In Provence, Christmas Eve isn’t complete without les treize desserts—13 desserts symbolizing abundance, sharing, and community. Served after le gros souper (the big supper), this festive tradition fills the table with a delightful variety of sweet treats.
Many people are surprised when they hear “13 desserts,” imagining a mountain of baking with this number of desserts. In reality, there’s no formal or fixed list; the desserts you choose can reflect your family’s preferences, regional specialties, or even what you have on hand.
Legend says that if you eat a bit of each desserts, it will bring good luck in the coming year.
While this custom has religious symbolism and it was supposed to be eaten after the midnight mass, for me, it’s more of a old cultural tradition. Growing up in the South of France, the dessert table was a way to connect with loved ones and celebrate the Christmas season. Now living in Canada, I’ve adapted it to suit my multicultural family, blending Provençal, Cuban, and Canadian flavours. It’s a tradition I love sharing with my children, and I hope it inspires you to create your own version, wherever you are.
Fun add-on: Warm up with some vin cuit (or cooked wine)!
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🍫 What Are the 13 Desserts?
Traditionally, the desserts are set out on Christmas Eve and remain on the table for three days, until December 27. This symbolizes hospitality and abundance. Some families include specific elements like three candlesticks to represent the Holy Trinity, but I prefer to keep it simple and modern. It is also customary to spread the desserts over 3 tables but I stick to one table!
Of note, the Christmas eve dinner has its own table settings with 3 tablecloths as a symbol of Trinity again. It is typically a lean dinner consisting of fish (a typical meal could be the brandade de morue which is a cod mashed potato).
The beauty of les treize desserts is that there’s no formal list. You don’t need to stick to specific recipes or even make everything from scratch. The goal is to combine a variety of flavours, textures, and traditions that resonate with you and your family.
🧁 Build Your Dessert Table
1. The Four Beggars (Les Quatre Mendiants)
These represent the four mendicant orders, a religious significance, with each nut or dried fruit symbolizing one order. Include four items but really use any nuts you have:
- Walnuts or Hazelnuts (Augustinians): Try spiced or candied versions for a festive touch.
- Almonds (Carmelites): Chocolate-covered almonds are an easy modern twist.
- Raisins (Dominicans): Golden raisins or dried cranberries can be substituted.
- Dried Figs (Franciscans): Dates, apricots, or prunes work well too.
2. Fresh Fruits
These celebrate nature’s bounty and symbolize a bountiful harvest. Include three types of fruits:
- Grapes: Traditionally, both white and black grapes are used to represent light and darkness.
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges, clementines, or mandarins bring brightness and are easy to serve.
- Seasonal Fruits: Apples, pears, or even quince are wonderful additions.
Special note: Cantaloupes, green melon, watermelon and such are also great fruits to symbolize the harvest. During the summer, when the fresh fruit was picked up, a few would be tucked away in a dry and dark room (like a barn) to be eaten as part of the 13 desserts.
3. Nougat (Two Types)
Nougat represents the balance of good and evil. Include two kinds of nougats:
- White Nougat (Nougat Blanc): A soft nougat with almonds and pistachios.
- Black Nougat (Nougat Noir): A dark nougat, caramelized version for contrast.
In our family, we use turrón, a Spanish almond confection, as a nod to my husband’s Cuban roots.
4. Pastries and Showstoppers
Choose one or two center piece desserts:
- Pompe à Huile or oil pump: A lightly sweet olive oil bread flavoured with orange blossom water, symbolic of sharing. You can substitute it with brioche.
- Honey Spice Loaf Cake: A traditional French bread sweetened with honey & an aromatic blend of spices.
- Oreillettes or Bugnes: Thin, crispy, fried pastries similar to beignets.
- Yule Log (Buche de Noël): A festive and visually stunning dessert.
5. Candied and Sweet Treats
Round out the table with three to four small confections:
- Candied Lemon or Orange Peel also called orangette: Zesty and delightful, they can be dipped in chocolate, it is divine.
- Quince Paste (Pâte de Coing) or any fruit paste (Fruit confit): A traditional Provençal delicacy that pairs beautifully with cheese.
- Calisson d'Aix en Provence (specialty of Aix-en-Provence).
- Fennel Seed Biscuits: Subtly aromatic, perfect with coffee.
- Chocolate Truffles or Mendiants: Rich and indulgent.
- Christmas cookies: Add your touch with your favourite cookies, I love my coconut ones and my vanilla shortbread!
💭 Adapting the Tradition
The 13 desserts table is endlessly adaptable. In our home, we mix Provençal roots with personal favorites. We swap nougat for turrón, add spice cake for a Canadian touch although my recipe is French, and experiment with different combinaison of desserts every year.
You don’t have to bake or make all 13 desserts yourself. Combine homemade items with store-bought goodies for a stress-free approach.
Remember, the spirit of les treize desserts is about abundance, sharing, and togetherness during the holiday season—not perfection.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! The tradition is flexible. Aim for variety, and don’t worry about hitting the exact number.
Yes! Most of the thirteen Christmas desserts, like dried fruits, candied treats, and nougat, can be prepped or bought in advance.
Stick to non-perishable items like dried fruits, nuts, and pastries that don’t require refrigeration. Cover everything with cling film or place them in containers overnight.
⭐ My Favourite Recipes I Make Every Year
Ready to get started? Check out some of my favorite recipes to inspire your table. These ones are the ones I always look forward to prepare:
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