A sweet delicious dessert is a perfect way to end a meal. There are just so many different types of desserts that you’ll feel bad about not knowing them earlier. But no worries, because we have prepared 50 of the most delicious desserts across the world.
In alphabetical order of dessert type, here are the yummiest, finger-licking desserts you could ever dream of. I think it’s time to start making travel plans just to try these new desserts that might even change your taste palette!
1) Alfajores, South America
All across South America, when you step into a bakery, you’ll be sure to find these soft, filled cookies for sale. With shortcake cookies and a dulce de leche filling, this simple cookie is absolutely to die for. By far one of the most comforting treats you can find.
2) Apfelstrudel, Austria
Stretch some strudel dough until it’s transparent, then, wrap around a delicious apple filling that’s filled with fried breadcrumbs covered in butter and raisins, then bake! This, my friends, is an apfelstrudel from Austria – and it’s crazy good.
3) Baklava, Turkey
If you’ve never had baklava before, you’ve seriously never lived. By far one of the most famous desserts from the Ottoman Empire, it’s made with delicate layers of phyllo dough, ground nuts, and honey, however, there are many variations. It’s usually cut into diamond shapes and sold at local stores and restaurants all over Turkey.
4) Black Forest Cake, Germany
“Along with fairy tales and mountain-top castles, Germany’s Black Forest region is known as the namesake — if not the origin — of the country’s most luscious cake. Dark rounds of chocolate cake are doused in a cherry syrup spiked with kirschwasser, a sour cherry brandy, then stacked atop a thin, chocolate base with deep layers of whipped cream and fresh cherries.
If that wasn’t flavor enough, the whole thing is swathed in more cream, dusted with shaved chocolate and studded with cherries. The resulting cake is a frothy dream dessert that’s the star of pastry cases around Germany, where it’s known as a Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte,” says CNN.
5) Borma, Turkey and the Middle East
Borma is a dessert worth traveling for. It’s made from thin threads of crispy, golden knafeh dough with a ground nut filling. It’s similar to baklava, however, this dessert is fried which gives it a very crispy texture. It’s usually filled with either pine nuts, walnuts, or pistachios.
6) Brownie, United States
Would you like some fudge? Perhaps some cake? How about a swoon-worthy mixture of both? That’s basically what brownies are. Some are fudgier than others, while others are cakey, some people prefer a corner piece, while others like a center piece. No matter how they’re baked – brownies are a crowd-pleaser.
7) Cannoli, Sicily
The Italians love their food. There’s no doubt about that. And when it comes to dessert? The Sicilians have nailed it with the cannoli. A crispy shell is filled with a creamy, cheesy filling (usually ricotta) that’s usually flavored with candied citrus, nuts, or chocolate. Divine!
8) Cardamom Buns, Sweden
Even though Sweden has an official Cinnamon Roll Day on October 4th, locals and residents say that the cardamom bun is the true winner. Crushed cardamom is stirred into dough and rolled up with spices and sugar. Perfect with a morning cup of coffee.
9) Cendol, Singapore
Many Westerners might find this Asian treat to be a bit strange, but we promise, it tastes fantastic. This slushie-type dessert boasts shaved ice, iced coconut milk sweetened with palm sugar syrup, then, green rice-flour jelly, sweetened red beans, and pandan juice are added. Tastes heavenly on a hot SE Asian day.
10) Chocolate Chip Cookies, United States
If there’s anything that is quintessentially American, it’s apple pie and chocolate chip cookies. Generally a sugar cookie with chocolate chips, there have been endless variations on this classic favorite.“Legend has it that the chocolate chip cookie has its origins in a happy accident, when Massachusetts inn owner Ruth Wakefield stirred chopped chocolate into her cookie dough in an attempt to make uniformly chocolatey cookies. Her brand-new recipe was published in a Boston newspaper, and the rest was pastry history,” says CNN.
11) Chocolate Mousse, France
Light, airy, and seemingly straight from heaven, chocolate mousse is made with only a handful of ingredients, but it takes serious finesse to do it correctly. Meaning “chocolate foam” in French, it’s a dessert that is rich and oh-so-satisfying.
