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tarte tropezienne
french cream cake
saint tropez dessert
french brioche cake
vanilla cream cake
french pastry recipe
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07 September 2025

French Tarte Tropézienne – Creamy Saint-Tropez Cake

Food with Style adapted by JojoM

French Tarte Tropézienne – Creamy Saint-Tropez Cake Image

Discover the iconic French Tarte Tropézienne—soft brioche cake filled with luscious vanilla pastry cream and whipped cream. A true Saint-Tropez delight!

French Tarte Tropézienne – Creamy Saint-Tropez Cake ✨

If there’s one dessert that embodies the sun-kissed charm of the French Riviera, it’s the Tarte Tropézienne 🌸. Originating in Saint-Tropez in the 1950s, this iconic pastry was made famous by Brigitte Bardot herself. Imagine a cloud-soft brioche cake, split in half, and filled with a dreamy combination of vanilla pastry cream and whipped cream, finished with pearl sugar and a dusting of powdered sugar. Pure indulgence! 🍰

A Taste of Saint-Tropez

This French brioche cream cake is light yet decadent, with a pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. The subtle sweetness of the vanilla cream pairs beautifully with the buttery brioche. Traditionally, it’s brushed with a hint of orange blossom syrup, giving it that authentic Provençal flair 🌼. It’s the perfect summer dessert for gatherings, afternoon coffee, or simply treating yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛

  • Combines the richness of a French brioche cake with silky pastry cream.
  • A showstopper for brunches, birthdays, or special occasions.
  • Versatile—you can flavor the cream with vanilla, citrus zest, or even a splash of liqueur.

Tips for Success 🥄

  • Flavor boost: Brush the brioche with orange blossom syrup before adding the filling for authenticity.
  • Slice neatly: Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving so the cream holds its shape.
  • Texture: Be generous with pearl sugar on top for that signature crunchy bite.

Serving Ideas 🍽️

Serve your Tarte Tropézienne slightly chilled, paired with fresh berries or a glass of sparkling wine. It’s equally delightful as an afternoon fika-style pastry or as a centerpiece dessert to impress guests.

This cake may look elegant, but with simple tools like a stand mixer, whisk, and a round cake pan, it’s approachable for home bakers too. Once you try it, you’ll see why this classic French pastry has become a legend across generations. 🇫🇷✨

French Tarte Tropézienne – Creamy Saint-Tropez Cake

Food with Style adapted by JojoM

Discover the iconic French Tarte Tropézienne—soft brioche cake filled with luscious vanilla pastry cream and whipped cream. A true Saint-Tropez delight!

French Tarte Tropézienne – Creamy Saint-Tropez Cake image
tarte tropezienne
french cream cake
saint tropez dessert
french brioche cake
vanilla cream cake
french pastry recipe
summer dessert ideas
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
185 mins
Servings
8

Chef's Tips

  • Brush the bottom cake layer with orange blossom syrup for authentic flavor.

  • Chill the cake well before slicing to keep the filling firm.

  • Use pearl sugar generously for the traditional crunchy topping.

Tools Used

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Ingredients

USMetric

Brioche Dough

Pastry Cream

Whipped Cream

Decoration

Instructions

Make the Brioche Dough

  1. 1

    Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.

  2. 2

    Add eggs and milk, knead into a smooth dough.

  3. 3

    Incorporate softened butter until elastic.

  4. 4

    Cover and let rest for 1 hour, until doubled.

Shape & Bake

  1. 1

    Place dough in a 20cm round pan and spread evenly.

  2. 2

    Allow to rise 30 minutes.

  3. 3

    Brush with egg yolk-cream mixture, sprinkle pearl sugar.

  4. 4

    Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, cool completely.

Prepare Pastry Cream

  1. 1

    Heat milk with vanilla until almost boiling, then remove from heat.

  2. 2

    Whisk yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.

  3. 3

    Slowly add hot milk to yolk mixture, whisking constantly.

  4. 4

    Return to heat, cook until thickened while stirring.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat, stir in butter until smooth. Cool completely.

Whipped Cream & Filling

  1. 1

    Whip cream with stabilizer to stiff peaks.

  2. 2

    Gently fold whipped cream into cooled pastry cream.

Assemble the Cake

  1. 1

    Slice the cooled brioche horizontally.

  2. 2

    Spread cream filling generously on the bottom half.

  3. 3

    Place the top half over cream, press lightly.

  4. 4

    Dust with powdered sugar and chill 2 hours before serving.

Comments & Reviews

  • Farida Aminy

    8/20/2023

    Never-mind, I see the recipe, lol

  • AvonOffersCyprus

    8/25/2023

    Lovely the way you explain how to bake, thank you ♥️

  • New Wave Goth Dad

    9/2/2023

    I had this from the original bakery in Cassis, France—amazing!

  • Audrey

    8/21/2023

    Needs a little orange blossom syrup for that authentic touch 😁

  • Stefan Markus Rode

    8/21/2023

    Very good, looks delicious!

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 cake)

Calories 345
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g23%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 105mg35%
Sodium 150mg7%
Total Carbohydrates 38g14%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 12g
Protein 7g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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