These Jane Austen inspired desserts Are As Vivacious And Entertaining As The Author

Jane Austen’s literary career spans genres and each is a masterpiece in its own right. Create these desserts inspired by her works for your next themed party.

Jane Austen, the brilliant and insightful 19th century English novelist, is known for her timeless love stories, her analysis and critique of society and her tart comments on English manners and codes of conduct. From grand estates to the cozy parlors of the gentry, the Regency era provides a formal and picturesque backdrop against which Austen's works are placed. While her novels transport readers to an earlier time, the essence of her works can be savored not only through words but also through the world of desserts. As you embark on this culinary journey for a themed party of just because, while making delectable treats are part of the process, you also attain a deeper understanding of the nuance and sensibilities that make up Austen's worlds.

Sense and Sensibility - Lemon Madeleines

In Sense and Sensibility, the Dashwood sisters try to balance the forces of love and societal expectations. Take inspiration from the novel's idyllic countryside, grand estates and the fragrant gardens of Barton Cottage. Create small and delicate madeleines that could be served at the Cottage or any of those estates alongside the afternoon tea. Infuse these dainty shell shaped cakes with a tangy lemon flavor that’s as energizing as it is exciting. To add another layer of nuance, also add a few drops of lavender or rose extract to the cake batter. When serving, place the madeleines in a circular shape on the serving plate and sprinkle edible rose or lavender petals all over the plate.

Pride and Prejudice - Jam Tarts

Pride and Prejudice is arguably Austen's most famous work. The story, filled with repartee and courtship, excitement and drama, unfolds amidst grand country estates and humble cottages, social gatherings and society balls. Create an elegant yet homely dessert that would fit right into these contrasting worlds. Make mini tarts and fill them with a bright and vivacious jam, recalling Lizzy’s vibrant personality. Dust some powdered sugar on top and place them in a clean silver tray or in a simple wicker plate, recalling either Mr Darcy’s extravagance or the Bennets’ homeliness. For an added layer of reference, fill the tarts with different colored jams, assigning one color to each of the Bennet sisters..

Emma - Strawberry Cream Puffs

In Emma, Austen introduces readers to the charming but misguided Emma Woodhouse, who navigates the intricacies of matchmaking with a misplaced confidence. Recalling Emma's over the top personality and the extravagance of the Regency era, make symbolic cream puffs. Instead of a plain filling, pipe in a strawberry cream filling, in line with the theme of love. Add thin slices of strawberry on top to add to the drama and theatrics of the dessert.

Mansfield Park - Butter Cookies

The complex drama of Fanny Price in Mansfield Park unfolds in the calm countryside estate of the Bertrams. There are rolling hills and vast meadows dotted with a variety of flowers, a simple and indulgent country life. Bake butter cookies that would fit right into this rural setting. Use icing sugar in different colors to decorate the cookies with different colored flowers or any other nature related motif you might want to reference. Infusing the cookies with a vanilla or rose essence will also add a layer of reference to the outdoors.

Northanger Abbey - Dark Chocolate Truffles

In this novel, which is essentially Austen’s satire of gothic novels, Catherine Morland explores the mysteries of Northanger Abbey. To reference the humor and eeriness, create decadent truffles coated with dark chocolate, full of mystery and suspense. But inside, fill in a bright pink ganache, referencing the subtle undertones of humor. For a more sophisticated taste, infuse the ganache with the distinct notes of earl gray tea, which would fit right in at the Abbey.

Persuasion - Mini Apple Pies

In Persuasion, Anne Elliot's journey of love and second chances is set against the backdrop of the sea and the autumnal beauty of Kellynch Hall. While being a love story, it's also a satire of romance novels. Mini apple pies, filled with warm, cinnamon-infused apple slices, evoke the cozyness of the fall season. Remember to top them with whipped cream, which would be out of place in the Regency era, adding a touch of laughter to them.