In this episode of Fabulously Delicious, The French Food Podcast, we’re exploring the delightful and decadent world of the Baba au Rhum. This classic French dessert, a soft, syrup-soaked cake, has become a favorite across France—and beyond! But there’s much more to this boozy treat than meets the eye. With its roots in Central and Eastern Europe, and a name that means 'grandmother' in Slavic languages, Baba au Rhum has an unexpectedly international past.
We’ll trace the Baba’s journey to France, thanks to an exiled Polish king with a sweet tooth and a clever pastry chef who transformed a dry cake into a dessert legend. This little cake was reimagined with a touch of French elegance, a dose of rum, and plenty of whipped cream, eventually finding a home in Paris at the famous Stohrer Pâtisserie, where it still delights dessert lovers today.
Baba au Rhum has even found fame in Italy, especially in Naples, where it has become a local specialty. Italian pastry chefs took this dessert and added their own spin, creating the ‘babà’ and later inspiring the ring-shaped Savarin cake in France. Both cakes highlight the versatility of the Baba’s basic recipe, showing how one small cake can inspire so many delicious interpretations.
Join us as we uncover the fascinating tale of the Baba au Rhum, from its royal beginnings to its modern-day charm. You’ll discover the secrets behind its perfect texture, the best way to enjoy it, and why this little cake soaked in rum has captured the hearts—and taste buds—of dessert lovers around the world!
Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.
Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at www.andrewpriorfabulously.com For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit
My book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. You’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com
For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.com
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