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Want to know the best desserts of the world? Tough call! Dessert is the most important course for any meal! Well… it’s an essential one, at least. These international desserts from around the world are sure to delight your taste buds and inspire your wanderlust from home!
Get cooking so that you can enjoy your favourite destinations even when you can’t leave home!
Experience The World Through Dessert
There is no better way to bring travel to you than through food. While virtual tours and staycations at home certainly complete the experience, international recipes are a perfect journey from home option.
And who doesn’t love dessert?
Desserts from around the world may differ greatly to those you enjoy at home. Or, perhaps they are the place your favourite dessert originated.
Make sure you also check out these traditional Christmas desserts from around the world too!
One of my personal favourite desserts, when we travel, is Polish gofry. It’s essentially a waffle with chocolate sauce or Nutella, topped with whipped cream. Simple yet delicious!
And you will find them throughout Europe. But Poland is our favourite foodie destination.
Although don’t just stop at dessert! Check out these traditional dishes from around the world for your main course too.
Tips For A Family International Desserts Night
If you want to make the most of your travel-at-home experience by cooking delicious desserts from around the world, here are a few quick tips to get you organised:
- Plan your theme and find complementary dishes to suit
- If planning a full menu with mains and dessert, find inspiration from these international recipes and drink recipes
- Decide on your menu
- Ensure you have all the equipment you need
- Do your grocery list and go shopping
- Clear your kitchen space ready to cook
- Give your kids simple tasks such as stirring and pouring
- Enjoy your night of desserts!
Love Disney? Try these copycat Disney recipes as part of your travel-inspired cooking plans too!
See Also
Get ready to discover the best desserts of the world list by continent and start cooking up a storm:
Desserts Recipes From Around The World
Bring the sweet flavours of the world into your home without having to travel the world with these delicious desserts from around the world! These around the world desserts will take you across continents and will be sure to impress the whole family!
DESSERT RECIPES FROM AUSTRALIA
As Australians ourselves, it seemed appropriate to kick off with some classic Aussie dessert recipes. We do dessert well although a few of our signature desserts are equally claimed by our neighbours in New Zealand!
1
Anzac Biscuits
Photo Credit:www.simplifycreateinspire.com
This simple ANZAC biscuit recipe is great to make with kids while sharing with them some of Australia’s history. Made with golden syrup and oats, they are a sweet tradition for ANZAC Day and throughout the year.
2
4 Ingredient Australian Pavlova
Photo Credit:www.simplifycreateinspire.com
The crisp meringue crust topped with cream and fresh fruit or chocolate flakes is a tradition all Australians love. This simple 4 ingredient pavlova recipe, using egg whites, is hard to fail so give it a go for your next family dessert! You will especially see pavlova as a popular sweet dessert on hot summer days following outdoor BBQs.
3
Lamingtons
Photo Credit:www.manusmenu.com
Lamingtons are another Australia classic dessert you will fall in love with. Soft sponge squares dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut. Yum. This local favourite is even better served with whipped cream - cut your lamington in half and make a lamington cream cake!
DESSERT RECIPES FROM EUROPE
Europe and dessert go hand in hand with some of the world's most loved dessert recipes coming from within the continent. These European dessert recipes will inspire plenty of treats coming out of your kitchen soon.
4
Authentic Polish Paczki Recipe
Photo Credit:www.seasonsandsuppers.ca
This favourite Polish dessert is a sweet doughnut filled with jam and topped with powdered sugar.
5
Lemon Poppy Seed Torte with Raspberry Curd Filling
Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com
A traditional Ukrainian Lemon Poppy Seed torte filled with tangy raspberry curd and creamy white chocolate whipped cream frosting. It's easy to decorate, but looks elegant and is perfect for any special occasion!
6
German Pfeffernüsse Cookies
Photo Credit:www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com
Pfeffernusse cookies are a traditional Christmas cookie in Germany. Made with molasses, anise, pepper and seasonal spices, these chewy cookies are coated in confectioners’ sugar.
