If you’ve ever visited Bordeaux, you might have come across a small pastry with a caramelized crust and soft, custard-like center called canelé (or canelé Bordelais). Despite its modest size, this little treat carries a long history and is a staple of the city’s culinary scene. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of canelé, why it’s so beloved in Bordeaux, and where to find the best ones in the city. And to elevate your canelé experience, we’ll share the perfect drink pairings that enhance the flavor of this iconic pastry.
A Brief History of Canelé
The origins of canelé are a bit of a mystery, but most stories trace it back to the 17th century in Bordeaux. It’s believed that nuns from a convent in the city created the pastry, using leftover egg yolks that winemakers would donate. Winemakers used egg whites to clarify wine and had no use for the yolks, so rather than letting them go to waste, the nuns began making canelés. These pastries were then given to the poor or sold for charity.
However, the recipe evolved over time, and what we now know as canelé was perfected in the 20th century. The name comes from the Gascon word “canelat,” meaning “little channel,” which refers to the grooved shape of the pastry. Today, canelés are an iconic part of Bordeaux’s gastronomy and a must-try for any visitor to the region.
Why Is Canelé So Popular in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is known for many things, especially its wine, but canelé has also made a name for itself in the city’s food culture. One of the reasons for its popularity is its unique texture. The contrast between the crispy, caramelized exterior and the soft, almost creamy interior makes it a delight with every bite. Its taste is also distinct—flavored with vanilla and rum, it has a rich, almost toffee-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with several drinks.
Canelé has become a symbol of Bordeaux, representing the city’s love for tradition and refined taste. Whether you’re exploring the old streets of the city or sipping wine by the Garonne River, enjoying a canelé is a must.
What is Canelé Made Of?
At its core, canelé is a simple pastry made from a handful of ingredients: Flour, milk, egg yolks, sugar, butter, rum, and vanilla. What makes it unique is how it’s cooked. The batter is poured into small copper molds that are brushed with beeswax (or butter, in some modern recipes), which gives the canelé its signature caramelized crust. The molds are then baked at high temperatures to ensure the outside gets that crispy shell while the inside remains soft and custardy.
This balance of textures, along with the subtle hints of rum and vanilla, gives canelé its unique place in French pastry tradition. It’s not too sweet, but just indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
Canelé’s Place in French Gastronomy
Though canelé is rooted in Bordeaux, it has spread across France and beyond. You can now find it in bakeries in Paris, Lyon, and even international cities, but it remains closely tied to Bordeaux. Canelé is often served as a snack or dessert, sometimes accompanying afternoon tea. Its delicate size makes it perfect for a light bite, and many people take it home as a souvenir from Bordeaux.
But canelé isn’t just a simple street snack. It’s been embraced by gourmet pastry chefs, who sometimes experiment with different flavors or use it as a base for more elaborate desserts. Despite these innovations, the traditional recipe still reigns supreme in Bordeaux.
Where to Find the Best Canelé in Bordeaux
If you’re visiting Bordeaux and want to taste the best canelés, you’re in luck. The city has plenty of bakeries that specialize in this treat. Below are five spots where you can enjoy some of the finest canelés in Bordeaux.
Photo credit La Toque Cuivrée
La Toque Cuivrée
La Toque Cuivrée is one of the most popular places to get canelés in Bordeaux, and for good reason. They’ve perfected the art of making canelés at an affordable price. Their canelés have the ideal balance between a crunchy exterior and soft interior, making each bite a perfect combination of texture and flavor.
You can find La Toque Cuivrée shops across Bordeaux, so it’s easy to pick one up while exploring the city. They also offer canelés in different sizes, so whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a gift to take home, La Toque Cuivrée has you covered.
Photo credit Baillardran
Baillardran
When people think of canelés in Bordeaux, Baillardran is often the first name that comes to mind. Known as the temple of canelé, Baillardran has been around for decades and is one of the most famous canelé makers in the region.
Their canelés are made with meticulous attention to detail, from the copper molds to the perfect caramelization. Baillardran canelés are a bit pricier than other places, but they are considered some of the finest in the city. If you’re looking for the ultimate canelé experience, Baillardran is a must-visit.
