrounded by endless pick-your-own-fruit farms. To celebrate, I am keeping things light & simple with this white chocolate mousse. It is topped with roasted fresh mixed berries & crushed wafer. I think this is the…
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French Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
Hello May! We are entering (arguably) one of the most beautiful seasons of the year in Ontario: Cherry Blossom & Magnolia season. Although everything may look a little different this year, it has encouraged me to slow down & stop to enjoy the little things. Watching the tree flowers bloom outside my window, taking slow…
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Blood Orange and Cardamom Mini Fluted Cakes
Happy Valentine’s, friends! I am so excited to share these pretty in pink mini fluted cakes with you. This year, I am shaking things up a bit & creating a festive dessert that doesn’t involve chocolate. The base of the cake is a vanilla pound cake spiced with ground cardamom & orange zest. The pink…
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Salted Chocolate Ganache Tart
Along with winter comes a desire for chocolate. A seasonal pick-me-up from the cold and blustery weather this time of year! And, of course, what would the holidays be without some kind of chocolate indulgence? Salted Chocolate Ganache Tart Today, I’m sharing a classic French chocolate ganache tart, traditionally called “tarte au chocolat”. It sounds…
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Eggnog Pots De Crème
Happy December! Tis the season for all things festive & when the holidays roll around, there is nothing I crave more than a tall glass of eggnog. The cozy spices of nutmeg & cinnamon make for the most festive drink. It is a staple this time of year. If I am not drinking eggnog by…
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Peach + Hazelnut Frangipane Tart
I know many of us are sad that summer is quickly coming to an end, but there is something to look forward to towards the end of the season… peaches! Ontario (Niagara especially) is home to some of the best peach orchards in the country. We are so lucky to have these farms grace our…
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Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Fougasse
When I was a wee one, I would have my mom cut off the crusts of my bread. Like most children, I wouldn’t even consider taking a bite of my lunch if any remnants of brown remained around the edge of my sandwich, I’d discard the fat ends of pizza, and wouldn’t come within 15…
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Strawberry Almond Clafoutis
Strawberry season is here! It is time to get out the fruit baskets & go strawberry picking at your local farms. I think strawberry picking might be one of my favourite late spring & early summer actives. It is something I have done every summer, ever since I was a little kid. Aside from making…
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Roasted Blueberry Crepes
I think it is safe to say we are all ready for warmer spring days. As the winter slowly comes to an end, I start craving more fresh fruits & vegetables again. This crepe recipe takes advantage of the fresh berries that will soon be popping up at your local markets. Crepes are the perfect…
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Choux à la Crème with Blood Orange Whipped Cream
Nothing says I love you like a sweet treat from a loved one’s home kitchen. With Valentine’s day around the corner, seasonal Choux à la Crème are a surefire way to show a special someone just how much you love them while also ticking off the essential V-day holiday chocolate box. Choux à la Crème,…
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Gingerbread Bûche de Noël
This season, I am sharing a modern twist on a French classic! The traditional Bûche de Noël is a Christmas dessert served in France, made of sponge cake to resemble a miniature yule log. The classic flavours include a vanilla sponge cake with chocolate frosting or a chocolate sponge cake with chocolate frosting. However, this modern Bûche…
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Poached Pears with Cinnamon & Cardamom
I am so excited for autumn! Cue: apples, pears, pumpkins, crisp leaves & ALL the cozy spices. When we think of spiced fall desserts, the first two ingredients that come to mind are apples & pumpkins, but let’s not forget about those freshly picked pears! Pears have a similar texture to apple which means they…
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Rhubarb Pistachio Pavlova
Though I am an avid lover of the Fall and Winter seasons, there is one thing I look forward to every Spring: the arrival of rhubarb. Though many ingredients are in season during the warm months, but available year-round, rhubarb only makes an appearance in farmers’ markets this time of year. Last year we planted…
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Valentine’s Brownie & Berry Trifles
When it comes to Valentine’s day, the only request I have is that it involves a lot of chocolate! The very first Valentine’s my partner Justin & I spent together, I surprised him with homemade heart shaped brownies! A lot has changed since then, but there is still not much that beats coming home to…
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Spiked Mulled Cider
As the temperatures drop & the nights get longer, there is nothing that warms me up more then a hot glass of mulled cider. There is something so comforting about sipping cider on a cold winter night over the holiday season. This drink is one of the many reasons I love the holidays. I am…
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Fresh Fig Cheesecake Tart