7
Easy Jam Filled Linzer Cookie Recipe
Photo Credit:feelingnifty.com
Make these easy, fun(even for kids) and traditional Linzer cookies. Linzer cookies name and recipe is based on the traditional Linzer Torte, a pastry with a dough lattice over a jam filling, that originated in the Austrian city of Linz. Interesting fact: The Linzer torte is the oldest known cake in the world. The person who named and invented it remains a mystery, even today.
8
Black Forest Cake ~ German Black Forest Gateau
Photo Credit:ofbatteranddough.com
Black Forest Cake (Black Forest Gateau if you’re British) comes to us from Germany, a country that is so serious about Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cherry-Torte) that they actually have legislation around it. If you own a bakery in Germany and want to call one of the cakes on your menu Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, the cake is required by law to include kirschwasser, a sour cherry liquor. This Black Forest Cake recipe includes 3 rich and chocolaty Devil’s Food cakes, doused with cherry liquor, layered with sweetened vanilla whipped cream and tart Morello cherries, and topped with dark chocolate ganache.
9
Classic French Creme Brulee
Photo Credit:www.pardonyourfrench.com
Crèmes Brûlée (which translates to “burnt cream”) is one of the most popular french desserts and one that we were excited to try when in France on our first night in Paris. The popular dessert is made with layers of creme, beneath a caramelised sugar top. The key to crème brûlée is getting the top just hard enough that it should crack when your spoon as you dig in to enjoy it.
10
Chocolate Dipped Madeleines
Photo Credit:ahedgehoginthekitchen.com
Chocolate Dipped Madeleines are quintessentially a classic French dessert.
11
Basic French Crêpes Recipe
Photo Credit:www.abakingjourney.com
Crepes are a French (and French Canadian) speciality and you simply can't visit France and not enjoy crepes. Why not enjoy them at home too.
12
Bread Maker Babka | Sweet Ukrainian Easter bread
Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com
This tender, cake-like babka, a sweet traditional Ukrainian Easter bread, is made in your bread maker.
13
Apfelstrudel (German Apple Strudel) | Recipe
Photo Credit:www.barthbakery.com
Apple Strudel is a traditional and popular German and Austrian dessert, similar to apple pie in America. With a delicate, flaky, buttery crust wrapped around a juicy spiced apple filling studded with rum-soaked raisins and almonds, this beautifully impressive dessert is perfect for special occasions and holidays.
14
Russian Syrniki with Strawberry Sauce
Photo Credit:happykitchen.rocks
Russian syrniki are farmer’s cheese pancakes, fluffy, pillowy and tender, topped with sweet strawberry vanilla sauce. My Russian mother’s breakfast recipe.
15
Easy Lemon Mini Babkas (Babeczki )
Photo Credit:veggiedesserts.com
These no yeast lemon mini babkas (babeczki) are quick and easy. Whip up these traditional Polish cakes with zingy lemon and discover the beauty of these light and fluffy cakes.
16
Zwetschgenwähe: Swiss Plum Pie Recipe!
Photo Credit:myminiadventurer.com
Zwetschgenwahe is an easy to make Swiss desert! This custard like pie uses stone fruits such as plums or cherries and is a dessert that dates back 100s of years!
17
Italian Butter Cookies
Photo Credit:www.thebittersideofsweet.com
Italian Butter Cookies are just like what you would find in Italian bakeries! Dipped in chocolate and sprinkles, they’re a spectacular treat and have a texture somewhat similar to shortbread cookies.
18
Classic Tiramisu Without Eggs – Authentic Italian Recipe
Photo Credit:www.thepetitecook.com
Learn how to make classic Tiramisu, one of the most traditional Italian desserts takes only 20 minutes.
19
Traditional Russian Pancakes (Blini)
Photo Credit:happykitchen.rocks
This traditional Russian pancakes (blini) recipe is a pearl of Russian cuisine. I use this recipe for over 15 years and my pancakes have always come out great. The ingredients of wheat flour, milk, and eggs, though humble, create the foundation of something incredible. Fill Russian pancakes with sweet or savory fillings and eat to your heart’s content.
20
Risalamande Traditional Danish pudding
Photo Credit:www.greedygourmet.com
Risalamande is a cold Danish rice pudding that is traditionally served during Christmas season.
