Desserts are great, but desserts that are also healthy are even better! These desserts were created to give you the best taste and health benefits possible. They may be simple to make or require multiple steps.
Nevertheless, all 50 of the world’s best desserts are worth the time it takes to prepare them. Some of these desserts you may have tried before and liked, and some you may never have tried before.
But all of them will leave you satisfied and feeling good about what you just ate. Finally, eating dessert does not have to be unhealthy, so long as you choose wisely!
Table of Contents
- Black Forest Cake
- Brownies
- Cardamom Buns
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Coconut Cake
- Crème Brûlée
- Doughnuts
- Flan
- Gelato
- Japanese Cheesecake
- Kifli
- Kouign Amann
- Lemon Tart
- M’hanncha
- Ma’amoul
- Medovik
- Oliebollen
- Polvorónes
- Rigó Jancsi
- Sesame Balls
- Snow Ice
- Sticky Rice with Mango
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Tiramisú
- Trifle
- Tub Tim Krob
- Tres Leches Cake
- Tarte Tatin
- Sour Cherry Pie
- Warm Banana Pudding
- Empanada
- Saffron Ice Cream
- Qatayef
- Pavlova
- New York Cheesecake
- Mandazi
- Linzer Torte
- Kulfi
- Knafeh
- Kashaya
- Gulab Jamun
- Gâteau Fondant au Chocolat
- Eszterhazy Torta
- Dan Tats
- Cornes de Gazelle
- Chocolate Mousse
- Cendol
- Cannoli
- Burma
- Baklava
- Alfajores
Black Forest Cake
First on the list of 50 of the world’s best desserts is the Black Forest cake. This is a chocolate sponge cake with whipped cream and cherries. It is a trendy cake in Germany and many other countries.
The cake gets its name from the Black Forest region in Germany. The Black Forest Cake has many variations.
But the most common version is the one with chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries. Also, some versions add apricot jam or cherry brandy to the whipped cream.
Brownies
Brownies are always a hit with a fudgy, cakey, or crusty top. This classic chocolate dessert is perfect for any occasion. Top your brownies with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special treat.
Cardamom Buns
These cardamom buns are soft, fluffy, and have just the right amount of sweetness. The cardamom flavor is subtle but adds a nice depth of flavor to the buns. These buns are best served warm, straight out of the oven.
If you’re looking for a delicious treat out of the 50 of the world’s best desserts, these cardamom buns are worth a try!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
What’s not to love about chocolate chip cookies? They’re easy to make, they’re delicious, and they’re perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re one of the most popular desserts on the 50 of the world’s best desserts in the world.
Look no further if you’re looking for a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe. This recipe has been tested and perfected and will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Coconut Cake
Among the 50 of the world’s best desserts is coconut cake. A moist and fluffy coconut cake is the perfect summer dessert. It’s light and refreshing, yet still rich and decadent.
To make it, you’ll need 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 2 cups sugar, four eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Three cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup buttermilk. 1 cup shredded coconut. Finally, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)—grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée is a French dessert with a rich custard base topped with a layer of hard caramel. It’s smooth, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, it’s pretty easy to make at home!
Doughnuts
Doughnuts come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. They can be simple or complex, classic or innovative. But no matter what, they are always delicious.
And that’s why doughnuts are one of the world’s best desserts. Some people might not like to admit it, but the sugar rush you get from a doughnut is enough to make anyone giddy. The icing on top just makes it even better!
Furthermore, doughnuts also provide an excellent treat for kids because they’re smaller than a normal-sized cake and easy to share with friends.
And even if you don’t feel like indulging your sweet tooth with a doughnut, there are other ways to enjoy them. Put some nuts on top and call them monkey loaves of bread!
In addition, dip them in milk or coffee for an unusual breakfast cereal! Or turn them into a decadent peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich! The possibilities are endless for this fantastic dessert among the 50 of the world’s best desserts.
Flan
Flan is a classic Spanish dessert with eggs, milk, and sugar. It’s usually served with a caramel sauce, and it’s delicious. Flan is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and it’s one of the world’s best desserts.
Hence, why do we have it included in the 50 of the world’s best desserts? If you’ve never had flan before, you’re in for a treat!
Gelato
Arguably one of the best among 50 of the world’s best desserts, Gelato! Italians know a thing or two about gelato. And there’s no better place to enjoy this delicious treat than in its country of origin.
While there are countless gelaterias to choose from in Italy, one that always stands out is Il Gelato di San Crispino. Located in Rome, this gelateria only uses fresh fruit and natural ingredients in their gelato – and it shows.
The result is a creamy, flavorful experience that is truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian gelato experience, Il Gelato di San Crispino is the place to go.
Japanese Cheesecake
Japanese Cheesecake is one of the world’s best desserts. It’s light, fluffy, and has a unique flavor different from any other cheesecake. The secret to its deliciousness is in the eggs.
