25 Best Desserts From Around the World

Thinking about trying new foods from around the world? It’s totally understandable if the idea feels a bit intimidating or overwhelming at first.

These sweet treats from global cuisines are the perfect place to start your culinary adventure. They’re simple, delicious, and a great way to dip your toes into international flavors without feeling overwhelmed.

1.Churros

Homemade churros are in a league of their own–there’s just no comparing them to the frozen kind. These golden treats are crunchy on the outside, fluffy within, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor.

Dip them in rich chocolate sauce for an extra-special indulgence, or enjoy them on their own. Either way, once you try these, you’ll never go back to the frozen kind.

2.Galaktoboureko

This incredible Greek dessert is a must-try, even if its name is a bit tricky to say.

Flaky phyllo dough, a creamy custard filling, and a warm, sticky syrup made with sugar, water, honey, cinnamon, and lemon zest come together to create something truly special.

The lemon adds a subtle zing without making it tart, letting the rich, honey sweetness shine through with hints of cinnamon and sugar. One bite and you’ll be hooked!

3.Tiramisu

Craving something sweet from Italy? This tiramisu is a classic! It’s a chilled, layered dessert that’s as elegant as it is comforting.

Made with cocoa powder, ladyfingers, heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, espresso, coffee liqueur, and more, it’s a treat for the taste buds. The sweetness is just right, balanced by the deep flavors of cocoa and coffee.

Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling overwhelmed.

4.Irish Spice Cake

Irish Spice Cake is a treat you won’t want to miss. This dense, honeyed spice cake boasts perfectly crispy edges and a soft, crumbly center.

It’s buttery and sweet, with a nice tang from the raisins and a warm, spicy kick from the ground ginger. The aroma is just as amazing as the taste.

Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got a delicious breakfast or dessert that’s sure to hit the spot.

5.Baklava

When it comes to baklava, Turkey serves up some of the best recipes around, and this eight-ingredient version is a standout.

Imagine layers of crispy, golden phyllo dough packed with a delicious mix of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Walnuts, cinnamon, sugar, lemon juice, and honey come together to create a taste that’s simply irresistible.

Whether you choose to add chocolate chips and extra walnuts or keep it classic, this baklava is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

6.Gulab Jamun

Looking for a taste of India? Gulab jamun is the perfect dessert to try! These bite-sized treats are like donut holes, lightly sweetened and soaking in a fragrant, sugary syrup.

The floral scent is just as enticing as the taste, making it a magical experience for your senses. Best of all?

You can whip up over a dozen in just 30 minutes–talk about a quick and delicious dessert!

7.Kolaczki

Meet the cutest cookies in town–bite-sized Polish cookies that are worth every minute of shaping!

Made with just five simple ingredients (cream cheese, butter, flour, salt, and your favorite jam), these little treats are a breeze to make. The filling you choose will give each cookie its unique flavor personality!

Dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these cookies are sure to charm everyone! 🌟🍪

8.Kashata

Let’s talk about Kashata, a sweet treat from Africa. These are sugary, coconut peanuts that come together in a solid block, kind of like hardened fudge.

Made with plenty of sugar and spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom, they’re so sweet and light they’ll almost melt in your mouth.

But here’s the twist: the peanuts add a crunchy surprise once you get past the sweetness. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures you won’t want to miss!

9.Creme Brulee

French food often gets a reputation for being fancy and complicated, but that doesn’t always mean it’s hard to make. Take crème brûlée, for example–it’s surprisingly simple!

With just five main ingredients and a kitchen torch, you can create this rich, creamy dessert. The best part? This recipe makes individual servings, so everyone gets their own ramekin to crack with a spoon.

It’s a fun and elegant way to end any meal.

10.Black Forest Cake

Let’s be honest–Black Forest Cake is the kind of dessert you’ll crave until you take that last bite (and maybe even after that!).

This iconic treat is pure perfection, from the moist, rich chocolate layers to the sweet and tangy cherry syrup drizzled between them.

And don’t even get me started on the creamy, sugary whipped cream icing–it’s the ultimate finishing touch. But what really makes this cake stand out?

The extras: dollops of decorative frosting, maraschino cherries, and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings that turn it into a stunning centerpiece. It’s not just delicious; it’s a showstopper.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying a sweet tooth, this Black Forest Cake is a must-try.

11.Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies

Looking for a classic treat that never goes out of style? These Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookies are a crowd-pleaser.

With their crisp edges, soft and fluffy centers, and loads of gooey chocolate chips, they’re everything a cookie should be. Best of all? You can whip up three dozen in under 30 minutes.

They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or any gathering where you need a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat.

12.Cannoli

Is there anything better than enjoying a cannoli with a steaming cup of coffee? That perfectly crispy shell giving way to a rich, creamy blend of chocolate and ricotta is pure perfection.

While they do require some time and effort–about 40 minutes of prep work–one bite is all you need to know it was worth every second.

13.Pavlova

This stunning dessert has a name that sounds fancy, but trust us, it’s worth getting to know.

The Pavlova, named after a Russian ballerina, has sparked a friendly debate over whether it hails from New Zealand or Australia. One thing everyone agrees on? It’s a showstopper with incredible flavor.

