3 Delicious and Simple Dessert Recipes with Perfect Wine Pairings
Dessert no. 4, 1871, Popular Graphic Arts, Library of Congress. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Looking for easy-to-make, elegant desserts that pair beautifully with wine? Whether you’re celebrating Crêpe Day (Candlemas/ La Chandeleur), Valentine’s Day, Mother’s or Father’s Day, a romantic dinner, Christmas, or just treating yourself, these three classic recipes are perfect. From fruity crêpes to rich chocolate fondants and delicate almond tartlets, discover desserts that are simple to prepare (alone or with family) and pair wonderfully with carefully selected wines for an unforgettable experience.
Crêpes with Jam or Fresh Fruit
Loved by all, these crêpes are filled with seasonal jams, fresh berries, or a touch of melted chocolate, a simple and comforting treat.
Ingredients for 12 crêpes:
250 g (2 cups) flour
3 eggs
500 ml (2 cups) milk
1 tbsp sugar
A pinch of salt
2 tbsp melted butter (+ extra for cooking)
Filling: seasonal jam, fresh berries, powdered sugar, optionally a drizzle of melted chocolate
Preparation:
In a bowl, sift the flour. Make a well and add the eggs, sugar, and salt.
Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Add the melted butter.
Let the batter rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Heat a lightly buttered pan, pour a ladle of batter, and cook each crêpe for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
Serve filled with jam, fresh fruit, and if you like, a drizzle of melted chocolate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Wine Pairings:
Vouvray AOC: This white wine from the Loire Valley enchants with delicate floral notes, lively acidity, and aromas of stone fruits. It beautifully enhances the sweetness and freshness of fruit-topped crêpes.
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise: A sweet white wine bursting with floral and citrus fragrances, making it an ideal companion for crêpes filled with fresh fruit or jam.
Chocolate Fondant
A decadent dessert where intense cocoa flavors unfold in a velvety, melting center.
Ingredients for 6 servings:
200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
150 g (5 oz) butter
4 eggs
100 g (½ cup) sugar
50 g (¼ cup) flour
A pinch of salt
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter and flour individual ramekins or molds.
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a double boiler.
In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Add the melted chocolate, then the flour and salt. Mix until smooth.
Pour into molds and bake 10 to 12 minutes for a gooey center.
Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.
Wine Pairing:
Maury AOC or Banyuls AOC: These sweet fortified wines from Roussillon, rich in black fruit, cocoa, and subtle toasted notes, perfectly balance the intensity of the chocolate fondant.
Almond Tartlet with Red Berry Coulis
A refined creation featuring almond slivers, fresh red berries, and a touch of cream, a harmony of texture, freshness, and elegance.
Ingredients for 6 tartlets:
For the shortcrust pastry:
200 g (1 2/3 cups) flour
100 g (7 tbsp) cold butter
1 egg
80 g (⅓ cup) powdered sugar
A pinch of salt
For the almond cream:
100 g (1 cup) almond powder
100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter
100 g (½ cup) sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp flour
For the red berry coulis:
250 g (2 cups) mixed red berries (raspberries, strawberries, redcurrants...)
2 tbsp sugar
A splash of lemon juice
Preparation:
Shortcrust pastry: Mix flour, salt, and powdered sugar. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs, then add the egg. Form a ball, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough and line tartlet molds. Prick the base with a fork.
Almond cream: Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Stir in almond powder and flour. Fill the tartlet shells with this cream.
Bake tartlets 20–25 minutes at 180°C (350°F), until golden. Let cool.
Coulis: Blend berries with sugar and lemon juice. Strain to remove seeds.
Serve tartlets with a drizzle of coulis, fresh berries, and toasted almond slivers.
Wine Pairing:
Champagne AOC, R. Pouillon & Fils, Premier Cru Rosé: This elegant rosé Champagne balances freshness, acidity, and roundness. Its brioche notes and red fruit aromas perfectly complement the almonds and berries for a delicate finish.
