What Dessert Looks Like In 30+ Countries Around The World
By Juliet Smith
2 years ago
Austria - Apfelstrudel
Image Source/ Whats4eatsThis traditional Austrian dish is made by stretching a pastry into a ridiculously thin sheet, then wrapping it around a sticky, apple filling. If you can't read a paper through your pastry, it's not thin enough. The apple filling is made with breadcrumbs, raisins, and optional walnuts.Turkey - Baklava
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Image Source/ The Spruce EatsThe Turkish know how to do it with Baklava, a traditional syrupy South-Asian dish. It became a widely sough-after dessert in North Africa and the Balkans, but was a Constantinople dish, originated from Turkey. It's widely eaten throughout the world, though, and everyone's heard of it.Turkey and Middle East - Borma
Image Source/ Mission Food AdventureGolden knafeh dough is wrapped around a nut filling, giving an elegant, authentic traditional Turkish experience with its crisp flaky bite. Borma is mostly cooked by frying, giving it the crispy texture that it needs. The way it's cut is different to baklava, showing off pistachios, pine nuts or walnuts.Italy - Cannoli
Image Source/ La Cucina ItalianaA trip to Italy will see you try the classic cannoli in all sorts of flavours. The crisp shell encases a creamy cheese, but originally contained ricotta cheese. It's widely loved throughout the Middle East too, with candied citrus added to the crispy shell.Sweden - Cardamom Buns
Image Source/ Bigger Bolder BakingAlthough the cinnamon bun is more widely known (and enjoyed) around the world, the bun enthusiasts of Sweden will advocate that cardamom buns are a nicer delicacy. Commonly eaten during fika (Swedish coffee breaks), cardamom seeds are stirred into doll, rolled up with sugar and spice.Singapore - Cendol
Image Source/ Asian InspirationsIf you head to the seaside of Singapore, you'll not miss their classic cendol dessert. The dish involves iced coconut milk (with palm sugar syrup) topped with rice-flour jelly. Head to Southeast Asia and you will see this dish with the addition of red beans.France - Chocolate Mousse
Image Source/ Celebrating SweetsChocolate mousse is a dessert that defies the laws of chocolate logic: the richer the mousse, the lighter it seems. It's airy complexion has been enjoyed widely and was originated among the Olmecs, Mayans and Aztecs before being transferred over into French history.Southern United States - Coconut Cake
Image Source/ Shugary SweetsA coconut cake consists of airy vanilla cake smothered with fresh shredded coconut and topped with seven-minute frosting. It's a classic American sweet dessert that gets passed down through family generations (usually on some kind of handwritten note!).Morocco - Cornes de Gazelle
image Source/ MarmitonIt's not easy making this traditional Moroccan dessert, but it usually the standout when looking at an array of tempting Moroccan sweets. Classically, cornes de gazelle would be a think layer of dough that encases ground almonds and orange blossom water. They're only baked for a few minutes until lightly golden.France - Crème Brûlée
Image Source/ NYT CookingIt's not easy making this French dessert as crème brûlée is usually cooked in a water bath to stop it from curdling or overbaking. With a rich, custard centre, the top is usually bronzed enough to give a nice crust. Chefs love the drama that comes with burning the top using a blowtorch.Hong Kong - Dan Tats
Image Source/ The Acadia QuillThe tip to learn with dan tats is that they're best to be eaten as soon as they come out of the oven, so that the warm custard is complimented by a crisp crust. These tasty tarts are tracked all the way to Portugal and the classis pastéis de nata, similar but with a custardy filling and crispy top.f - Eszterhazy Torta
Image Source/ PinterestThis Hungarian treat is enjoyed throughout many different countries in Europe following the Austro-Hungarian empire. Almond meringue is layered between chocolate buttercream, topped with chocolate and vanilla fondant tailored into a marbled spiderweb feature.Latin America - Flan
Image Source/ Lemon BlossomsFollowing the chain of custard desserts, we now have Latin America's flan, simplistic and sophisticated. Dark caramel tops a custard base in a wafer-thin layer. Even though the dessert originated in Spain, it's been perfected on the lands of Latin America.India - Gulab Jamun
Image Source/ Fun FOOD FrolicTo make these deep-fried Indian treats includes taking a scoop of khoya and buffalo milk and simmering over a flame for hours. They're then soaked in syrup and garnished with cardamom seeds and roses, before being dropped into the oil to fry, giving a crisp outer shell.Japan - Japanese Cheesecake
Image Source/ Phil and MamaWe all might think of the New York version when we think of cheesecake, with a dense, cheese mixture on a solid, biscuit bed. However, the Japanese version differs in that it mixes the cheesecakes tang with the airiness of a sponge cake, giving a perfectly-balanced, enjoyable dessert.East Africa - Kashata
Image Source/ PinterestMade with peanuts and coconut, this East African dessert can be found through traditional African food markets. The sweet has a satisfying crunch because of the caramelised sugar, and has been described as cookie-like while also confectionary-like, a perfect treat.Levant - Knafeh
