Tour dÉléphant Snack Tower

Featured in: Sweet Treats

This elegant tower layers miniature delights like madeleines, brownies, gougères, and fresh produce for an inviting blend of sweet and savory flavors. Cream cheese, whipped cream, honey, and chopped pistachios add creamy and crunchy textures that complement the fresh strawberries, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Presented beautifully and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for sharing at afternoon tea or family get-togethers. Variations include nut-free or gluten-free options and additional savory elements like smoked salmon.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 01:52:17 GMT
A beautiful Tour dÉléphant Goûter Gourmand snack tower with honey drizzle and fresh mint. Save
A beautiful Tour dÉléphant Goûter Gourmand snack tower with honey drizzle and fresh mint. | cinnamonglow.com

The Tour d'Éléphant Goûter Gourmand is a whimsical French Fusion creation that elevates the afternoon snack to a delightful experience. This multi-layered snack tower perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with each bite, making it an indulgent treat that is ideal for tea time or family gatherings. Its playful assembly and vibrant garnishes invite both the eyes and palate to savor every layer.

A beautiful Tour dÉléphant Goûter Gourmand snack tower with honey drizzle and fresh mint. Save
A beautiful Tour dÉléphant Goûter Gourmand snack tower with honey drizzle and fresh mint. | cinnamonglow.com

This snack tower is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The alternating layers create a playful pattern bursting with flavors—from the soft madeleines and rich brownies to the delicate cheese gougères and fresh cucumber slices. The final drizzle of honey and sprinkling of pistachios add just the right touch of sweetness and crunch, while fresh mint leaves lend a bright, aromatic finish.

Ingredients

  • Sweet Layers
    • 6 mini madeleines
    • 6 small chocolate brownies
    • 6 strawberries, hulled and halved
    • 100 g whipped cream
  • Savory Layers
    • 6 mini cheese gougères
    • 6 slices cucumber
    • 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 60 g herbed cream cheese
  • Garnishes
    • 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
    • 2 tbsp honey
    • Fresh mint leaves, for decoration

Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet and savory components as needed
Bake madeleines, brownies, and gougères if not using store-bought.
2. Assemble the first layer
Place a gougère on a serving platter. Top with a dollop of herbed cream cheese and a slice of cucumber.
3. Add the next sweet layer
Stack a brownie atop the savory base. Add a small swirl of whipped cream and a strawberry half.
4. Add the next savory layer
Place a madeleine on the next layer, followed by a cherry tomato half and a touch of cream cheese.
5. Continue layering
Repeat the stacking process for each serving, arranging layers in alternating sweet and savory order to create a tower.
6. Add garnishes
Drizzle lightly with honey, sprinkle with chopped pistachios, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
7. Serve
Serve immediately as an eye-catching snack tower.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Use a piping bag to neatly apply the herbed cream cheese and whipped cream for a polished look. Bake components ahead of time to streamline assembly. Arrange the layers carefully to keep the tower stable and visually appealing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make this recipe nut-free, simply omit the chopped pistachios from the garnish. For a gluten-free option, substitute all baked goods with gluten-free alternatives. Those looking for extra savory depth can incorporate smoked salmon or cured ham between the layers.

Serviervorschläge

This exquisite snack tower pairs wonderfully with fragrant French tea or a light sparkling wine. Serve on a beautiful platter as the centerpiece of your snack table to delight guests with its height and colorful layers.

Stacked savory and sweet elements: the French Fusion Tour dÉléphant Goûter Gourmand is ready to serve. Save
Stacked savory and sweet elements: the French Fusion Tour dÉléphant Goûter Gourmand is ready to serve. | cinnamonglow.com

With its elegant presentation and harmonious flavor combinations, the Tour d'Éléphant Goûter Gourmand is sure to become a favorite centerpiece at your next gathering. Its ease of assembly allows you more time to enjoy great company while impressing everyone with this creative French fusion snack tower.

Recipe FAQ Section

What ingredients create the sweet layers?

The sweet layers consist of mini madeleines, small chocolate brownies, strawberries, and whipped cream.

How are the savory layers assembled?

Savory layers include mini cheese gougères, cucumber slices, cherry tomato halves, and herbed cream cheese.

What garnishes enhance the tower’s flavor and presentation?

Chopped pistachios, honey drizzle, and fresh mint leaves add flavor contrast and decorative appeal.

Can this snack tower accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, by omitting pistachios it becomes nut-free, and using gluten-free baked goods offers a gluten-free option.

What tools are helpful for assembling the tower?

Using a baking sheet, piping bag for cream layers, a sharp knife, and a serving platter simplifies preparation and presentation.

Tour dÉléphant Snack Tower

A multi-layered tower featuring sweet and savory bites, perfect for indulgent afternoon or family gatherings.

Prep duration
30 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Sweet Treats

Skill level Medium

Cultural Origin French Fusion

Output 6 Portion count

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Sweet Layers

01 6 mini madeleines
02 6 small chocolate brownies
03 6 strawberries, hulled and halved
04 7 tablespoons whipped cream

Savory Layers

01 6 mini cheese gougères
02 6 cucumber slices
03 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
04 4 tablespoons herbed cream cheese

Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
02 2 tablespoons honey
03 Fresh mint leaves, for decoration

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Components: Bake mini madeleines, chocolate brownies, and cheese gougères if not using store-bought items.

Phase 02

Create First Layer: Place a mini gougère on the serving platter, spread a dollop of herbed cream cheese on top, and add a slice of cucumber.

Phase 03

Add Sweet Layer: Stack a chocolate brownie on the savory base, pipe a small swirl of whipped cream, and top with a halved strawberry.

Phase 04

Add Madeleine Layer: Place a mini madeleine on top, add a halved cherry tomato and a touch of herbed cream cheese.

Phase 05

Build Tower: Repeat alternating savory and sweet layers for each serving to form a layered tower.

Phase 06

Garnish and Serve: Drizzle honey over the assembled towers, sprinkle with chopped pistachios, garnish with fresh mint leaves, and serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Piping bag
  • Sharp knife
  • Serving platter

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, wheat (gluten), and pistachio nuts; check labels for potential soy in store-bought items.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 220
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Protein Content: 5 g