Imagine a sweet and creamy treat with a gooey marshmallow center, topped with colorful berries and fresh mint leaves. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special, like it was made for a romantic dinner.

If this doesn’t set the mood, nothing will!

14.Apple Strudel

Austria’s famous apple strudel is the ultimate comfort dessert. Imagine tender apples, plump golden raisins, and a hint of rum, all wrapped up in a buttery pastry crust.

With its warm cinnamon and sweet sugar, this fragrant treat is perfect for the holiday season. It’s rich, it’s festive, and it’s everything you want in a holiday dessert without feeling too heavy.

A must-make for the holidays, this strudel is sure to become a new family favorite!

15.Tres Leches Cake

Meet the Tres Leches cake, a dessert that’s as airy and light as a cloud.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice that’s as fluffy as it gets, with just the right amount of moisture to make it irresistibly tender.

This cake is a standout on its own, needing no extra toppings to shine, though a sprinkle of fresh berries adds a cheerful burst of color and a touch of tangy freshness that complements its sweetness perfectly.

16.Sticky Toffee Pudding

This spongy pudding cake is a toffee lover’s dream come true. Let’s be real, the toffee flavor here is seriously intense–think rich, sticky, and utterly indulgent.

If you’re looking to balance that deep flavor, try topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

But if you’re feeling fancy and want to go all in on that toffee goodness, a drizzle of chocolate sauce will take it to the next level.

Either way, this cake is a treat you won’t want to miss!

17.Chinese Mango Pudding

Mango pudding is a stunning dessert with a smooth, creamy texture that’s reminiscent of flan or custard.

Made with just four simple ingredients–pureed mango, water, evaporated coconut milk, and agar-agar–it’s quick to prepare but needs about 2 hours to chill before serving.

The result is a sweet, refreshing treat that’s bursting with mango flavor. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or as a light finish to any meal!

18.Caribbean Spiced Rum Cake

Step into the Caribbean with this tropical treat that’s bursting with coconut and pineapple flavors. This cake is rich, buttery, and dense, offering a velvety texture that’s pure bliss. The pièce de résistance?

A sticky, indulgent rum glaze that’s so good, you’ll want to savor every last drop. Packed with sugar, spice, and everything nice, plus a delightful nuttiness, this cake is a true showstopper.

It’s not just a dessert–it’s an experience.

19.Sesame Balls

Get ready to fall in love with these crispy, sesame-coated, deep-fried balls of goodness! They’re a must-try for anyone looking for a dessert that’s not overly sweet.

The outside is perfectly crunchy with a nutty sesame flavor, while the inside hides a delightful surprise–a lightly sweet red bean paste filling that’s reminiscent of sweet potatoes.

It’s a unique texture and flavor combo that’s sure to intrigue your taste buds. These bite-sized treats are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard on sugar.

20.Linzer Torte

This Vietnamese pastry is a real showstopper, with its star-topped design and latticed crust that’s almost too pretty to eat. But don’t let its looks fool you–it tastes just as amazing as it looks!

The texture is perfectly crumbly and gooey (in the best way possible), with a warm, nutty flavor that’s brightened up by sweet raspberry jam.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a birthday, or just want a special dessert for Sunday dinner, this pastry is sure to impress. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion!

21.Oslo Kringle

This Norwegian treat is a must-try for anyone who loves a good pastry. The crust is perfectly flaky and crispy, with a nutty flavor that makes every bite irresistible.

Drizzle it with a sweet and zesty lemon glaze for an extra burst of flavor, or enjoy it plain–either way, it’s downright addictive!

22.Kunefe

At first glance, this Turkish dessert might raise an eyebrow. Its unusual appearance can make people a bit hesitant to give it a try. But trust us, the taste is a game-changer.

Imagine shredded, crispy strands that look like they’re topped with nuts and held together by creamy, stretchy cheese.

It’s a unique combination that might sound odd, but the flavors will surprise you in the best way possible. Don’t let the looks fool you–this dessert is a delightful treat you won’t want to miss!

23.Flan

Ever wanted to make authentic Mexican flan at home? This recipe brings the magic of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. Imagine a silky-smooth custard base topped with a rich, velvety caramel sauce.

The texture might be a little unexpected–slightly wiggly and jiggly–but trust us, the deep, warm caramel flavor will win you over.

Don’t let the unique feel fool you; this flan is a sweet and satisfying treat that’s sure to become a new favorite.

24.Philadelphia 3-Step Cheesecake

This sweet and tangy cheesecake is a breeze to make, requiring just five ingredients: cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and a graham cracker crust. Prep time is a quick 10 minutes.

Simply mix all the ingredients except the crust, pour the mixture into the crust, and bake for about 40 minutes. Let it cool, then chill in the fridge for 3 hours. Easy peasy!

The result is a creamy, delicious dessert that’s sure to be a hit.

25.Nanaimo Bars

Meet the ultimate no-cook dessert that’s as indulgent as it gets. A big shoutout to our Canadian friends for creating something so rich and decadent without needing to step near the stove.

If you’re a chocolate lover, or if coconut, graham crackers, vanilla pudding, almonds, and a bunch of other tasty ingredients sound like your jam, then these bars are about to become your new obsession.

They’re easy to make, loaded with flavor, and packed with all the good stuff. What’s not to love?