Photo credit Cassonade
Cassonade
Cassonade is a boutique bakery that offers gourmet versions of traditional French pastries, including canelé. What sets them apart is their use of high-quality ingredients and the careful craftsmanship that goes into each pastry. Their canelés have a delightful flavor and a satisfying texture, making them stand out among other options in Bordeaux.
In addition to their standard canelés, Cassonade sometimes offers creative variations, making it a fun place for pastry lovers who want to try something a little different.
Pâtisserie Micheline et Paulette
Photo credit Micheline et Paulette
For those who love the charm of small, artisanal bakeries, Pâtisserie Micheline et Paulette is the place to go. This bakery has a cozy, old-world feel and prides itself on using traditional techniques to make its pastries, including its canelés.
Here, you’ll find canelés that are made fresh daily, with the perfect blend of crunchy and soft textures. The flavors of rum and vanilla shine through beautifully, and it’s the kind of place where you can truly appreciate the love that goes into each pastry.
Pâtisserie Valantin
Pâtisserie Valantin is a family-run bakery that has been a fixture in Bordeaux for years. They offer a range of classic French pastries, but their canelé is a highlight. Valantin is known for creating consistently delicious canelés that have the ideal combination of a crispy outer shell and a custard-like interior.
What makes Valantin special is the care they take in ensuring that each canelé is baked to perfection. Whether you’re grabbing one on the go or sitting down for a coffee, Pâtisserie Valantin offers a canelé experience that’s both traditional and exceptional.
Photo credit Pâtisserie Valantin
Canelé and Drink Pairings
When it comes to enjoying canelé, pairing it with the right drink can elevate the experience and enhance its unique flavors. Canelé’s distinctive combination of a caramelized crust and custardy interior, flavored with vanilla and rum, opens up several possibilities for drink pairings.
Coffee: Canelé’s caramelized crust pairs perfectly with coffee. A rich espresso offers a bold contrast to the pastry’s sweetness, while a cappuccino or latte softens the flavors with its creamy texture. For a refreshing option, cold brew works well, balancing the sweetness with its smooth, bold taste.
Tea: Tea is a lighter pairing, ideal for highlighting the canelé’s delicate flavors. Earl Grey adds a citrusy twist, green tea offers a fresh, clean contrast, and chai tea enhances the pastry’s sweetness with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
Wine: Wine, especially from Bordeaux, is a natural choice. A sweet Sauternes mirrors the caramel notes of the canelé, while champagne brings refreshing bubbles and acidity. A dry Bordeaux white offers a lighter, zesty pairing that cuts through the pastry’s richness.
Rum: Given canelé’s rum flavoring, pairing it with aged rum is a fantastic option. The rich caramel and vanilla notes in the rum enhance the pastry’s custardy center. Spiced rum adds a warm, aromatic layer to the experience.
Cognac: Cognac is an excellent choice for pairing with canelé. A VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) cognac offers fruity and woody notes that complement the vanilla and caramel flavors of the canelé, making for a smooth and elegant pairing.
Cider: The fruity, tangy notes of cider, especially apple or pear varieties, offer a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry. French apple cider, particularly the dry varieties from Normandy, pairs wonderfully with canelé.
Liqueurs: Certain liqueurs can also offer added complexity to the pastry’s flavors. Amaretto pairs beautifully with canelé, as its nutty, sweet notes complement the vanilla and caramel flavors. With its orange-flavored notes, Grand Marnier adds a citrusy kick that cuts through the richness of the canelé.
Whisky: Whisky pairs wonderfully with canelé, enhancing the pastry’s caramelized crust and custardy center. A smooth single malt Scotch or Irish whiskey with notes of vanilla or honey complements the sweet richness of canelé, while a bold bourbon with its caramel and oak flavors mirrors the pastry’s deep caramel tones.
Final Thoughts
From its humble beginnings in convent kitchens to its status as an iconic French treat, canelé has stood the test of time. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or pairing it with a glass of wine, canelé is a must-try when visiting the city. If you find yourself in Bordeaux, make sure to stop by one of the bakeries mentioned above to experience the true flavor of this delightful pastry.
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