Ah, Paris – the city of love, art, and oh, those amazing desserts that dance on your taste buds like a symphony of flavors. For any sweet tooth traveler embarking on a culinary journey through this enchanting city, there are five desserts in Paris that simply cannot be missed. From the melt-in-your-mouth Profiteroles to the dreamy Ile Flottante, the bustling streets of Paris have hidden treasures waiting to be savored. Join us as we unravel our top 5 desserts that will make your Parisian trip a true culinary adventure.

We had the best time in Paris on our most recent visit. We booked an apartment for a full week. Since we had been to Paris many times before, seeing all the famous sites was not our priority. This meant we could focus on finding the best food the city has to offer. In this article we cover our 5 favorite desserts in Paris. Let’s dig in!

You might also want to check out our article on the 12 best French Pastries to buy a at bakery in Paris.

What are the 5 MUST-TRY French Desserts in Paris?

Profiteroles: A Puff of Perfection

Starting our dessert exploration with a bang, Profiteroles are a heavenly creation that effortlessly marries crispy choux pastry with creamy vanilla ice cream. These bite-sized bundles of joy are often drizzled with rich chocolate sauce, taking you on a journey where textures collide and flavors harmonize. Found in cozy patisseries and upscale eateries alike, Profiteroles epitomize the French art of dessert-making.

Crafting the perfect Profiteroles

Creating the perfect batch of profiteroles requires a deft hand and a keen understanding of pastry techniques. The process begins with crafting the choux pastry dough – a mixture of butter, water, flour, and eggs. The dough is piped onto baking sheets in small mounds, then baked until they puff up and attain their characteristic lightness.

Once cooled, the pastry shells are meticulously filled with various delectable fillings. While vanilla or chocolate pastry cream is traditional, contemporary variations might feature exotic flavors like lavender, pistachio, or salted caramel. The pièce de résistance is the glossy chocolate glaze that cascades over the profiteroles, adding an irresistible layer of indulgence. When you order Profiteroles as a dessert in a restaurant they are mostly filled with vanilla ice cream, making it the perfect dessert.

A brief glimpse into the History of the Profiteroles

With a history that traces back to the 16th century, profiteroles have undergone an intriguing evolution. Originating in France, these delights were initially served without cream, functioning more as a vessel for dipping sauces. It wasn’t until the 17th century that chefs began incorporating cream fillings, thus transforming them into the luxurious dessert we adore today.

In Parisian patisseries, profiteroles have become a timeless classic, gracing the display cases alongside other iconic pastries. Their popularity transcends generations, making them a quintessential treat that locals and tourists relish. Whether enjoyed as a sweet conclusion to a gourmet meal or savored as a delightful afternoon snack with coffee, profiteroles embody the essence of French culinary refinement.

Ile Flottante: a Floting Island on a Plate

Prepare to be transported to dessert heaven with Ile Flottante, also known as “Floating Island.” This light and airy dessert features a delicate island of meringue floating atop a sea of velvety crème anglaise. With each spoonful, you experience the lightness of the meringue complemented by the decadent richness of the custard.

Don’t expect the meringue to have the consistency you know from Macarons or anything like that. There is no crunch here, just an airy egg white foam that will blow your mind.

Crafting the Culinary Illusion

Creating an Ile Flottante is a culinary magic trick that delights both the senses and the imagination. The meringue, made from whipped egg whites and sugar, is gently poached to achieve its unique texture – a delicate balance between the airy interior and the slightly caramelized exterior. This meringue island is then carefully placed on a sea of silky vanilla custard, resulting in a dessert that is both visually striking and indulgently satisfying.

A Glimpse into Ile Flottante’s History

The origins of Ile Flottante can be traced back to 17th-century France, where it emerged as a delightful innovation within the culinary landscape. Its name, which translates to “Floating Island,” is a nod to the dessert’s poetic appearance, evoking the image of a serene island floating on calm waters. Over the centuries, this dessert has been embraced by Parisian patisseries, each putting their unique spin on the classic recipe.

Crêpes: Parisian Street Magic

Strolling along the streets of Paris wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Crêpes, the city’s quintessential street food turned indulgent dessert. Thin, delicate pancakes are skillfully folded around a variety of fillings – from Nutella and fresh strawberries to artisanal jams and classic butter-sugar combinations. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a delightful dessert, Crêpes capture the essence of Parisian joie de vivre in every bite.

The Art of Crafting Crêpes

The magic of crêpe-making lies in the art of balance – the balance between the precise batter consistency and the temperature of the griddle. A mixture of flour, eggs, milk, and a touch of butter forms the base of this delicate batter. Skillful hands expertly spread the batter across the griddle, creating a thin layer that cooks to a golden hue in a matter of moments.

When it comes to fillings, the options are as diverse as Paris itself. From the classic pairing of ham and cheese to the more avant-garde combinations of goat cheese, spinach, and walnuts, every crêpe tells a unique story with each fold and flip.