Image Source/ Healthy Life TrainerLike it's Middle Eastern brothers and sisters, knafeh is a pastry soaked in aromatic sugar syrup, giving hints of rose or orange blossoms while eating. It's usually seen topped with sweet cream, nuts or salty cheese, so make sure you try all the types!India - Kulfi
Image Source/ Times FoodThis fantastic Indian ice cream differs from usual gelato in that it has an amazing rich texture. Traditional recipes require the chef to stir for hours while fresh milk simmers over a flame, activating the milk's natural sugars that gives it a nice caramel taste.Austria - Linzer Torte
Image Source/ AllrecipesThis blended Austrian dessert of cake and tart has been around for years and is still considered a must-have staple at the dinner table. It's a dough combined with ground nuts, which can either be hazelnuts or walnuts, which ribbons a deliciously sweet jam filling.Sudan - Mandazi
Image Source/ The Quotable KitchenThese fritters go perfect with a milky coffee or chai tea. With a similar texture to doughnuts, this Sudanese dessert is made with coconut milk, which gives the fritters a subtle aroma. Some versions even see the tasty treat spiced with a pinch of cardamom.Russia - Medovik
Image Source/ YouTubeThis traditional Russian cake can be stacked high in elaborate versions, sometimes with up to ten layers. Made with honey, the cake is smothered in a creamy frosting that perfectly compliments the tartness of the honey it surrounds. It can be made using rich sour cream or condensed milk.Netherlands - Oliebollen
Image Source/ WikipediaThe Netherlands take this Dutch dessert very seriously, and actually have an annual contest to find the country's perfect oliebol. Often indulged on New Year's Eve, the crispy ball is made with batter and raisins, which is dipped in powdered sugar and cooked.New Zealand and Australia - Pavlova
Image Source/ BBCThis dessert is named for the Russian ballerina who visited both Australia and New Zealand. There's disputes over where the dessert originated, however they're still enjoyed widely over both countries. It's a meringue dessert with a sickly, chewy interior.The Philipinnes - Polvorónes
Image Source/ TODAYThese are the kind of dessert you'd find at a wedding table (or Mexican wedding as the US claims) but it would do the dessert an injustice to be indulged in so rarely. The cookies are often enjoyed as an afternoon snack as well as a sweet dessert at a restaurant.Iran - Saffron Ice Cream
Image Source/ SteenbergsThis Iranian ice cream dessert is scented with saffron, rosewater and pistachios, often enjoyed around the Persian New Year, Nowruz. It's a light dessert that tastes like spring, and should definitely be enjoyed on a trip to Iran, given any time of the year.China - Sesame Balls
Image Source/ EpicuriousNamed jian dui, these crisp, sesame shells can be bitten into to reveal aa sweet filling. The inners is usually a sweet bean paste or soft lotus seed puree. Their spherical shape and golden colour symbolise good omens for the year to come, which is why they are often eaten at the Chinese New Year.Taiwan - Snow Ice
Image Source/ Fanale DrinksThe Taiwanese ice cream is far from simple to make and involves an unusual shaving technique paired with complex toppings to make a dessert perfect for hot and sticky weather. It has a creamy base, which is flavoured with green tea or fruit puree.Thailand - Sticky Rice With Mango
Image Source/ EpicuriousTo fully enjoy this sticky rice dessert you have to make the trip to Thailand. Don't bother ordering this dessert hours away from the closest mango tree. Rice is grown across paddies in Southeast Asia that is combined with coconut milk and palm sugar for this perfect dessert.UK - Sticky Toffee Pudding
Image Source/ Rock RecipesA comforting, warming British dessert, served in schools or for desserts at a restaurant. Soft cake is combined with chopped dates, which is smothered in a creamy sauce. But the syrupy taste comes from the treacle that the dessert harnesses the power of.Mexico - Tres Leches Cake
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Image source/ Simply RecipesWhy not end this list with a somewhat simplistic sponge cake, offering a deliciously creamy experience. The name derives from the three milks that are used in the baking of the cake; sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and cream, which gives the sponge a moist texture.Alfajores - South America
Image Source / CNNA delicious dessert in South America likely to be found in local bakeries due to its popularity, this is a pile of cookies which are filled with even more scrumptious ingredients. You have the crumbly shortbread paired with dulce de leche (caramelized milk) which provides a sweet taste.Black Forest Cake - Germany
Image Source / CNNGermany's black forest cake is so popular you can also find it in other countries as a dessert option, like the UK. Named after the Black Forest region in this European country, this tasty cake features dark chocolate, cherry syrup, cherry brandy and then topped off with whipped cream and cherries.Brownies - United States
Image Source / CNNAgain, another dessert that's so popular you can find it in other countries, too, the chocolate brownie is always a safe bet if you want a chocolate dessert but something with a little more stodge. The brownie gives a thick, fudgy cake texture with many different flavour options, such as straight up chocolate, marshmallows, caramel or even served with ice cream.
