Tarte Tropézienne: The Classic Cream-Filled Brioche from Saint-Tropez
Tarte Tropézienne is one of those desserts that captures the spirit of its place. Light, indulgent, and quietly iconic, it was born in Saint-Tropez in the 1950s and has since become a staple across French patisseries.
A Local Favourite with a Famous Backstory
The story begins with Alexandre Micka, a Polish baker who opened a patisserie in Saint-Tropez. Inspired by a recipe from his childhood, he created a soft, buttery brioche filled with a blend of pastry cream and whipped cream, subtly flavoured with orange blossom.
During the filming of And God Created Woman, Brigitte Bardot tasted the pastry and encouraged Micka to give it a name. He called it "La Tarte Tropézienne" in honour of the town that made it famous.
What Makes It Special
Tarte Tropézienne is known for its contrast of textures and light floral notes. The brioche is rich yet airy, while the cream filling is smooth and delicately sweet. It's the kind of dessert that feels celebratory but not over-the-top.
How to Make It at Home
For the brioche dough:
500g all-purpose flour
100g sugar
10g salt
25g active dry yeast
6 eggs
250g unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
For the syrup and cream filling:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp orange blossom water
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. In another, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, milk, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead until smooth, then gradually add the butter. Knead again until soft and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours.
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Divide the dough in two, shape into rounds, and let rest. Score the tops lightly, then bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Make a syrup by simmering sugar and water, then stir in the orange blossom water.
Whip cream with powdered sugar until stiff.
Once the brioche is cool, slice in half, brush with syrup, and fill with whipped cream. Replace the top and dust with powdered sugar.
Why It Endures
Tarte Tropézienne remains a favourite not just for its taste but for the simplicity and charm it brings to the table. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, and it’s ideal for a casual afternoon treat or a relaxed summer gathering.
If you ever find yourself in Saint-Tropez, stop by a local bakery and try a slice fresh from the source. But until then, this recipe brings a little piece of the French Riviera home.
