A Taste of Travel: 23 Must-Try Desserts from Different Countries
Traveling the world is as much about experiencing new flavors as it is about exploring new places. From the cobblestone streets of Italy to the bustling markets of Thailand, each destination has its own sweet signature—desserts that tell stories of tradition, culture, and love for food. In this post, we’re taking you on a delicious journey around the globe, bringing iconic desserts from different countries right to your kitchen.
Whether you’re reminiscing about past travels or dreaming of future adventures, these recipes will transport your taste buds to some of the world’s most beloved destinations. So, grab your apron, and let’s explore the world one dessert at a time!
Panettone Recipe – Italian Christmas Bread
Panettone, or Italian Christmas bread, is a delightful recipe perfect for the holidays. Though it requires many ingredients and steps, this straightforward recipe produces a sweet, buttery bread with dried fruit, ideal for Christmas breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack. Similar in texture to brioche, this traditional panettone is irresistibly delicious.
Limoncello Panna Cotta
Limoncello panna cotta with fresh berries is a classic Italian dessert. It’s easy to make, even for beginners, and the combination of fresh berries, limoncello, lemon zest, and cream is mouthwatering. Words can’t capture its deliciousness—you must make it yourself to see!
Torrone Italian Nut Nougat
This Italian Christmas candy with roasted nuts is sweet, chewy, and delicious. Italian nut nougat is also easy to make.
Get the recipe: Torrone Italian Nut Nougat.
cherry almond clafoutis
The Cherry Almond Clafoutis is a classic French dessert that’s both simple and delightful. This pudding-like cake combines sweet black or red cherries—either fresh or canned—with a homemade vanilla almond batter. Baked to perfection, this dish is traditionally served warm and pairs beautifully with ice cream or real whipped cream, making it an indulgent treat for any occasion.
Get The Recipe: Cherry Almond Clafoutis
Vegan Peppermint Cookies
Peppermint meltaways! These delightful peppermint Christmas cookies are incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With vanilla shortbread and a peppermint frosting, they’re a must-try for any peppermint cookie lover.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Peppermint Cookies
Homemade Oreo Cookies
A delightful homemade Oreo cookie recipe that lets you recreate the classic treat in your own kitchen. These cookies boast a rich, chocolatey flavor with a creamy filling, offering a nostalgic and delicious twist on the beloved store-bought version. Perfect for cookie lovers who enjoy a DIY approach, this recipe is both easy to follow and satisfying to make.
Get The Recipe: Homemade Oreo Cookies
Vegan Lemon Crinkle Cookie
Vegan lemon crinkle cookie recipe that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor. These cookies are soft, and chewy, and have a delightful crinkled appearance, making them both visually appealing and delicious. Perfect for those following a vegan diet or anyone who loves lemony treats, this recipe is easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Lemon Crinkle Cookie
Italian Lemon Mascarpone Cake
This recipe for Italian Lemon Mascarpone Cake offers a luscious and moist cake layered with creamy mascarpone and infused with zesty lemon flavor. The combination of rich mascarpone and bright citrus makes this cake a delightful and elegant dessert, perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in a sweet treat.
Get The Recipe: Italian Lemon Mascarpone Cake
Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
This recipe for Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake presents a light and fluffy cake infused with bright lemon flavor and the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, this cake is a delightful dessert that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or as a refreshing finish to any meal.
Get The Recipe: Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
Italian Almond Cake
This recipe for Italian Almond Cake features a rich and moist cake made with finely ground almonds, offering a delicate flavor and a soft, tender crumb. Often topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is both simple and sophisticated, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion or an elegant addition to an afternoon tea.
Get The Recipe: Italian Almond Cake
Torta della Nonna
This recipe for Italian Almond Cake features a rich and moist cake made with finely ground almonds, offering a delicate flavor and a soft, tender crumb. Often topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is both simple and sophisticated, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion or an elegant addition to an afternoon tea.
Get The Recipe: Torta della Nonna
Sourdough Linzer Cookies with Strawberry Jam Filling
This Austrian-inspired recipe for Sourdough Linzer Cookies features delicate, buttery cookies made with a hint of sourdough, filled with sweet strawberry jam. These classic cookies are beautifully dusted with powdered sugar and cut into intricate shapes, offering a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. Ideal for holiday baking or any special occasion, they bring a touch of Austrian tradition to your table.
Get The Recipe: Sourdough Linzer Cookies with Strawberry Jam Filling
Chocolate Mochi
This Japanese recipe for Chocolate Mochi offers a delightful twist on traditional mochi by incorporating rich chocolate flavor into the chewy, glutinous rice cake. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, this treat combines the unique texture of mochi with the indulgence of chocolate, making it a must-try for fans of Japanese sweets.
Get The Recipe: Chocolate Mochi
Bread and Butter Pudding
This English recipe for Bread and Butter Pudding is a traditional dessert that transforms simple ingredients like stale bread, butter, and custard into a warm, comforting treat. Baked to golden perfection, this pudding is rich, creamy, and perfect for those who enjoy classic English comfort food with a touch of nostalgia.
Get The Recipe: Bread and Butter Pudding
Peppermint Crisp Tart
This South African recipe for Peppermint Crisp Tart features a no-bake dessert made with layers of crushed biscuits, creamy caramel, and a peppermint chocolate topping. The result is a rich, indulgent treat that’s both refreshing and sweet, making it a beloved dessert in South Africa and a perfect choice for those who love unique flavor combinations.
Get The Recipe: Peppermint Crisp Tart
Peach Cobbler
This American recipe for Peach Cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that combines juicy, sweet peaches with a buttery, golden-brown biscuit topping. The result is a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Mango Bingsu
This Korean recipe for Mango Bingsu offers a refreshing and indulgent dessert made with finely shaved ice, sweet mango pieces, and creamy condensed milk. Often topped with additional treats like ice cream or mochi, this popular Korean dessert is perfect for cooling down on a hot day while enjoying the tropical sweetness of mango.
Cranachan
This Scottish recipe for Cranachan is a traditional dessert made with layers of toasted oats, whipped cream, honey, and fresh raspberries, often infused with a splash of whisky. This simple yet indulgent treat celebrates the flavors of Scotland, offering a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tart elements in every spoonful.
Boiled Custard
This American recipe for Boiled Custard is a classic Southern dessert known for its rich, creamy texture. Made by slowly heating milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until thickened, this custard is smooth and comforting. It’s traditionally enjoyed during the holidays, either on its own or as a delicious accompaniment to other desserts.
Get The Recipe: Boiled Custard
Chocolate Concrete
This British recipe for Chocolate Concrete is a nostalgic school dessert known for its dense, crunchy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Often served with a splash of custard, this simple yet satisfying treat brings back memories of childhood in the UK and is perfect for those who enjoy a crisp, chocolatey dessert.
Get The Recipe: Chocolate Concrete
Chocolate Delice
This French recipe for Chocolate Délice is a luxurious dessert featuring a smooth, rich chocolate mousse layered over a crisp biscuit base. Often topped with a glossy chocolate glaze, this decadent treat is perfect for special occasions, offering an indulgent taste of classic French patisserie.
Get The Recipe: Chocolate Delice
Pistachio Muffins
This American recipe for Pistachio Muffins features moist, tender muffins packed with the rich flavor of pistachios. These delightful treats are perfect for breakfast or a snack, offering a nutty twist on the classic muffin that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Get The Recipe: Pistachio Muffins
Cherry Bars
This American recipe for Cherry Bars offers a sweet, buttery dessert with a delicious layer of tart cherry filling. These bars are perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful treat anytime, combining the flavors of juicy cherries with a tender, crumbly crust.