Spreads, Sweets & Candies

Straight From France Chestnut Spread

17.6 oz

★★★★★ 4.2 out of 5 (61 ratings) on Amazon — See reviews

Chestnut spread is a rich, sweet French classic at the heart of this jar, made from slow-cooked chestnuts. Straight from France’s Chestnut Spread (crème de marrons) is a smooth, sweetened purée of French chestnuts blended with vanilla, perfect for spreading on toast or filling desserts. This 17.6 oz jar is a great everyday size for breakfast tables and baking projects alike. Pair it with our Shortbread Cookies for an easy French-style dessert.

What Is Chestnut Spread and How Is It Used?

Chestnut spread, or crème de marrons, is a smooth, sweetened purée of French chestnuts blended with vanilla, popular as a topping for toast, crepes, and pastries, or used as a filling for cakes and desserts. It has a naturally nutty, subtly sweet flavor reminiscent of caramelized chestnuts.

Chestnut Spread vs. Chestnut Puree

Chestnut spread is sweetened with sugar and vanilla for a dessert-ready, jam-like texture, while chestnut purée is typically unsweetened and used in savory dishes or as a base for stuffing and soups. This product is the sweetened dessert version, ready to eat straight from the jar.

How to Store Chestnut Spread

Once opened, chestnut spread should be refrigerated and is best used within 2 to 3 weeks for optimal flavor and texture. For more chestnut cream ideas and brands worth knowing, see our guide on Best Chestnut Cream Brands to Know and Buy.

How to Enjoy Chestnut Spread at Home

This chestnut spread, known in France as creme de marrons, is made by slow-cooking chestnuts with sugar and vanilla until they turn into a smooth, deeply flavored puree. Traditionally spread on toast or brioche for breakfast, chestnut spread also works beautifully swirled into yogurt, layered inside crepes, or spooned over vanilla ice cream for a quick autumn dessert.

Bakers often fold chestnut spread into cake batters or use it as a filling for pastries and macarons, since its nutty sweetness pairs so well with chocolate. Once opened, keep the jar refrigerated, where this chestnut spread will stay fresh for several weeks, ready whenever a recipe or a craving calls for that distinctly French, cozy flavor.

What is chestnut spread (crème de marrons) and how is it used?

Chestnut spread, or crème de marrons, is a smooth, sweetened purée of French chestnuts blended with vanilla, popular as a topping for toast, crepes, pastries, and yogurt, or used as a filling for cakes and desserts. It has a naturally nutty, subtly sweet flavor reminiscent of caramelized chestnuts.

Does chestnut spread contain nuts (allergen)?

Chestnuts are technically not tree nuts but a starchy fruit, and most people with tree nut allergies can safely enjoy chestnuts; however, anyone with a known chestnut allergy or severe nut allergy should consult their doctor before trying this product.

What is the difference between chestnut spread and chestnut puree?

Chestnut spread (crème de marrons) is sweetened with sugar and vanilla for a dessert-ready, jam-like texture, while chestnut purée is typically unsweetened and used in savory dishes or as a base for stuffing and soups. This product is the sweetened dessert version.

How long does chestnut spread last once opened?

Once opened, chestnut spread should be refrigerated and is best used within 2 to 3 weeks for optimal flavor and texture. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria that could shorten its shelf life.