Tasty Treats Make The World Sweeter
There's a reason why dessert recipes have been passed down from generations–– We've been blessed with ancestors who want us to eat delicious treats for the rest of time. People from various countries end their meals with a tasty sweet derived from a cultural origin. From flaky pastries to decadent cakes, your mouth will water after reading about these traditional treats.
1. Black Forest Cake - Germany
This chocolatey cake originates from the Black Forest region in Germany. Layers of light sponge cake drenched in cherry syrup stack on top of each other. Oozing between each layer is a fluffy whipped cream. It has a kiss of tartness from the fresh cherries on top and a subtle richness from the chocolate.
montatip lilitsanong on Unsplash
2. Gulab Jamun - India
A milky donut like no other, a gulab jamun is a bite-sized Indian delicacy. These deep-fried dough balls simmer in a milk reduction for hours, resulting in their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dumplings soak in an infused syrup of cardamom and rose petals giving them a unique aromatic flavor.
3. Künefe - Turkey
Essentially, Künefe is a sweet cheese pastry traditional to the Middle East and a staple in Turkey. It’s best served warm after turning to a crisp golden brown. Strings of sugary melted cheese ooze out with every crunchy bite.
4. Pavlova - Australia & New Zealand
A mouthful of pavlova is like taking a bite of a sugar cloud with a crispy shell and a lightly chewy center. The meringue dessert is topped with a delightful mess of whipped cream and tart fruits that offset the sweetness.
5. Saffron Ice Cream - Iran
This distinctive ice cream is infused with saffron, rosewater, and pistachios. With a light golden color and aromatic flavor, you’d believe this creamy frozen treat is for royalty. Squished between two crispy wafers transforms the dessert into a traditional Iranian ice cream sandwich.
6. Kanelbullar - Sweden
Kanelbullar is a cinnamon bun with a Swedish twist. This popular pastry is made with a cardamom dough filled with a creamy cinnamon sugar filling. The sweet buns have a subtle spicy kick with a soft and buttery texture.
7. Mandazi - South Sudan
The beloved doughnuts have a tender chew from the coconut milk and a hint of spice from the cardamom. These fried treats can be served with an array of toppings but often dipped in a rich chocolate sauce. Mandazi pairs very well with coffee or chai.
8. Mochi - Japan
Mochigome, a short-grain rice, is responsible for the dough’s chewy texture. Mochi is a rice cake dessert offering a soft and sticky texture. Ice cream is a common filling but various ingredients are used to fill the sweet colorful dough.
9. Medovik - Russia
Slender layers of honey cake stack high with a creamy frosting between each round. The cake receives its richness from either sour cream or condensed milk and it has a touch of sweetness from the honey infusion.
Eduardo Kenji Amorim on Unsplash
10. Gâteau Fondant Au Chocolat
When you stick a fork into this decadent cake, a pool of rich liquid chocolate floods out. Its name translates to “melting chocolate cake” and it doesn’t disappoint. The soft bite of fluffy cake is complimented by its thick fondant interior.
11. Trifle - United Kingdom
Trifle dates back to the 16th century and is truly a proper British dessert. Its appearance relates to a parfait with layers of sherry-drenched sponge cake alternating with custard, jam, and fruit. This light and fluffy cake parfait is topped with a heaping pile of whipped cream.
12. Rogel - Argentina
Argentinians often celebrate birthdays and weddings with this traditional dessert. Crispy pastry piles high layered with smooth and sticky dulce de leche. Rogel is a balance of gooey caramel and crunchy flaked dough completed with a melt-in-your-mouth meringue topping.
Jimmy Baikovicius on Wikimedia
13. Kashata - East Africa
You’ll likely find this crunchy African sweet at most markets in several variations. Undefined as a cookie or candy, this traditional treat is a mouthful of caramelized sugar, coconut flakes, and chopped peanuts. Kashata is crispy and chewy at first bite, eventually dissolving on your tongue.
Thamizhpparithi Maari on Wikimedia
14. Apfelstrudel - Austria
This Austrian strudel is made with a stretched, super thin sheet of dough. The delicate pastry dough wraps around an apple jam-like filling enhanced with fried breadcrumbs, chewy raisins, and crunchy walnuts. You can taste this delightful pastry from bakeries around the globe.
15. Dan Tats - Hong Kong
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of eating a Portuguese pastel de nada, these are the same but made in Hong Kong. Dan tats are egg custard tarts best served fresh from the oven. A warm and creamy custard filling meets a light and flaky crust with a glazed top.
16. Tiramisu - Italy
Can you ever go wrong with an Italian dessert made with coffee? Tiramisu offers a pillowy bite of creamy goodness made with even layers of whipped mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a heavy dusting of chocolate powder. An optional booze drizzle may intrigue folks even more.
17. Tres Leches - Mexico
This traditional sponge cake has a pleasingly wet texture from the three milks involved in its creation. Condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream combine to make a spongey cake with a lightly sweetened puddle.
18. Kifli - Hungary
Hungary enjoys this rich pastry that is more tart than sweet. Kifli is made with a chunky, decadent preserve made from ripe apricots and plums. The plump, crescent-shaped pastry has a flaky dough that coils around the jam filling and is dusted with powdered sugar.
19. Malva Pudding - South Africa
This South African pudding is a mouth-watering trio of pleasurable textures. The caramelized sponge cake offers a fluffy bite with a sticky apricot jam and a creamy custard. To top it all off, the gooey delight is drizzled with a warm sweet cream sauce.
20. Sticky Mango Rice - Thailand
Rice is a staple for many Thai dishes including dessert. The perfectly chewy grain combines with rich coconut milk and palm sugar, giving you a sweet and tender mouthful. Served with a side of fresh and juicy mango, this sticky rice is a tropical paradise for your taste buds.
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