dessert Recipes
424 delicious dessert recipes from around the world
Turrón de Doña Pepa
A beloved Peruvian sweet, Turrón de Doña Pepa is a tower of crisp, anise-flavored cookie sticks, traditionally enjoyed during October in honor of the Lord of Miracles. The cookies are layered with a rich, spiced chancaca (unrefined cane sugar) syrup and generously decorated with colorful sprinkles.
Vigilante (Argentine Cheese and Quince)
A classic Argentine dessert, 'El Vigilante' (The Watchman) is a delightful and simple pairing of firm cheese and sweet quince paste. It's a perfect way to end a meal, especially after a barbecue (asado).
Amarula Chocolate Truffles
Indulge in these rich and creamy South African Amarula Chocolate Truffles, a decadent treat with a delightful boozy kick.
Amarula No-Bake Cheesecake
A decadent and creamy no-bake cheesecake infused with the unique flavor of Amarula liqueur, a popular South African cream liqueur made from the marula fruit.
Balah el Sham
Balah el Sham are delightful Egyptian fried dough pastries, similar to churros, that are soaked in a sweet syrup. They are a popular street food and a beloved treat, especially during Ramadan.
Basbousa (Egyptian Semolina Cake)
A classic Egyptian dessert, Basbousa is a sweet, syrup-soaked semolina cake studded with shredded coconut and topped with a whole almond. It has a wonderfully tender crumb and a rich, sweet flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Beghrir bil Asal (Moroccan Honeycomb Pancakes)
Beghrir bil Asal, also known as Moroccan honeycomb pancakes, are light, airy, and spongy pancakes riddled with tiny holes. They are traditionally served warm, drizzled with a sweet mixture of melted butter and honey, making them a delightful breakfast or dessert treat.
Briouats aux Amandes (Moroccan Almond Pastries)
Delicate, crispy phyllo rolls filled with a fragrant almond paste, sweetened and often enjoyed with honey. These are a popular treat, especially during Ramadan.
Cape Dutch Sago Pudding
A comforting and creamy baked sago pudding, a classic Cape Dutch dessert, enriched with eggs and warm cinnamon. Perfect for any occasion.
Egyptian Baklava
A rich and celebratory Egyptian nut pastry featuring delicate layers of phyllo dough, a fragrant nut filling, and a sweet, floral syrup. Perfect for special occasions.
Egyptian Kunafa with Ashta (Cream)
A classic Egyptian dessert featuring layers of crispy, shredded kunafa pastry filled with rich, creamy ashta (clotted cream) and drizzled with sweet syrup. A beloved treat, especially during Ramadan.
Ghriba Bahla (Moroccan Cracked Cookies)
Authentic Moroccan Ghriba Bahla are delightful, crumbly cookies characterized by their signature cracked surface. Infused with the nutty flavors of sesame and almonds, these cookies are a perfect accompaniment to a cup of traditional Moroccan mint tea.
Green Fig Konfyt (Candied Figs)
A traditional South African sweet preserve where whole green figs are slowly cooked and candied in a fragrant ginger syrup. Perfect served with cheese, yogurt, or as a sweet treat.
Halawa (Egyptian Sesame Confection)
A classic Egyptian sweet treat made from tahini and sugar, often studded with pistachios. This dense, chewy confection is a popular snack or breakfast item.
Halawa Tehina (Egyptian Sesame Halva)
A dense, rich, and traditional Egyptian sweet made from tahini (sesame paste). This halva is a delightful candy with a unique texture and nutty flavor, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat.
Hertzoggie
A classic South African sweet treat featuring a crisp shortcrust pastry shell filled with sweet apricot jam and topped with a chewy coconut meringue.
Hertzoggies
Delicate shortcrust jam tarts filled with apricot jam and topped with a sweet, chewy coconut meringue, then baked until golden. A beloved South African treat.
Koeksister Syrup
A classic, intensely sweet, and fragrant spiced syrup, essential for dipping freshly fried, hot koeksisters. The syrup must be thoroughly chilled to create the signature contrast in temperature and texture.
Koeksisters
Cape Malay spiced doughnuts - intricately braided and deep-fried, then immediately plunged into a cold, spiced syrup. The dramatic temperature contrast results in a delightfully sticky, crunchy exterior and a tender, syrupy interior.
Koeksisters (Cape Malay Style)
Authentic Cape Malay koeksisters, characterized by their spiced dough, a fragrant syrup, and a final coating of desiccated coconut. Unlike the braided Afrikaner version, these are typically shaped into ovals or other simple forms.
Konafa
A beloved Egyptian dessert made from shredded phyllo dough (kadaif) layered with a rich cream or cheese filling, baked until golden and crispy, then drenched in a sweet sugar syrup and garnished with pistachios.
Luqmat al-Qadi (Egyptian Sweet Dough Balls)
Luqmat al-Qadi, meaning 'Bites of the Judge,' are delightful, crispy, golden-fried sweet dough balls, a popular treat, especially during Ramadan. They are light, airy on the inside, and coated in a sweet syrup.
M'hancha (Moroccan Almond Snake Pastry)
M'hancha, meaning 'the snake' in Moroccan Arabic, is a visually stunning and delicious coiled pastry filled with a fragrant almond paste. This festive dessert is often served during celebrations and special occasions.
Malva Pudding
A beloved South African sponge pudding, characterized by its sweet, apricot-infused sponge cake that is generously drenched in a warm, creamy sauce. This dessert is the epitome of Cape Dutch comfort food.