Canelés are small, caramelized pastries from the Bordeaux region. They have a crisp exterior and a custardy, vanilla- and rum-infused center. They’re a delicious (and simple!) way to bring a taste of Bordeaux to your home!

 

Try the real thing on one of our Bordeaux region tours!

 

Ingredients 

For ~12 canelés

blandinejoannic
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing the molds)
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
  • 2 eggs + 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional but authentic)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk & butter: In a small saucepan, gently heat milk and butter until the butter melts. Remove from heat; let cool slightly.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Blend wet & dry: In another bowl, beat eggs and yolks, then whisk in the vanilla extract and rum (if using). Slowly add the warm milk mixture, whisking constantly. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until you have a smooth batter.
  4. Chill batter: Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour (even better overnight).
  5. Preheat & pour: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Butter the canelé molds (traditional copper molds or silicone molds) and fill them about ¾ full with batter.
  6. Bake & reduce heat: Bake for 10 minutes, then lower heat to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for ~40–50 minutes, until the canelés are deep golden brown and caramelized.
  7. Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before removing from molds. The outside should be crisp, the inside soft and custardy.
  8. Serve them with an espresso or a glass of sweet wine (like Sauternes) for a truly Bordelaise treat!

 

 

Bon Appétit!

Canelé from Bordeaux region
This is how your canelé might look (after taking a bite out of it)
©

Matthias Kabel, CC BY-SA 3.0

France Just For You

Experts in self-drive tours in France

Travelers Reviews

5.0
Jodi
My husband and I have both been to Europe multiple times in our school/college days but not since we've been married- so over 19 years! We finally got it together to plan a return trip together. Since it had been so long we weren't confident in planning it on our own but didn't want to be hearded around like cattle. Anyway, we found Emilie and she …
Jim
If you want to experience France, but are hesitant because you don’t speak the language, this company is for you. Emilie will prepare an itinerary that is so detailed that even the most inexperienced, non-French speaking traveler will be able to navigate France. Her attention to detail is so incredible that almost everything sitiuation you …
Lynne & Jeff
In 2013 I had 2 big reasons to plan a trip to France: a new grand baby boy in Avignon, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a trip to Normandy. He absolutely loves anything and everything he can find to read or watch that is related to WWII. So, I started exploring online for a custom tour designer that could put together a great itinerary for …
Cynthia
On my second trip with France Just For You (FJFY) this October I drove through Normandy and Brittaney. It was a wonderful trip and FJFY is an amazing travel agency. Their customized and detailed guidebook covers everything you need to know about visiting France from practical information about traffic signs to insights about the French people and …
Lola
My husband and I have just returned from an amazing 16 day trip in France organized thoughtfully and beautifully by Emilie of France Just for You. As the other reviewers have stated, all interactions with Emilie have been prompt, professional and thorough. Although we have organized European travel on our own in the past, concerned that we might be …
Sandra
My husband and I prefer to travel independently not on tours but I am getting tired of doing all of the planning. Emilie did an excellent job of planning the trip. I gave input on the type of hotels and the places that we wanted to see and she took care of the details. The hotels that she picked were outstanding. All but one day we followed her …