Further, Japanese Cheesecake is made with eggs that are beaten until they’re stiff, which gives the cake its light and airy texture. If you’re looking for a new and exciting dessert, try one of our 50 of the world’s best desserts. Try Japanese Cheesecake!
Kifli
Kifli is a small, delicate pastry from Hungary that is often compared to a crescent moon in shape. It is made with a yeast dough filled with various things like walnuts, almonds, poppy seeds, or apricot jam.
The kifli has been around for centuries and was even mentioned in a 14th-century poem. Today, it is still one of the most popular desserts in Hungary and can be found in almost every bakery. Kifli is part of the 50 of the world’s best desserts!
Kouign Amann
Kouign Amann is a Breton pastry made from croissant dough rolled out and then folded with sugar and butter. The dough is rolled out again, cut into individual portions, and then baked in a circular mold.
The result is a flaky, buttery pastry that’s delicious. And while it might not be the healthiest dessert out there, it’s worth indulging in on occasion.
Lemon Tart
There are countless desserts worldwide, but only a few can be considered the best. Lemon tart is one of those desserts. Hence, it’s included among 50 of the world’s best desserts. The perfect balance of sweet and tart, it’s a classic that has stood the test of time.
Also, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. And it’s easy to make, which is always a bonus. If you’re looking for a delicious dessert to impress your guests, look no further than lemon tart.
M’hanncha
M’hanncha is a Moroccan snake-shaped pastry made with phyllo dough, almonds, and orange blossom water. It is often considered the best among the 50 of the world’s best desserts because of its unique flavor and texture.
The pastry is delicate and flaky, with a rich almond filling subtly sweetened with orange blossom water. Also, M’hanncha is traditionally served at weddings and celebrations, but it can be enjoyed any time you crave a special treat.
Ma’amoul
Ma’amoul is shortbread cookies filled with dates, nuts, or other sweeteners. They are popular in the Middle East and North Africa and are often served during special occasions like weddings and holidays.
Ma’amoul is made from a dough kneaded with butter, then rolled into balls and stuffed with the filling of your choice.
Also, the balls are then flattened and baked until they are golden brown. These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in coffee or tea. If you’re looking for a delicious and unique dessert, try ma’amoul! You won’t be disappointed!
Medovik
This Russian dessert is made of honey cake layers with a sour cream filling. The honey’s sweetness and the sour cream’s tanginess balance each other perfectly. You will love this on our 50 of the world’s best desserts. The medovik is easy to make and can be served cold or warm.
Oliebollen
Oliebollen, a fried dough ball often coated in powdered sugar, are a traditional Dutch treat typically eaten around New Year. They’re delicious, festive, and easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Plus, they are one of the few desserts that can be enjoyed in hot and cold weather. If you’re looking for a unique and tasty 50 of the world’s best desserts to add to your repertoire. Oliebollen is worth trying!
Polvorónes
Polvorónes are Spanish shortbread made with flour, sugar, butter, and nuts. They are popular around Christmas but can be found year-round in some Spanish bakeries. These cookies are soft and crumbly, with a sweet and nutty flavor.
In addition, Polvorónes are typically dusted with powdered sugar, which makes them even more irresistible among 50 of the world’s best desserts. If you’re looking for a truly unique and delicious dessert, look no further than polvorónes!
Rigó Jancsi
Rigó Jancsi is a chocolate cake that originates from Hungary. The cake is named after the famous Hungarian violinist and composer, Jelly d’Arányi. The cake consists of four layers of sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream and raspberry jam. Furthermore, it is coated in dark chocolate ganache and decorated with raspberries.
Sesame Balls
Sesame balls are Chinese fried dough balls coated with sesame seeds and filled with a sweet filling. Such as red bean paste they are commonly served as a dim sum dish in Cantonese cuisine.
The exterior of the sesame balls is crispy, while the inside is chewy. Also, the sweet filling makes a delicious contrast to the savory sesame flavor.
Snow Ice
It’s no secret that Snow Ice is one of the world’s most popular desserts, even among the 50 of the world’s best desserts. People of all ages and cultures love it, and it’s easy to see why. Snow Ice is light, fluffy, and full of flavor.
And it’s perfect for any occasion and can be made in endless flavor combinations. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home. So what are you waiting for? Give Snow Ice a try today!
Sticky Rice with Mango
Sticky rice is a type of rice that is often used in Asian cuisine. It is named for its moist texture caused by the high starch content. Sticky rice is usually steamed and used in wraps or as a sweet treat.
Furthermore, mango is a tropical fruit that is native to South Asia. Mangoes are often eaten fresh or used in juices, smoothies, and desserts. The flesh of the mango is orange or yellow, and the fruit has a large pit in the center.
