Take a trip with desserts from around the world, like German apple cake, Spanish flan, Thai sticky rice, Argentinian alfajores and much more.
45 Desserts from Around the World
Updated on Sep. 09, 2024
Germany: Oma’s Apfelkuchen
My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to “Grandma’s apple cake.” They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
1/44
2/44
Lebanon: Rose Water Rice Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rose water rice pudding is a popular Middle Eastern treat. Pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios add a simple yet elegant touch to this floral Lebanese specialty. —Michael & Mathil Chebat, Layla’s Lebanese Restaurant, Lake Ridge, Virginia
3/44
Mexico: Classic Tres Leches Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tres leches means "three milks." This cake gets its name because it uses three kinds of milk—evaporated, condensed and cream. This tres leches cake's light and airy texture has made it a classic in Mexican kitchens for generations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
4/44
Cyprus: Melomakarona
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up in Cyprus, we would see this melomakarona cookie everywhere during the holidays. Every year my mother, Thelma, would make plate after plate of these all Christmas long. It’s just not the holidays without them. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California
5/44
India: Kulfi
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up near Little India in California, and I loved the desserts from Indian sweets shops. One of them sold kulfi, a spiced and nutty frozen custard in cone molds. Here I use a shortcut method to make kulfi quickly and without any special equipment. The whole milk can be replaced with mango pulp for mango kulfi. —Justine Kmiecik, Crestview, Florida
New Zealand: Custard Square
With layers of luscious vanilla custard and flaky puff pastry, custard square is a bakery classic in New Zealand. It’s popular in Australia, too, where it’s known as “vanilla slice.” —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
6/44
7/44
United Kingdom: Bread Pudding with Nutmeg
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and on holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding with nutmeg he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri
8/44
Spain: Creamy Caramel Flan
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy, caramel flan dessert goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida
9/44
France: Beignets
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they’re easy! Sometimes I’ll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado
10/44
Poland: Khrustyky
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen pastries
From the Recipe Creator:
This crispy, dainty pastry dusted with confectioners’ sugar has an eggy flavor similar to cream puffs. I honor my Ukrainian heritage by serving khrustyky on Christmas Eve as part of the traditional feast of 12 dishes. Each dish symbolizes one of the apostles. —Carol Funk, Richard, Saskatchewan
11/44
Argentina: Chocolate Alfajores
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate alfajores, also known as alfajores de chocolate, are a popular South American dessert made of slightly sweetened shortbread cookies filled with a rich and creamy milk caramel called dulce de leche. It’s best to chill the dough at least 2 hours so the cookies hold when baking. —Kimberly Scott, Kosciusko, Mississippi
Learn how to make this traditional alfajores recipe!
12/44
Brazil: Pacoca
Total Time
15 min
Servings
81 pieces (about 2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pacoca (Brazilian peanut candy) is an easy treat that has only five ingredients! It’s a popular sweet in Brazil, and after you try it, I’m sure you’ll love it, too. —Francine Lizotte, Surrey, British Columbia
13/44
Italy: Tangerine Chocolate Semifreddo
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I wanted a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia
14/44
United Kingdom: Old English Trifle
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded with cake cubes and fruit, an old English trifle is always welcome at a holiday dinner. The creamy, homemade custard is well worth the effort. —Nancy O’Connor, Glen Ridge, New Jersey
15/44
China: Almond Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Each Christmas, my mother baked these Chinese almond cookies and stored them in clean coffee cans. When she passed away, I started giving our kids a can of these sentimental sweets. (Traditional Chinese almond cookies typically use lard, but butter is a great substitute if you don’t have lard on hand.) —Jane Garing, Talladega, Alabama
Try this tanghulu recipe next!
16/44
Sweden: Budapest Roll
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re a fan of Yule logs and pumpkin rolls, taste my Swedish specialty made from hazelnut meringue. People are in awe every time I bring it somewhere. —Catherine Walbridge, Boise, Idaho
17/44
Germany: Bienenstich
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bee sting cake (aka bienenstich) may look daunting, but it’s well worth the effort. Take each step at a time, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
18/44
Scottish Shortbread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
19/44
Israel: Malabi with Pomegranate Syrup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Malabi is a very famous, easy sweet milk pudding from Israel. For this recipe I learned from a friend, you can use rose syrup instead of pomegranate syrup. —Kanwaljeet Chhabra, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
20/44
Turkey: Baklava
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Many ethnic festivals are held in my city throughout the year. One in May is the Greek Hellenic Festival. My family enjoys baklava—a traditional walnut strudel. The recipe uses phyllo dough, which is not difficult to work with. Just have your ingredients ready to go and follow the directions on the package. The results are scrumptious and well worth the effort. —Judy Losecco, Buffalo, New York
We also have one more recommendation for you. Try these Greek doughnuts which are fluffy, bite-sized, and fried to perfection!