Chocolate Chip Cookies - United States
Image Source / CNN
Does this simple sweet treat even count as a dessert when you can have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Places like Subway have also taken advantage of getting yourself a cookie alongside your lunchtime sandwich. The chocolate chip cookie is a staple that can be made many different ways, with many different sweets - and in many different sizes!
Doughnuts - United States
Image Source / CNN
If you're looking for a sweet treat you can trust, doughnuts will always deliver. Although this isn't usually a dessert you'd order in a restaurant, and more something sweet you'd grab on the go - but it still totally counts! Doughnuts can be topped with icing, sweets, chocolate and anything else - as well as filled with jam or other delicious fillings. Or no filling at all!
Gâteau Fondant au Chocolat - France
Image Source / CNNTranslating as 'melting chocolate cake', this dessert from France does exactly what it says on the tin. The cake is cooked in a way so that the melted chocolate in the middle is released slowly - so you can savour every spoonful. It's a dark and rich chocolate option for those with a sweet tooth.Gelato - Italy
Image Source / CNN
You can't visit Italy without having at least one serving of gelato! This frozen dessert is perfect for hot weather, either at the end of a meal or as an afternoon treat. Gelato is made with less fat than ice cream with a softer texture, and you can enjoy many different flavours like chocolate, lemon or strawberry.
Kifli - Hungary
Image Source / CNN
Kifli is a half-moon shaped pastry dessert which is filled with sweet filling - usually delicious fruit preserve like apricots or plums. The top of the pastry is then sprinkled with powdered sugar. This dessert can also be stuffed with other things, such as nuts or seeds.
Kouign Amann - Brittany, France
Image Source / CNN
This dessert translates as 'butter cake', and it's very similar to a croissant in that it's folded with layers of butter. The pastry is prepared by being rolled in sugar and sprinkled with sea salt on the top, and the crusts also feature a delicious taste of caramel.
Lemon Tart - France
Image Source / CNN
Exactly what it sounds like, this refreshingly citrus dessert sees a French tart filled with lemon cream, and a crunchy crust similar to shortbread. The result is a crunchy outer layer with a soft, creamy middle. It's a simple yet very effective dessert, and especially if you want something lighter to end your meal.
M'hanncha - Morocco
Image Source / CNN
This golden pastry dessert can be found with a packed filling of nuts, orange blossom water and a sweet resin that helps to perfume food items. Ground cinnamon can also be found dusting the top for an extra kick! This dessert is the perfect example of a delicious dessert that's also prepared with a lot of love and attention due to the way it's made.
Ma'amoul - Middle East
Image Source / CNN
This dessert is a type of filled cookie, with thin crusts that pack in other treats like nuts and dates (or both). This is a simple dessert option that is formed into delicate patterns, making them look as good as they taste. The cookies taste very sweet, and can be enjoyed during religious celebrations, too.
New York Cheesecake - United States
Image Source / CNN
When you hear cheesecake, you most probably think of the New York Cheesecake, hailing from - you guessed it - the US! This iconic dessert comes with the crumbly biscuit base and rich, soft creamy cheese topping. The New York Cheesecake doesn't go for too ostentatious flavours, but simple blends like vanilla or lemon.
Qatayef - Middle East
Image Source / CNN
This dessert begins with a delicious starting point of something similar to pancake batter made with yeast. The Qatayef is cooked in a way that makes the outside just the right amount of crusty, and the inside still soft. Into the Qatayef, you can find things like fruits, cheese, cream or nuts!
Rigó Jancsi - Hungary
Image Source / CNNFor this dessert, you can expect a delicious sponge cake flavoured with chocolate, and then paired with more chocolate in the form of soft mousse, topped off with apricot jam! It's also combined with chocolate glaze, resulting in a very rich and flavoursome dessert with a soft texture.Sour Cherry Pie - Midwestern United States
Image Source / CNN
This cherry pie is filled with vivid red Montmorency cherries that give this pie its iconic colour. This dessert is a great mix of sweet and sour, for a delicious and popular fruit pie that's going to taste good (and look good) no matter the time of year.
Tarte Tatin - France
Image Source / CNN
This delicious treat that adorns many pastry shop windows in France comes with a caramelized finish, with layered apples, sugar and butter cooked in a pan and then combined with dough to make a pastry-filled treat with fruit melted to perfection.
Tiramisú - Italy
Image Source / CNNCoffee lovers (who are most likely to be found in Italy anyway) will love this soft, delicious dessert. You get layers of creamy mascarpone with ladyfingers soaked in coffee. The dish provides chocolate, cream and coffee with even the option of adding your favourite alcohol to give it a kick!
Trifle - United Kingdom
Image Source / CNN
People in the UK take their dessert trifle as seriously as their Sunday roasts - and usually the latter is finished off by a healthy dose of the former! Trifle can come in different flavours, such as cherry or strawberry, and you can expect layers of soaked sponge with jam and custard.
Tub Tim Krob - Thailand
Image Source / CNN
This Thai dessert provides a plate of amazing colour as well as amazing taste. It's made with crushed ice, pandan leaves and sweetened coconut in liquid form, making it the perfect cold, refreshing dessert to have after a particularly spicy meal.
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