French-style desert for 20

[SakuraSakura]

I'm cooking for a crowd soon, and the menu will have a French feeling. Staring with canapés & kir royales, a starter of goats cheese salad, main of Mediterranean pork & orange casserole.

I cannot decide on desert! Found a great recipe for creme brûlée tarts but haven't found suitable tins anywhere (mine are too wide & shallow). Nigella has a recipe for creme brûlée which is in a big dish, but I'm afraid it will look sloppy dished out. Maybe I could source 20 ramekins but wonder about the hassle of caramelising the tops of all those pots. Could I do it in advance? Or maybe a tarte Tatin? All ideas gratefully received

This probably way too simple but what about the French style Apple tart. You'd probably need to make two of them and serve with some really nice vanilla ice cream.

I love tarte au citron and also clafoutis. I think brulee would be a faff for so many. Proper French apple or apricot tart with a creme patisserie base is also lovely and much easier to prepare ahead than tarte tatin. I also really like a cheese board with fruit and strong coffee.
I may have to invent French afternoon tea now

Tart au citron, I made it last year using a Mary Berry recipe and it was great

Heston has a recipe for Tarte Tatin. Always works and always commented on as being scrummy. Can make in advance and warm in oven.

Thanks all. Ok, a tarte Tatin or citron. Or both . I must Google a fraisier as I don't know what that is! Yes, we have cheese planned for later too...and calvados

Fraisier looks amazing!

I would cheat and buy make enough macarons to make a tower - delicious and French and a table centrepiece

I've done 24 creme caramel in two yorkshire pudding tins.

Croque en buoche would be a classic
Cheeseboard with various French cheeses

Another vote for fruit tarts here. Apricot or plum works really well on a bed of frangipane. Or how about profiteroles?

Chocolate fondue?

With loads of fruit and marshmallows?

NOM!

French MIL always does apple tart when apples are in season and there is a crowd.
Ice cream profiteroles would be an easy option (assuming you buy ready made)

BTW in France cheese is served before dessert.