21/44
Mexico: Arroz Con Leche
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet and simple, this creamy arroz con leche recipe is real comfort food in any language. You’ll love the warm raisin and cinnamon flavors. It’s great served cold, too. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
22/44
Linzer Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This specialty cookie takes a little extra effort, but the results are sweet! They really help to make the holidays feel special. —Jane Pearcy, Verona, Wisconsin
23/44
Indonesia: Kolak Pisang
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I ate bananas Foster the first time, it reminded me of this dish. The concept is the same—sliced bananas with a very sweet sauce. However, the bananas used are plantain bananas, and instead of rum to enhance the sauce, this dessert uses creamy coconut milk. —Loanne Chiu, Fort Worth, Texas
24/44
Mexico: Chocolate Wedding Cakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These spiced balls are a yummy twist on a traditional favorite. Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips to the dough and, after baking, dip the cooled cookies in melted almond bark. —Joanne Valkema, Freeport, Illinois
25/44
Croatia: Poteca Nut Roll
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1 coffee cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law brought this recipe from Yugoslavia in the early 1900’s. It was a tradition in her family to serve it for holidays and special occasions. Now it’s my tradition. Family members often help roll our the dough and add the filling. —Mrs. Anthony Setta, Saegertown, Pennsylvania
26/44
United Kingdom: Rhubarb Fool with Strawberries
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that’s usually made with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
27/44
Italy: Almond Biscotti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve learned to bake a double batch of this crisp almond biscotti recipe, because one batch goes too fast! —H. Michaelson, St. Charles, Illinois
28/44
Australia: Pavlova
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crisp and crunchy on the outside, soft and almost marshmallowy on the inside, this elegant pavlova gets dressed up for the holidays. —James Schend Taste of Home Deputy Editor
29/44
Italy: Anise Pizzelle
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These lovely, golden brown anise pizzelle cookies have a crisp texture and delicate anise flavor. I create them using a pizzelle iron. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida
30/44
United Kingdom: Plum Pudding
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
In A Christmas Carol, everyone claps for plum pudding. Our family has made this pudding our own tradition, and it really is something to clap for. —Ruthanne Karel, Hudsonville, Michigan
31/44
Thailand: Sticky Rice with Mango-Coconut Sauce
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings (3 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
As a nice contrast to traditional Christmastime desserts, sweet sticky rice is a refreshing Thai treat made even better with a mango-coconut sauce.—Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas
32/44
United Kingdom: Mince Pies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
20 mini pies
From the Recipe Creator:
Most people use canned mincemeat, but this is the old-fashioned way to make a mince pie. It is a sweet holiday dish that will satisfy you and your loved ones. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan
33/44
Sweden: Butter Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s impossible to eat just one of these Swedish cookies. Naturally, they’re a favorite with my Swedish husband and children—but anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate this treat. My recipe is “well-traveled” among our friends and neighbors. —Sue Soderland, Elgin, Illinois
34/44
Hungary: Nut Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
It isn’t officially the holidays until I’ve made this treasured nut roll recipe from my husband’s grandmother. The apple-walnut filling is moist, subtly sweet and flavorful. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan
35/44
Canada: Calgary Nanaimo Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This version of Nanaimo bars may claim roots in Alberta, but the original was said to be dreamed up in a British Columbia kitchen. They’re three delicious layers of Canadian goodness. —Carol Hillier, Calgary, Alberta
36/44
Norway: Whipped Cream Krumkake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Our hometown has a rich Norwegian culture. That heritage is evident during our annual Nordic Fest, where this classic krumkake recipe is king. Here’s your introduction to the timeless treat. —Imelda Nesteby, Decorah, Iowa
37/44
Germany: Chocolate Lebkuchen
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Having lived in Germany, I try to keep my German cooking as authentic as possible. This lovely lebkuchen recipe is a culinary Christmas custom. —Cathy Lemmon, Quinlan, Texas
38/44
Philippines: Buttery Coconut Bars
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My coconut bars are an American version of a Filipino coconut cake called bibingka. These are a crispier, sweeter take on the Christmas tradition I grew up with. —Denise Nyland, Panama City, Florida
39/44
Italy: Tiramisu
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tiramisu is Italian for “pick-me-up,” and this one is definitely true to its name! My version of the classic Tuscan trifle has both coffee and espresso for layers of java flavor. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
40/44
Jamaica: Glazed Spice Rum Pound Cakes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My recipe makes two loaf-sized treats, perfect for sharing. The spiced rum flavor really comes through in both the cake and the glaze. —Christine Russell, Littleton, New Hampshire
Don’t miss our full list of Jamaican desserts!
41/44
Greece: Kourambiethes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter-in-law gave me this recipe. Her grandmother was born in Greece and bakes these cookies for special occasions, including Christmas.—Carol Dale, Greenville, Texas
42/44
Paraguay: Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm originally from Paraguay, and dulce de leche reminds me of where I came from. If you can't find it at your grocery store, try caramel ice cream topping instead. It tastes different, but this decadent dessert will still be amazing. —Sonia Lipham, Ranburne, Alabama
43/44
Germany: Raspberry Custard Kuchen
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It's no fuss to fix and impressive to serve. —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington
Japan: Daifuku Mochi
When you want dessert fast, this five-minute daifuku mochi recipe is your go-to, courtesy of bloggers Laura and Sarah Turner of Wandercooks. Filled with red bean paste (called anko in Japan), these stuffed mochi balls are best eaten fresh.
44/44