21
Lussekatter – Traditional Swedish Saffron Buns
Photo Credit:alwaysusebutter.com
While they’re the most vital part of a true Swedish Lucia and Christmas, these sweet saffron buns or “Lussekatter” as the Swedes call them are delicious any time of year. This authentic recipe will give you the juiciest, tastiest buns that will be the envy of any Swede.
22
Cassata Siciliana Cake
Photo Credit:www.manusmenu.com
The most iconic Sicilian cake: Cassata Siciliana! And what a beautiful cake it is!
23
Swedish Cinnamon Buns Recipe (Kanelbullar)
Photo Credit:www.gimmesomeoven.com
This traditional Kanelbullar recipe, or Swedish cinnamon buns is made with soft and chewy cardamom dough with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling before twisted into sweet roll knots. Variations of cinnamon rolls and buns are popular throughout Europe and America.
24
Dutch Stroopwafels Cookies
Photo Credit:www.barthbakery.com
These thin sandwich cookies filled with caramel-cinnamon syrup are a classic Dutch treat favored by locals and tourists alike. These decadent cookies are buttery, crispy, and chewy with a hint of sweetness.
25
Croatian Povitica Recipe
Photo Credit:bakingqueen74.co.uk
Croatian Povitica is a delicious plaited bread with twists and folds and filled with cinnamon and apple or blackberry fillings. Each swirled slice tastes like a breakfast pastry!
26
Portuguese Milk Tarts {Queijadas de Leite}
Photo Credit:www.homemadeinterest.com
Portuguese Milk Tarts, Queijadas de Leite, are a sweet, creamy, traditional Portuguese dessert recipe made with simple ingredients.
DESSERT RECIPES FROM ASIA
While the first foods you think of when visiting Asia aren't often dessert, that's not to say they don't still have some delicious sweet treats you need to try! From India to the Philippines, get ready to indulge your sweet tooth.
27
Thai Sticky Rice With Mango
Photo Credit:www.joyousapron.com
A classic Thai dessert! Sticky glutinous rice soaked in sweet coconut cream sauce and topped with fresh ripe juicy mangoes. A lovely concoction of flavours and textures!
28
Kheer - Rice Pudding
Photo Credit:www.mapleandmarigold.com
Kheer is slow-cooked milk reduced and sweetened to a dense texture and then cooked with rice and spices. This Indian rice pudding decadent is the quintessential Indian dessert.
29
Mango Kulfi
Photo Credit:www.vegrecipesofindia.com
Mango kulfi is an Indian frozen dense dessert made from milk and mango puree.
DESSERT RECIPES FROM NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA
North America has a huge variety of desserts on offer, from fluffy pancakes and crepes in Canada to rich chocolate flavours in Mexico. Add in some of South America's most popular desserts and you have a winning line up.
30
Pain Patate Recipe (Haitian Sweet Potato Pie)
Photo Credit:www.savorythoughts.com
Haitian Sweet Potato Pie. A well known dessert that's made with white sweet potatoes and warm spices.
31
Flapper Pie
Photo Credit:faeriesandfauna.com
Flapper pie is a Canadian prairie classic as it’s made with the simplest ingredients. My mom made this same recipe in the 1940s.
32
Chocobananos
Photo Credit:www.baconismagic.ca
Mexican chocobananos are delicious frozen chocolate covered bananas.
33
Layered Three Milk Cake Recipe
Photo Credit:www.mamalatinatips.com
A popular Mexican dessert, three milk cake will surprise your family. It’s a delicious sponge soaked in a sweet and decadent mix of condensed milk, evaporated milk and halt & half.
34
Capirotada with Peanuts and Dried Cranberries Recipe
Photo Credit:www.mamalatinatips.com
Capirotada is a celebratory dessert generally served during the lent season in Mexico. It’s sweet & salty, soft & crunchy, all at the same time.
35
Cuban Flan
Photo Credit:www.baconismagic.ca
Although flan was invented in Spain and brought over to Latin America by Spanish colonialists, the recipe changed from country to country. In Cuba, the recipe reflects the country's challenge with a supply of fresh milk and so it uses shelf-stable ingredients. But what results is a much creamier and smoother flan that everyone loves.