12) Coconut Cake, Southern United States
Buttery, vanilla cake is piled high with shredded coconut and 7-minute-frosting, a Southern specialty. It can be found at functions all over the South such as potlucks, BBQs, and church picnics. Don’t be fooled by it’s all-white appearance, the taste is anything but bland.
13) Cornes de Gazelle, Morocco
This dessert is common and beloved all around Morocco. Classically, the cornes de gazelle are a thin layer of dough curved around a filling of ground almonds and orange blossom water. They take hours to make and very labor intensive, but they are most certainly worth the work.
14) Crème Brûlée, France
Of course, the French were going to have multiple desserts on this list because, well, their cuisine is world-renowned. Crème brûlée is one of the most coveted desserts on the planet. Often made using full cream, crème brûlée is a rich custard with a sugary burnt topping. There’s nothing more satisfying than tapping your spoon through that burnt sugar.
15) Dan Tats, Hong Kong
Egg tarts are originally from Portugal, however, they made their way to Hong Kong and they’ve become this city/country’s most iconic dessert. “Perfectly sized for eating out-of-hand, dan tats are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the warm custard meets a perfectly crisp crust. And with a map-spanning backstory, dan tats are among the tastiest symbols of globalization,” says CNN Travel.
16) Doughnuts, United States
It’s no secret that we love our sweets and treats here in the United States, and doughnuts are just another prime example. Are they dessert? Are they breakfast? Who cares! With thousands of flavors and types of doughnuts being made in the U.S., you could spend your entire life trying to eat them all.
17) Eszterhazy Torta, Hungary
This lesser-known dessert is an elegant cake made with almond meringue and layers of buttercream. Then, it’s topped with chocolate and vanilla fondant that is ‘spider-webbed’ out. It melts in your mouth and is a local favorite in Budapest.
18) Flan, Latin America
When it comes to custards, flan might be king. Latin America has taken custard and put their own egg-y, creamy spin on it. In Mexico, you can find this melt-in-your-mouth dessert in nearly every cafe. And the caramel drizzled on top? Perfection!
19) Gâteau Fondant au Chocolat, France
Known as “chocolate lava cake” in the U.S., gâteau fondant auchocolat is what it’s called in France. Cut into a piece of this rich, chocolate cake and more melted chocolate oozes out.“This dark and rich cake is a high-wire act of time and temperature: Serve too early and it’s a sticky pool of hot cake batter; serve too late and it’s a brownie. When the balance is perfect, however, the treat blends the tender bite of a chocolate cake with the oozy pleasure of a melted chocolate bar,” says CNN Travel.
20) Gelato, Italy
Many people think gelato is creamier than ice cream despite the fact that it has a lower fat content. Gelato can be found all over Italy in dreamy flavors from hazelnut to lemon to chocolate and more. Italians scoff at ice cream – it’s all about the gelato.
21) Gulab Jamun, India
Indian cuisine is known to be rich and full of flavor – their desserts are no exception. Gulab jamun are basically doughnut holes on steroids.“Traditional recipes for gulab jamun dough start with a scoop of khoya, a reduction of cow or buffalo milk that simmers for hours over a low flame, lending the finished product a melting texture.
Frying gulab jamun in ghee provides a second injection of fatty flavor before the dumplings are soaked in an aromatic syrup infused with cardamom seeds and roses,” says CNN Travel.
22) Japanese Cheesecake, Japan
The Japanese cheesecake is a much lighter, fluffier version than the New York version we’re used to here in the States. In Japan, their secret is to use sponge cake, then stir egg whites mixed with cream cheese and vanilla for the sponge cake to soak up. Fantastic!
23) Kashata, East Africa
Peanuts are a staple in East African cuisine and this dessert is a prime example. Carmelized sugar is mixed with peanuts, coconut, and cardamom, then turned into a candy meets cookie. Although the name of this dessert is adapted from the Arabic language, the origin is from East Africa.
24) Kifli, Hungary
Lots of people eat jelly or jam with their bread or pastries, but in Central Europe, they’ll be eating lekvár, which is a chunky preserve made with plums and apricots. A crescent pastry is stuffed with this preserve then baked to create a kifli. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or sesame seeds and enjoy! You’ll be sure to find these treats during the holidays in Hungary.
