Creme de marron, or chestnut cream, is a luscious and versatile ingredient that brings a unique sweetness and depth to desserts and snacks alike. Made from pureed chestnuts and sugar, this silky spread is a favorite in French cuisine and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of autumnal warmth to your baking or simply want to indulge in a rich, nutty treat, recipes with creme de marron are sure to delight your taste buds. From simple spreads to elegant cakes, this ingredient transforms everyday dishes into gourmet experiences.
In this post, we’ll explore several delicious recipes featuring creme de marron, perfect for any occasion. You’ll discover why this ingredient deserves a permanent spot in your pantry and learn how to incorporate it in creative and scrumptious ways.
Get ready to dive into the sweet and nutty world of creme de marron!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creme de marron offers a unique flavor that is both sweet and earthy, bringing a comforting richness to your desserts. Unlike typical sweet spreads, its natural chestnut base provides a subtle nuttiness that balances beautifully with sugar.
This ingredient is incredibly versatile—perfect for spreading on toast, folding into batters, or using as a filling.
Recipes featuring creme de marron are also typically simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort while delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced chef, these recipes will inspire you to experiment and enjoy the delightful taste of chestnut cream.
Ingredients
- Creme de marron (chestnut cream) – 250g
- All-purpose flour – 200g
- Unsalted butter – 100g, softened
- Sugar – 100g
- Eggs – 3 large
- Baking powder – 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Heavy cream – 200ml (for whipped cream)
- Dark chocolate – 100g (optional for garnish)
- Salt – a pinch
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sieve for flour
- 8-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
- Wire rack for cooling
- Whisk
- Small saucepan (if melting chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare your oven by preheating it to 180°C (350°F). Grease your cake pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the creme de marron gently using a spatula until fully combined with the batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding carefully until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the whipped cream topping, whip the heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form.
- Serve slices of the cake topped with whipped cream and optionally garnish with shaved dark chocolate or a drizzle of additional creme de marron.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra rich dessert, try swirling creme de marron into brownie batter before baking!”
– If you prefer a more intense chestnut flavor, add a tablespoon of chestnut liqueur to the batter.
– Use creme de marron as a filling for crepes or layer it between sponge cake layers for a decadent chestnut layer cake.
– For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
– Add chopped toasted chestnuts or walnuts to the batter for added texture and crunch.
– Whipped cream can be flavored with a splash of vanilla or rum to complement the chestnut flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
This chestnut cream cake pairs beautifully with a cup of black coffee or a hot cup of spiced chai tea. The subtle nuttiness of the creme de marron balances well with the bitterness of coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack or dessert after dinner.
For a festive touch, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries. You can also accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful contrast of warm cake and cold creaminess.
Conclusion
Recipes with creme de marron are a wonderful way to explore the rich, sweet, and earthy flavors of chestnut cream. Whether baked into a cake, spread on toast, or swirled into creamy desserts, this ingredient adds a unique twist that elevates your culinary creations.
The simplicity and elegance of these recipes make them accessible for cooks of all skill levels while impressing guests with their refined flavors.
By incorporating creme de marron into your cooking, you invite a touch of French tradition and seasonal warmth into your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and serving ideas to make this ingredient a staple in your recipe collection.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Chocolate Ganache Cake, Classic French Madeleines, and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta to satisfy your sweet tooth with complementary flavors.
📖 Recipe Card: Chestnut Cream Tart
Description: A rich and creamy tart featuring the sweet and nutty flavor of crème de marron. Perfect for a cozy dessert or festive occasion.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made tart shell (9 inch)
- 1 cup crème de marron (chestnut cream)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chopped toasted chestnuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add crème de marron, heavy cream, melted butter, and salt; mix until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into the tart shell.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Garnish with chopped toasted chestnuts if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 35 g
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