10 of the Most Delicious Desserts from Around the World

For some, a meal is not complete without indulging in a dessert. Whether its tiramisu or apple crumble, it is hard to say no to a sweet treat, regardless of how full we are. Data collected by The National Confectioner’s Association in late 2016 revealed that cake is the favourite pudding, and chocolate is the flavour of ice-cream devoured the most.

Of course, British favourites such as Bread and Butter Pudding or Eton Mess will always be close to our hearts, but can we tempt you with any of these mouth-watering desserts from around the world?

France: Crème Brulee

The rich custard treat was first mentioned in a French cookbook, back in 1691. It was first known in England as ‘burnt cream’ due to the sugar on top being traditionally caramelised under a torch. Crème Brulee is most often served in individual ramekins at room temperature.

Mexico: Tres Leches Cake

What may present as a humble iced sponge cake is an angel in disguise. Despite being soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream, the sponge is incredibly light. It is often topped with whipped cream which only makes it extra moist, velvety, and delicious.

Germany: Black Forest Gateau

Known in German as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, decadent layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and cherries come together to make the impressive Black Forest gateau. Sometimes sour cherries are used but the desert is always laced with a generous helping of cherry kirsch, a special liquor distilled from tart cherries.

Turkey: Baklava

Many mistake baklava as a savoury dish on the first sight but, what is really before you are layers of thin filo filled with pistachios, walnuts, and almonds; held together by the sticky sweet of syrup and honey.

Before baking in huge trays, the raw baklava is cut into customary geometric shapes, and some like to add a twist by flavouring with rosewater or orange flower.

Belgium: Waffles

Traditional Belgian waffles, known as Brussels waffles, are light, crispy, and rectangular in shape. They are prepared with an egg-white-leavened or yeast-leavened batter and, today, they are traditionally served with chocolate spread, strawberries, whipped cream, and confectioner’s sugar.

India: Gulab Jamun

With its roots in medieval India, gulab jamun is mostly eaten at festivals, birthdays, and celebrations. It is traditionally made from freshly curdled milk which is shaped into small balls and deep-fried. The balls are then soaked in a sugary syrup infused with rose water, saffron, kewra, and cardamom.

Austria: Sachertorte

Invented in 1832, sachertorte is a Viennese speciality. The chocolate cake is incredibly dense, with a thin layer of apricot jam on the top and often served with unsweetened whipped cream. The cake is then completely covered in dark chocolate icing, thick with cream.

England: Banoffee Pie

Few are aware that banoffee pie was invented in 1971 in England at The Hungry Monk restaurant in Jevington, East Sussex. Traditionally a pastry pie shell is laden with a layer of bananas, toffee, and mountains of whipped cream. Sometimes, coffee and chocolate are added to the mix.

Brazil: Brigadeiro

Created in 1940, Brigadeiro is a Brazilian delicacy and a national icon. The chocolate balls are formed of condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, before being rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Other flavours have emerged over the years including pistachio, passion fruit, whisky, and Nutella.

Italy: Tiramisu

No list of global desserts would be completed without tiramisu. The Italian custard dessert has a rich coffee flavour as a result of ladyfingers (dipped in coffee) layered with a whipped mixture of mascarpone cheese, sugar, eggs, and cocoa. In the UK, ladyfingers are also known as sponge-fingers.