25) Knafeh, Levant
“Golden pastry tops sweet cream, nuts or salty cheese in this syrupy dessert, which offers a satisfying contrast of texture and flavor. Like many Middle Eastern desserts, knafeh is soaked in an aromatic sugar syrup that infuses the pastry topping and filling with the flavor of roses or orange blossoms,” says CNN Travel.
26) Kouign Amann, Brittany, France
France has made the list once again with this airy and flakey dessert. Basically meaning “butter cake” in the Breton language, it’s similar to a croissant but with a more rustic texture. It’s usually rolled in sugar and sprinkled with a tiny bit of sea salt.
27) Kulfi, India
This frozen Indian treat is rich, creamy, and sweet. Taking hours to prepare, milk is stirred over a low flame until it becomes a reduction with a caramel taste from the natural sugars. Then, it’s infused with ingredients like cardamom, rose, saffron, or pistachio and frozen.
28) Lemon Tart, France
“A slender layer of lemon cream fills this classic French tart, whose flavor balances rich butter, the acidity of lemon juice and the bite of lemon zest. The crust, with a texture that’s similar to a shortbread cookie, retains a fatty crunch that’s an ideal contrast to the silky filling,” says CNN Travel. Blissful!
29) Linzer Torte, Austria
Named after the city in Austria, this is a classic dessert that’s been around since 1653. A fruit preserve is usually the filling in this fan favorite and surrounded by a lattice crust. You’ll find aromatics of cloves, cinnamon, and lemon zest.
30) M’hanncha, Morocco
This golden spiraled pastry is sure to make your tastebuds happy. Filled with ground nuts, orange blossom, and mastic (a natural resin that adds aroma), this celebratory dessert is usually served with traditional Moroccan mint tea. Thinner than phyllo, m’hanncha is made with warqa dough. It takes hours of practice to know how to make this delicate dessert.
31) Ma’amoul, Middle East
Come the holidays in the Levant region, you’ll be sure to find these traditional Middle Eastern cookies. Made with a thin semolina crust, they’re filled with chopped nuts, dates, or both. Shaped into intricate patterns, these mildly sweet treats are a religious tradition.
32) Mandazi, South Sudan
These fritters are eaten with a morning cup of creamy coffee or chai tea in South Sudan. “While many mandazi lovers trace the origins of these fried treats to South Sudan — where they’re often served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce that lands them firmly in dessert territory — mandazi are also a beloved snack across Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and Uganda,” says CNN Travel.
33) Medovik, Russia
A hint of honey is what really makes this Russian dessert so special and it happens to be one of Russia’s most beloved treats. Made with many honey cake layers and filled with either creamy frosting or condensed milk, this sweet treat is just incredible.
34) New York Cheesecake, United States
A classic New York cheesecake is a creamy and decadently-rich blend of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and cream. It draws inspiration from cuisines around the world, much like the melting pot that New York City is itself. It’s a traditional American favorite that can be found across the country.
35) Oliebollen, Netherlands
In the Netherlands, they’ve created this sweet dumpling to offer the world when it comes to desserts. Oliebollen are crunchy, they’re crispy, and the sweetened batter is usually mixed with currants or raisins, then covered in powdered sugar. Find them at street vendors called oliebollenkrams.
36) Pavlova, Austria and New Zealand
“Sink a fork into the crisp meringue shell, and you’ll discover a sweetly chewy interior. Piled high atop the meringue are fluffy whipped cream and tart fruits, a lofty topping whose richness and bright flavor offset the sugary base for a world-class dessert,” says CNN Travel.
37) Polvorónes, Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines
If you love shortbread, you’re about to learn about your new favorite dessert. These tiny cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies, covered in powdered sugar crumble easily and melt once they hit your mouth. Recipes found in Manila to Mexico City can be found with pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
38) Qatayef, Middle East
Countries of the Middle East are pros when it comes to delicious desserts. These yummy treats start out as pancake batter and griddled on just one side. Inside, it’s stuffed with sweet ricotta cheese, dried fruits, nuts, and cream. Sometimes you’ll find cinnamon or rose water scented qatayef.