A Glimpse into Crêpes’ Parisian History

The history of crêpes in Paris is intertwined with the city’s vibrant culture. Originally a humble peasant dish, crêpes have grown to become a staple of French cuisine. In Paris, crêperies have taken the art of crêpe-making to new heights, combining traditional recipes with modern twists to cater to diverse tastes.

Galettes or Crêpes?

When you are in Paris you will also come across Galettes. While both Galettes and Crêpes emerge from the same lineage of delicate batter and skilled craftsmanship, their paths diverge in fascinating ways. Crêpes, those thin, versatile darlings of Paris, effortlessly marry sweet and savory fillings within their paper-thin embrace, making every bite a delightful surprise.

On the other hand, galettes, often referred to as crêpes’ heartier cousins, are crafted from buckwheat flour, resulting in a nuttier flavor and sturdier texture that pairs magnificently with rich, savory ingredients. So, whether you’re captivated by the elegance of crêpes or tempted by the rustic charm of galettes, Paris offers a canvas of flavors to suit every palate, inviting you to savor the distinctive essence of each delectable creation.

Our Favorite Crêpe: Sucré-citron

While many people can’t resist the Crêpe with Nutella, we want to tempt you to try a Parisian classic: the sugar & lemon Crêpe (Crêpe Sucré Citron). This is by far our favorite Crêpe. The thin pancake is sprinkled with sugar and then they squeeze fresh lemon juice out of a lemon on top of it. The combination of the sugar and lemon is such a heavenly experience. Definitely give it a go.

Opera: Layers of Elegance

Elegance takes center stage with the Opera, a dessert that embodies the refinement of Parisian patisserie. This sophisticated creation layers almond sponge cake, coffee-flavored buttercream, and velvety chocolate ganache, all encased in a glossy chocolate glaze. With each forkful, you can enjoy a symphony of textures and flavors, an ode to the city’s artistic heritage and culinary finesse.

Paris-Brest: A Wheel of Delight

Last but certainly not least, the Paris-Brest awaits – a dessert as iconic as the city’s skyline. Crafted in the shape of a bicycle wheel to commemorate the Paris-Brest bicycle race, this pastry features a ring of choux pastry filled with praline-flavored cream. The crunch of toasted almonds and the silkiness of the cream unite to deliver a dessert experience that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Want to know more about the Paris-Brest? Read our full article here!

Honorable Mentions

Of course, we can’t talk about French desserts without giving a nod to a few more delicious creations that didn’t make it into our list.

• Crème Brûlée, the delicate dance of a crisp caramelized top giving way to a luscious vanilla custard, is a dessert that exudes sophistication in every spoonful.
• Tarte Tatin, a caramelized upside-down apple tart, offers a perfect balance of sweet and slightly tangy flavors, capturing the essence of rustic French baking.
• Macarons, those delicate almond meringue cookies sandwiching an range of yummy fillings, they’re like edible pieces of art.

Each of these honorable mentions holds a special place in the world of French patisserie, and they’re all waiting to be discovered during your visit to Paris.

In the heart of Paris, dessert is more than a mere indulgence; it’s a celebration of artistry and tradition. With every bite of Profiteroles, every spoonful of Ile Flottante, every fold of Crêpes, every layer of Opera, and every wheel of Paris-Brest, you’re immersing yourself in a culinary narrative that’s been woven into the very fabric of the city. So, fellow dessert enthusiast, embark on this sweet odyssey, and let the flavors of Paris guide your senses to new heights of delight. We would love to hear what is your favorite French dessert.

Check out our Epic Food Tour Video on Paris:

More Paris for You:

• 
  The Best Food in Paris without Waiting in Line at Carette, Angelina or Cédric Grolet
  Paris, the city of lights, love, and, of course, tantalizing cuisine! While the queues at iconic spots like Carette, Angelina, and the realm of Cédric Grolet might seem irresistible,…
• 
  Being Parisians for a Week – Tim’s Paris Travel Journal
  We spent a full week living like Parisians in Paris and we had such a great time. We had been to Paris many times before, since it is only…
• 
  Best Vegan Food in Paris: Our Top 5 Restaurants
  Paris, renowned for its culinary excellence, isn’t just a paradise for meat-eaters. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, the city offers a diverse range of vegan food and vegetarian…
• 
  Best Must-Eat Cheap Food in Paris for under €15
  Paris, a city celebrated for its culinary wonders, doesn’t always have to dent your wallet. In this article we will give you 5 of our favorite restaurants where you…
• 
  Ladurée Bakery Paris: are their Macarons the best in France?
  Ah, the delightful world of macarons! Paris, with its many patisseries and bakeries, holds a special place in its heart for these delicious, colorful confections. Among the iconic names…
• 
  Are People in Paris really Rude? Checking the top 5 Stereotypes about Parisians
  Paris, often dubbed the “City of Love” and renowned for its art, culture, and iconic landmarks, has also given rise to a set of stereotypes about its inhabitants. While…