36
Miguelitos with Chocolate
Photo Credit:www.thebittersideofsweet.com
Four ingredient puff pastry dessert that brings alive these Miguelitos with Chocolate dessert! Perfect for Cinco De Mayo or any time of the year.
37
Brigadeiro Recipe - Chocolate Fudge Balls
Photo Credit:www.easyanddelish.com
Brigadeiros are traditional sweets from Brazil, present at every birthday party. It is as popular in Brazil as mac and cheese is in America. They consist of chocolate fudge balls made with 5 ingredients such as cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk.
38
Homemade Dulce de Leche
Photo Credit:www.epicurious.com
The Latin American Dulce de Leche is a sweet syrup or candy milk that takes some time to prepare but is well worth the care taken. It can be eaten alone, however is most commonly used as a sweet topping over other sweets such as cakes, ice cream or waffles, or for dipping foods such as churros.
39
Habichuela con Dulce
Photo Credit:www.theschizochef.com
Habichuela con Dulce is one of the most traditional desserts from the Dominican Republic. There is no Christmas meal without this protein-packed bean pudding. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and coconut milk enrich this delicious holiday dessert!
40
Grand Marnier Flan
Photo Credit:goodiegodmother.com
Flan is a delicious, naturally gluten-free custard dessert popular in many Latin American countries and Spain. It’s also a great way to use extra eggs!
DESSERT RECIPES FROM AFRICA
Try these traditional South African desserts for a taste explosion you will love.
41
Koeksisters
Photo Credit:www.manusmenu.com
Koeksisters – a traditional Afrikaner confectionery made of fried dough infused in syrup, typical of South Africa.
42
Malva Pudding - Traditional South African dessert with Amarula
Photo Credit:www.greedygourmet.com
Malva Pudding a traditional South African dessert comprising a sponge pudding soaked a sweet and creamy sauce. Utter bliss!
DESSERT RECIPES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM
British desserts are a sweet tooth delight, with butterscotch flavours, scones and loads of delicious specialties.
43
Traditional English Scones Recipe
Photo Credit:mamalovestocook.com
There is nothing more quintessentially British than an afternoon tea with scones served with cream and jam! There is an ongoing debate in England on whether you should put the cream first or jam first - whichever you choose, you’ll love this decadent afternoon snack!
44
Butterscotch Tart Recipe
Photo Credit:kitchenmason.com
This old school Butterscotch Tart is a British classic! Flaky golden pastry with a thick and delicious butterscotch filling. Desserts don’t get much better than this.
45
Cartmel Style Sticky Toffee Pudding
Photo Credit:www.krumpli.co.uk
Sticky toffee pudding is a modern-day classic British dessert, a sticky, sweet, date rich "cake" served with a sticky toffee sauce. Developed in a country hotel house in the Peak district this incredible dessert has become synonymous with the small village of Cartmel in Cumbria!
46
British Yorkshire Parkin Recipe (Sticky Oat Ginger Cake)
Photo Credit:veggiedesserts.com
Parkin is a gingerbread cake that originates in Northern England. It’s a wonderfully sticky sponge made with oats, black treacle/molasses and ginger.
47
Scottish Macaroon Bars
Photo Credit:bakedbyclo.com
These Scottish macaroon bars are a great traditional treat! A soft, fondant centre covered in dark chocolate and coated with desiccated coconut and no baking required! But what sets them apart from French macarons? A key ingredient - Mashed potato.
48
Welsh Cakes
Photo Credit:www.amummytoo.co.uk
Welsh cakes are little sweet discs, similar in ingredients and flavour to scones, except quicker and simpler to make. The dough is a combination of flour, butter, eggs and sugar, studded with sultanas and rolled flat. It is then cut into rounds and cooked in a dry hot pan to make delicious, crumbly scone-like cakes.
Need something to pair with the best desserts around the world? Don’t miss these other great recipe ideas too:
- Drink recipes from around the world
- Best recipes from around the world
- Copycat Disney recipes to make at home
- Traditional Christmas desserts from around the world
Do you have a favourite international dessert recipe? Or perhaps a homegrown favourite? Share it below.