39) Rigó Jancsi, Hungary
Who wouldn’t love a fluffy, chocolate sponge cake layered with apricot jam and chocolate mousse? Yummy! It’s then topped with chocolate glaze and cut into perfect cubes. The texture is silky, smooth, and dream-worthy.
40) Saffron Ice Cream, Iran
Not only is this fabulous ice cream scented with saffron, but you’ll also find rosewater and pistachios. It’s a favorite celebratory dessert during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It’s also known as bastani and it’s hands down one of the most delicious frozen treats to ever exist.
41) Sesame Balls, Jian Dui, China
If you’re lucky, you can find amazing sesame balls in your city’s Chinatown, but if you want the original? You’ll have to fly to China. With a fried, crispy shell, these glorious sweets are filled with either sweet bean paste or a soft puree made from lotus seeds. Sesame balls are a popular treat during Chinese New Year but can be found year-round.
42) Snow Ice, Xue Hua Bing, Taiwan
“Unusual shaving technique and complex toppings elevate the Taiwanese version above the competition. A creamy base, which can be flavored with everything from green tea to fruit purées, is frozen solid then shaved into a lofty pile of crumbling ice flakes.
To top it all off, blend your own perfect mix of treats. Favorites include adzuki red bean paste, taro, grass jelly, fresh fruit, sweetened condensed milk, and mochi, but Taiwanese snow ice is an invitation to get as creative as you’d like,” says CNN Travel.
43) Sour Cherry Pie, Midwestern United States
Pies of all kinds are quintessential to American culture. And if you’re in the Midwest? You have got to get your hands on some sour cherry pie. Perfectly tangy, perfectly sweet, the Montmorency cherries are the classic filling for this delicious pie.
44) Sticky Rice with Mango, Thailand
A perfectly ripe mango from Thailand is required for this simple but scrumptious dish. An authentic Thai mango is the only fruit that will do. Then, it’s accompanied by sticky rice drenched in sweet condensed milk or coconut milk with palm sugar and topped with sesame seeds.
45) Sticky Toffee Pudding, United Kingdom
“The ultimate in comforting British desserts, this homey sweet is a warm serving of sticky nostalgia. A base of soft cake is studded with chopped dates, then drowned in a creamy sauce. Much of the distinctive flavor comes from treacle, or molasses,” describes CNN Travel. Keep in mind that “pudding” in the UK is a general term for dessert, not like the other custard-type dessert we know elsewhere.
46) Tarte Tatin, France
Clearly, France is leading the list with “most delicious desserts” from around the world. A tarte Tatin is made by layering apples, sugar, and butter in a heavy pan, then topping it off with a round of dough. Once cooked and cooled, flip over. The pastry seals in all the flavor and the sugar carmelizes the apples. Absolutely delightful.
47) Tiramisú, Italy
An Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without a tiramisú for dessert. Whipped mascarpone, layered with ladyfingers soaked in espresso, covered in cocoa, and doused in booze (sometimes). The dessert’s literal meaning translates to “pick me up” or “cheer me up.”
48) Tres Leches Cake, Mexico and Central America
If you like decadent and creamy, you’ll LOVE a tres leches cake. “A fluffy sponge cake is the perfect vehicle for delivering loads of flavor in this wonderfully creamy dessert. The “three milks” that the sweet is named for are usually sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and cream, which combine for a delightful cake so wet it’s almost a drink,” describes CNN Travel.
49) Trifle, United Kingdom
Soak some sponge cake in sherry and layer it with jam, custard, and any other sweet treat you might have, then top it with some whipped cream to make this layered-favorite from the United Kingdom. The trifle has been around since about the 16th century.
50) Tub Tim Krob, Thailand
This dessert’s name literally translates to “crispy rubies.” It’s beautiful, it’s colorful, and it’s super refreshing. Made with crushed ice, sweetened coconut milk, and pandan, it’s perfect after a spicy meal. And those rubies? Those are water chestnuts that have been soaked in grenadine, rolled in tapioca flour, then boiled.
If you’re not drooling by now, there’s something wrong with you. Which of these desserts looked the most delicious? Have you been lucky enough to try any? Let us know!