I’ve been making cheesecake, one of my very favourite desserts, for many years. I remember the first few attempts being kitchen disasters, but eventually I found Rose Levy Brenenbaum’s recipe in The Cake Bible, which was meticulously detailed and resulted in my first beautiful and delicious cheesecake. It was rich and creamy, slightly tangy, and…
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Basil Peach Upside Down Cake
I pretty much wait all year for peaches to be in season! There is nothing better then biting into a peach that has been picked straight off the peach tree, ripened in the summer sun all month long. They are the juiciest and sweetest peaches of all. My grandparents had a peach tree in…
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Swiss Meringue Chamomile Tea Cake
Happy May! If there is one holiday that stands out most to me in the Spring time, that holiday is Mother’s Day. It calls for spoiling mom with breakfast in bed, a bouquet of fresh flowers & desserts galore. Something I always loved doing as a kid as like most mothers out there, my mom deserved the…
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Gougères with Chèvre + Spring Herbs
Chives are the first sign of green that I usually see in the garden. Their perky green tips peek out of the ground as soon as the snow melts, letting us know that spring is finally here. While it takes a little while for them to grow big enough to harvest, I always associate those…
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Persimmon and Cranberry Tarte Tatin
Almost a decade ago my very first cast iron skillet was initiated with a tarte tatin. Actually, let’s back up. Almost a decade ago I bought my first cast iron skillet just so that I can make tarte tatin, having seen it in a food magazine, being totally smitten with the buttery caramelized apples, a light flaky pastry, and the fact…
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Chocolate Orange Layer Cake
Every year for Christmas I find myself with a chocolate orange in hand (among many other varieties of chocolate, of course). Something about the combination of chocolate & orange flavours reminds me of the winter season. The flavour combination inspired me to make this gorgeous cake for the upcoming holiday season! I utilized my classic chocolate…
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Pumpkin Walnut Brioche
If you were to draw a Venn diagram of classic brioche, a loaf of challah, and pumpkin cinnamon buns, the bull’s eye would lie right here, with this braided pumpkin walnut brioche. I started experimenting with yeast-based egg breads after a string of failed sourdough attempts (I wasn’t even able to get past making the…
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Apple Clafouti
Every year I look forward to the start of fall. The weather begins to cool, the leaves change colour & I can pull out all my favourite sweaters while sipping on some hot cider. If that doesn’t make you feel all warm & fuzzy inside, I don’t know what will! It may not be pumpkin…
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Tartelette Aux Fraises
One of my favourite things about the start of summer time is going strawberry picking. Growing up in the Niagara region, which is full of vineyards & orchards, my grandma would always take my sisters & I to Niagara-On-The-Lake every single June to pick strawberry baskets full of fresh Ontario strawberries. It was our first outing…
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Meringue Fondants au Citron
Hi guys! It’s Gab from Artful Desperado with a new recipe that’s perfect for picnic season (or “I’m gonna stay in and watch Netflix” season, too). A few weeks ago I was in Paris tasting all sorts of pastries A: because it’s Paris and B: because I’m always interested in the old-meets-new treats that are…
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Pear and Apple Buckwheat Crêpe Galettes
Hi guys! This is Gab from Artful Desperado. Today I’m gonna share with you a very easy recipe to make some crêpe galettes. You may think “wait what? Aren’t galettes made out of dough?” And yes they are mostly here in North America, but back in the old continent, mainly France, they make a kind…
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Winter Cellar Cake
There’s something strangely satisfying about sneaking root vegetables into cake, don’t you think? Carrot cake has been part of my repertoire for so long that I sometimes even forget that it’s made with carrots. Today it’s time to get a little sneaky with another root vegetable, the parsnip, which can show some resemblance to a carrot but has a starchier flesh and a slightly…
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White Chocolate Matcha Crème Brûlée with Pistachio Crumble
How’s your 2016 so far? Hopefully still full of plans to treat yourself here and there with some tasty sweets, right? Good! Because I have a new recipe that uses one of my faves: matcha! You have probably seen matcha make guest appearances at several bakeries and cafes in the shape of cookies, lattes, macarons,…
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Churrelés: Cannelés Meet Mexican Churros
Hi everyone! This is Gab from Artful Desperado. I’m super excited to be a new contributor to The French Barn Blog where I’ll be sharing recipes, kitchen experiments, and lots of design inspiration from around the web. For this first post (yay!) I wanted to start with a bang, and that bang comes in the…
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Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Apricot-Rose Jam
Raise your hand if the excuse to bake a ridiculous amount of cookies is your favourite thing about December. It’s mine for sure! Every year I challenge myself to take on some holiday cookie classics and give them a bit of an interesting twist, and this year is no exception. These gorgeous green thumbprints are…
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