How to Make French Baked Goods with Minimal Equipment

If you're looking to indulge in the delightful world of French baked goods but are limited on kitchen equipment, fear not! You can still create mouthwatering treats with minimal tools. Here’s a guide on how to make French baked goods with just a few essentials.

Essential Tools for Baking

Before diving into specific recipes, let’s outline the minimal equipment you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper (optional, but helpful)
  • Oven

Classic French Madeleines

Madeleines are delicate shell-shaped sponge cakes that require very little equipment to whip up.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Melt the butter and let it cool.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
  4. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, then mix well.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder, then gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Simple French Brioche

Brioche is a soft, buttery bread that’s easier to make than you might think.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add sugar, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually incorporate the flour until the dough forms.
  4. Knead in softened butter until smooth.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased baking pan.
  7. Let it rise again until doubled, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Quick French Tarts

If you want something quick and elegant, consider making tarts. No special tart pans required!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Filling of your choice (jam, custard, or fresh fruit)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix flour and sugar, then cut in cold butter until crumbly.
  2. Add the egg yolk and mix until a dough forms. If too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water.
  3. Press the dough into a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Pre-bake for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  5. Remove from oven, add your desired filling, and bake for another 15-20 minutes.