With hints of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air, cooler temperatures bring a new autumnal color palette, an embrace of warming spices and a desire for desserts that comfort as well as delight. Like our colorful cookware, French desserts have been perfected throughout the years, with beloved recipes enlivened with bold new flavors and modern updates. We are continually inspired by our French heritage in the kitchen and these decadent, festive recipes are a cozy interpretation of culinary classics. By combining French techniques with seasonal flavors and joyous presentations, you can create desserts that are equally at home at a small dinner party as they are at any fall celebration.
French Apple Cake with Walnut Crumble
French Apple Cake is a traditional rustic and comforting dessert with all the cozy flavors of apple pie simplified into a moist, fruit-studded cake. Cooked in a shallow enameled cast iron baking dish, the batter comes together easily, with a bit of brown sugar for sweetness, and a splash of rum for depth. Once it’s poured into the dish to be baked, the batter is topped with a nutty, cinnamon-flecked crumble for good measure and extra depth of flavor. The understated cake is lovely with tea or coffee, with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream. French Apple Cake is a festive addition to any fall menu, especially when baked and served in the charming red Enameled Cast Iron Apple Baker.
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Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
An autumnal take on a traditional French favorite, our Pumpkin Crème Brûlée starts with cream and egg yolks, enriched with the addition of pumpkin puree and seasonal spices. This comforting version of the classic is baked in individual stoneware Pumpkin Butter Dishes, using the gentle heat of a water bath to perfectly set the creamy custard base. The durable stoneware dishes are broiler safe, so the signature burnt sugar topping can be perfected under a household broiler without the need for a kitchen torch. If you don’t have these adorable fall-inspired dishes on hand, feel free to use any small, shallow baking dish, Ramekins or Mini Round Cocotte.
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Sour Cherry Tarte Tatin
The first tarte tatin was made with apples in the kitchen of the Tatin sisters, who operated a hotel in the French town of Lamotte-Beuvron. While making a pie for guests, one sister mistakenly placed the fruit in the dish first. The unusual, but delicious, results became a signature dish of the hotel. Sour cherries take the place of apples in this tangy version, cooked in our Heritage Tarte Tatin Dish. Since it’s made of enameled cast iron, you can prepare the fruit on the cooktop and then transfer the whole tart into the oven to finish baking. As simple as it is iconic, this just may become your signature dessert this fall.
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Raspberry Jam Souffle
A classic French dessert soufflé is a show-stopping finish to any meal, especially when made in a delightful Mini Round Cocotte. And while it may sound intimidating to make, a soufflé is really quite an easy technique to master. According to pastry chef/partner Caroline Schiff, the key is to work with fresh, room temperature eggs that will whip up fast and strong to create the meringue base. Preserves are a great way to enjoy the juicy, fresh flavor of fruit year-round and in this bright, fall recipe, raspberry preserves are folded into the meringue base. Bring the soufflés immediately from the oven to the table in the colorful cocottes before they have a chance to fall.
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Orange Curd Skillet Tart with Meringue Kisses
A play on the classic French Tarte au Citron, this skillet version is filled with a tangy orange and lime curd for a sunny citrus dessert that brightens any fall day. The tart filling is complemented by airy meringue kisses, reminiscent of lemon meringue pie. It’s paired with an all-butter pie dough with crushed coconut flakes mixed in, for a crust that emerges crisp and nutty when cooked in our enameled cast iron Signature Skillet. For a firm filling and clean slices, prepare the curd the day before you plan to serve the tart. Keep the sliced tart in the colorful skillet – it will look at home among the bright oranges, warm yellows and deep reds you find decorating an autumn table.
