Dessert vs. Entremets — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
Dessert refers to a sweet course usually served at the end of a meal, while entremets is a French term for intricate desserts or small dishes served between courses.
Difference Between Dessert and Entremets
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dessert is typically the final course of a meal in many cultures, often consisting of sweet treats like cakes, cookies, or ice cream, aimed at satisfying the sweet tooth. Whereas entremets, in modern culinary terms, refers specifically to sophisticated, multi-layered desserts that are elaborately presented, often in fine dining.
Dessert is broadly defined and can range from simple fruits to complex pastries. It is universally understood and encompasses a wide variety of dishes. On the other hand, entremets are less common and require a higher level of culinary skill and presentation, often involving elements like mousses, gels, and intricate decorations.
Dessert is served at the end of the meal, providing a sweet closure. This course is designed to leave diners with a final, memorable taste. Whereas entremets can also appear as a form of palate cleanser or a transition dish in multi-course meals, especially in a classical French dining context.
Dessert has a more informal and broad appeal, often associated with comfort and celebration. It is versatile and can be adapted to casual or formal settings. On the other hand, entremets signify a higher dining culture, often reserved for more formal or elaborate meals.
Dessert engages primarily with taste and satisfaction, often being rich and indulgent. On the other hand, entremets not only focus on taste but also on the art of dessert-making, showcasing technique and creativity in its preparation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A sweet course served at meal's end.
Sophisticated desserts between courses.
Complexity
Can range from simple to complex.
Generally intricate and complex.
Serving Occasion
Typically at the end of a meal.
Between courses or as a fine dining dessert.
Cultural Relevance
Universal in many cultures.
Predominantly French and gourmet.
Purpose
Satisfaction and indulgence.
Showcase culinary art and technique.
Compare with Definitions
Dessert
A course that concludes an evening meal.
The meal was topped off with a delicious chocolate dessert.
Entremets
A sophisticated, multi-layered dessert.
The entremets featured layers of mousse and sponge cake.
Dessert
Anything served at the end of a meal.
Cheese can sometimes be considered a dessert.
Entremets
Often elaborate, served as part of a formal meal.
The dinner included several entremets as part of its tasting menu.
Dessert
Typically a course where guests are offered sweets.
We skipped dessert to save on calories.
Entremets
A culinary term with French origins.
Entremets at the restaurant were an artistic display.
Dessert
Sweet food served after the main course.
For dessert, we had apple pie.
Entremets
Small dishes served between the main courses of a meal.
The chef prepared a light entremets to cleanse the palate.
Dessert
A final course that usually consists of sweet options.
Dessert was her favorite part of the meal.
Entremets
Focus on technique and presentation.
The chef's entremets was a masterpiece of culinary art.
Dessert
Dessert () is a course that concludes a meal. The course consists of sweet foods, such as confections, and possibly a beverage such as dessert wine and liqueur.
Entremets
A side dish, such as a relish or dessert, served in addition to the principal course.
Dessert
A usually sweet course or dish, as of fruit, ice cream, or pastry, served at the end of a meal.
Entremets
A side dish (often of vegetables), or a small dish of savories served between courses.
Dessert
Chiefly British Fresh fruit, nuts, or sweetmeats served after the sweet course of a dinner.
Entremets
A dessert.
Dessert
The last course of a meal, consisting of fruit, sweet confections etc.
I ordered hummus for a starter, a steak as the main course, and chocolate cake for dessert.
Can I see the dessert menu, please?
Entremets
A side dish; a dainty or relishing dish usually eaten after the joints or principal dish; also, a sweetmeat, served with a dinner.
Dessert
A sweet dish or confection served as the last course of a meal.
Trifle is a favourite dessert of the English, but rivalled by pavlova in Australia and New Zealand.
Entremets
Any small entertainment between two greater ones.
Dessert
A service of pastry, fruits, or sweetmeats, at the close of a feast or entertainment; pastry, fruits, etc., forming the last course at dinner.
"An 't please your honor," quoth the peasant,"This same dessert is not so pleasant."
Dessert
A dish served as the last course of a meal
Common Curiosities
What is a dessert?
A dessert is typically a sweet course served at the end of a meal.
How do dessert and entremets differ in preparation?
Desserts can range from simple to complex preparations, while entremets are typically more intricate and require advanced culinary skills.
What are entremets?
Entremets are elaborate, multi-layered desserts or small dishes served between the main courses in fine dining.
Can a dessert be considered an entremets?
Yes, some desserts can be considered entremets if they are elaborate enough and served between courses as part of a multi-course meal.
Are entremets served at every meal?
No, entremets are usually part of elaborate meals or special occasions, particularly in fine dining settings.
Can entremets be savory?
Historically, entremets included not only sweet but also savory items. Today, however, they are predominantly sweet, especially in the context of desserts.
What types of desserts are commonly served as entremets?
Common types of desserts that can serve as entremets include sophisticated items like gelées, mousse, and intricate pastries, often involving multiple textures and flavors.
Is there a specific time during the meal when entremets are served?
In a formal dining setting, entremets are typically served between the main courses to cleanse the palate or as a pre-dessert to transition into the final sweet course.
How does the cultural significance of desserts compare to that of entremets?
Desserts have a broad cultural significance, commonly featured in both everyday meals and special occasions across various cultures. Entremets, however, are particularly significant in French and haute cuisine, symbolizing culinary sophistication and elegance.
What skills are necessary to prepare entremets?
Preparing entremets requires advanced culinary skills, including mastery in techniques like tempering, emulsifying, and sculpting, as well as a strong understanding of flavor pairing and artistic presentation.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
