Ever since I was young, I found that the most exciting part of family get-togethers was when everyone had finished dinner and it was time to set up the dessert table. I have always had a sweet tooth, and my mouth would water just looking at the array of cookies, pies, and cakes. Now as an adult my sweet tooth is just as strong as ever and I am thrilled to broaden my sweets horizon by trying a variety of desserts from around the world.

Whether you’re travelling abroad or looking for some new desserts to make in your very own kitchen, here are a list of 20 international desserts to satiate your sweet tooth.

1. Donauwelle – Germany

The Donauwelle, German for Danube wave, is a popular sheet cake in Germany. Another name for this cake is Schneewittchenkuchen, meaning ‘Snow white cake,’ as its colors are reminiscent of the so named and beloved Brother’s grim character. It consists of two layers combined with sour cherries and buttercream topped with melted chocolate. The wavy effect made up of a blend of tasteful layers is hard to resist.

2. Egg tart – China

Egg tarts are popular in Hong Kong and several other regions of China. They consist of a flaky crust filled with a smooth and lightly sweetened custard. You can find this delectable dessert at a dim sum restaurant or bakery, or you can make them at home with just a few ingredients.

3. Kheer – India

Kheer is a traditional North Indian Rice Pudding. It is fairly easy to make and requires a few ingredients. It is made primarily with rice, milk, and sugar and spiced with cardamom. It derives from the Sanskrit word meaning silk and is rightfully described as such with its subtle yet rich and creamy taste.

4. Melktert – South Africa

Melktert, or Milk Tart, is a traditional South African pie that should be served at the next family get-together. It is made with a sweet crust and creamy, milky center. This easy-to-make dessert is sure to delight all as an after-dinner treat.

5. Tiramisu – Italy

Tiramisu is a well-known, no-bake dessert from Italy. It consists of ladyfingers soaked in coffee, rum, sugar, eggs, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, giving the dessert an overall taste of vanilla with a hint of coffee, brandy, and chocolate. The name tirami sù in Italian literally means “pick me up,” and that is definitely something you will want to do after crafting this delectable dish. Try making this dessert at home with our recipe.

6. Banh chuoi (banana cake) – Vietnam

Vietnamese banana cakes are a melt in your mouth dessert. It has a similar consistency to pudding, flan, or cheesecake. Before eating your just-ripe bananas, consider throwing them together with just a few other ingredients to make this delicious dessert. Serve this cake warm or cold and it is sure to be a hit.

7. Crème brûlée – France

Crème brûlée is the type of dessert you would find at a five-star restaurant yet could be made at home with only five ingredients. It has a creamy base with a crispy, brittle top that cracks with a gentle tap of the spoon. Fill ramekins with this wonderful dessert and enjoy it either on your own or during a get-together.

8. Churros con chocolate – Spain

Churros con chocolate are a warm, delicious treat. After making the dough, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate sauce, you will have yourself a wonderful dessert in under an hour. These crispy, cinnamon sticks are sure to become a favorite from the moment you try them.

9. Pavlova – Australia

Pavlova tastes just as light and sweet as it looks. This dessert consists of whipped cream topped with fresh fruit. It is all around simple and effortless to make. Bite into the crispy outside of this meringue-like dessert and enjoy the fluffy, marshmallow soft center.

10. Matcha swiss roll – Japan

This light, spongy cake is a swirl of matcha delectability. With its bright green appearance, the matcha swiss roll is just as vibrant as it is delicious. It is a mixture of fluffy, creamy, and mildly sweet, with its combination of sponge cake filled with buttercream. Enjoy this treat after dinner or in the afternoon with a cup of tea.

11. Baklava – Greece

Baklava is a crispy, sweet, and nutty dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion. It has a flaky texture and plenty of flavor with its combination of nuts, spices, and honey. Although it can take a whopping two hours to make, this exquisite treat is definitely worth the time.

12. Tai yang bing (sun cake) – Taiwan

The next tasty dessert on our list originates from Taichung, Taiwan. The sun cake consists of flaky layers filled with a thick, sticky center shaped into a circle, hence giving it the name sun cake. Pair them with a cup of tea or warm almond milk and enjoy.

13. Khao niaow ma muang (mango sticky rice) – Thailand

Mango sticky rice is a must try from Thailand. This dessert is an amazing blend of mango and coconut. It is an overall sweet and tangy treat that serves as a delectable end-of-dinner selection.  

14. Bakewell tart – United Kingdom

This classic British dessert consists of a buttery, flaky crust filled with a layer of raspberry jam and topped with a sweet custard and almonds. The Bakewell tart makes a great treat when your sweet tooth kicks in during the afternoon. It is perfect when served warm or cooled with a warm cup of tea.

15. Halawet el jibn (sweet cheese) – Lebanon

Halawet El Jibn is composed of sweet cheese dough, cream, syrup, and a topping. It has a sweet, flowery, and nutty flavor that is hard to resist. This delectable dessert is served in bite-sized portions that are so good it’s impossible to eat just one.

16. Dulce de leche – Argentina

Dulce de leche, which translates into sweet milk or candy milk, is exactly what it sounds like. This delicious dessert is made with only one ingredient – sweetened condensed milk. It can be added to cakes or cupcakes, drizzled on top of ice cream, or is even good enough to enjoy alone.

17. Cuscuz doce (sweet couscous tapioca pudding) – Brazil

Cuscuz doce is a traditional Brazilian sweet that is commonly sold in street and beach vendors. It is perfect during hot weather as each bite is filled with delicious coconut, tapioca, and sweetened condensed milk. This Brazilian dessert is definitely a must try this summer.

18. Semlor buns – Sweden

Semlor buns have a rich flavor, consisting of a buttery cardamom bun and sweet almond filling. Top it off with whipped cream and enjoy this wonderful Swedish dessert.

19. Umm ali (bread pudding) – Egypt

Umm Ali is a traditional Egyptian bread pudding. The bottom layer consists of a puff pastry that is spread with a sweet cream and mild mixture and topped with nuts, raisings, and coconut. It is good served cooled or fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

20. Arroz con leche (rice pudding) – Mexico

Last but not least on the list of international desserts is the delightful and creamy Mexican dessert arroz con leche. This Mexican rice pudding is an easy to make sweet treat that the whole family will enjoy.

Thanks for checking out this article! If you tried making any of these dishes, let us know how it went in the comments below.