How to Bake French Baked Goods from Scratch

Baking French baked goods from scratch is a delightful culinary adventure that allows you to savor authentic flavors right from your kitchen. From flaky croissants to rich éclairs, mastering these classic treats can impress friends and family. Here’s a detailed guide on how to bake French baked goods from scratch.

Essential Ingredients

Before you begin, gather the following essential ingredients:

  • Flour: Use high-quality all-purpose flour or bread flour for structure.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for controlling salt levels.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar and powdered sugar enhance flavors and textures.
  • Milk: Whole milk or cream adds richness.
  • Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast for leavening.
  • Eggs: Essential for binding and providing moisture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens dough.

Classic French Croissant Recipe

To bake buttery, flaky croissants from scratch, follow this simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 10g salt
  • 40g granulated sugar
  • 10g active dry yeast
  • 300ml warm milk
  • 300g unsalted butter (for laminating)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it activate for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  3. Form the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Roll the dough out into a rectangle and place chilled butter in the center. Fold the dough over to encase the butter completely.
  5. Roll the dough out again into a larger rectangle and fold into thirds. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times to create layers.
  6. Cut the dough into triangles and roll each triangle tightly to form croissants. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 40 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Brush each croissant with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Enjoy warm!

Baking Éclairs from Scratch

Éclairs are another classic French delight that you can easily make at home. Here's how:

Ingredients:

  • 125ml water
  • 100g unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 150g all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • Chocolate ganache (for filling and topping)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil.
  2. Add flour all at once and cook over medium heat, stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated.
  4. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe 10cm lines onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake at 200°C (392°F) for about 25 minutes until puffed and golden. Let cool.
  6. Slice the éclairs open and fill them with chocolate ganache. Dip the tops in additional ganache for a decadent finish.

Tips for Success

  • Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
  • Chill Your Ingredients: Keep butter and dough cool to achieve flaky