Also, mangoes are a good source of vitamins A and C. Sticky rice with mango is a popular dessert in many Asian countries. A perfect option within 50 of the world’s best desserts. Finally, the sweetness of the mango pairs well with the sticky texture of the rice.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert that has been around for centuries. This dish contains various ingredients, including toffee, dates, and brown sugar.
The pudding is then served with a sticky toffee sauce and often topped with whipped cream or ice cream. Of truth, this dessert is among the 50 of the world’s best desserts you should try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Tiramisú
Tiramisú is a coffee-flavored Italian custard pudding. It is made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, flavored with cocoa. The dish originated in the Veneto region of Italy in the 16th century.
According to legend, it was created by a courtesan named Ziá Teresa Labriola. Who wanted to find a way to keep her lovers coming back for more. Tiramisú comes from the Italian phrase tiramisu, which means pick me up.
Finally, Tiramisú is now one of the most popular desserts in Italy. And it can be found on menus all over the world.
Trifle
A trifle is a layered dessert that usually consists of cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream. It is believed to have originated in England, and it is one of the most popular desserts in the world,
Hence, it’s included on 50 of the world’s best desserts. A trifle can be made with any type of cake or pudding and is often served at parties and celebrations. The following recipe is for a traditional English trifle. If you’re not from England, this is a great opportunity to try something new!
Tub Tim Krob
Thai people love their sweets, one of the most popular desserts in Thailand. It’s made with coconut milk, palm sugar, and tapioca pearls and is often served with a dollop of fresh cream on top. Cambodians also have a sweet tooth, and this is one of their most beloved desserts.
Further, It’s made with rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar and usually served with fresh fruit on top. Malaysian cuisine is full of delicious sweets, and this is one of the most popular ones.
It’s made with glutinous rice, palm sugar, and coconut milk and often served with a dollop of fresh cream. Hence, you can see why Tub Tim Krob is among the 50 of the world’s best desserts.
Tres Leches Cake
A few years ago, my family and I vacationed in Mexico. While we were there, we had the most amazing Tres Leches Cake. It was unlike any other cake I had ever had.
Also, the cake was soaked in three different kinds of milk, hence the name Tres Leches. It was so moist and had the perfect amount of sweetness. I could not get enough of it!
Ever since then, I have been on a quest to find the best Tres Leches Cake recipe. And I think I finally found it! This recipe is from a small bakery in Mexico City and is delicious. If you are ever in Mexico City, check it out. Another great option among the 50 of the world’s best dessert
Tarte Tatin
For many years, the Tarte Tatin has been hailed as one of the world’s best desserts. This classic French dish is made with fresh apples, sugar, butter, and puff pastry.
The tart is baked in a hot oven until the apples are caramelized, and the pie is golden brown. Finally, serve this dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
Sour Cherry Pie
There’s nothing like a good sour cherry pie. This pie will surely please everyone with the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
And while it may not be the prettiest dessert, it’s one of the tastiest among the 50 of the world’s best desserts. Sour cherries are usually found in Europe, but some varieties can also be grown in North America.
Warm Banana Pudding
It might sound strange to have banana pudding on a list of desserts worldwide. But then again, there is no accounting for taste! People love warm banana pudding so much that they’ll eat it all year round if they can get their hands on it.
Empanada
Empanadas are so famous that they’re served all over South America, Central America, and even North America! These savory pastries typically come with beef or chicken, but you can also find them stuffed with seafood. Or cheese for those who want something different.
Saffron Ice Cream
It’s no secret that saffron is one of the world’s most expensive spices. But did you know it’s also one of the world’s best ice cream flavors? That’s right, saffron ice cream is a thing, and it’s delicious.
If you’re looking for a truly unique and fantastic dessert, try 50 of the world’s best desserts – saffron ice cream.
Qatayef
If you’re looking for a truly unique and delicious dessert, look no further than Qatayef! This Middle Eastern treat is made with a particular type of pancake batter and stuffed with various fillings like nuts, cheese, or candy.
Furthermore, the outside is then fried to perfection and drizzled with syrup. Qatayef is a must-try for any sweets lover!
Pavlova
A pavlova is a meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It is a popular dish in Australia and New Zealand, often served with fruit and cream. The pavlova has a crisp shell and a soft, light inside.
Also, it is made from egg whites, sugar, cornflour, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. A beautiful addition to the 50 of the world’s best desserts!
New York Cheesecake
New York cheesecake is undoubtedly one of the world’s best desserts among the 50 of the world’s best desserts. This classic dish is rich, creamy, and delicious. At the same time, it may seem daunting to make with a bit of practice. You’ll be able to create this mouthwatering treat at home.
Mandazi
Mandazi is a type of fried bread that is popular in East Africa. It is often served for breakfast or as a snack. The dough is made from flour, sugar, yeast, and water. Finally, it is fried in oil and served with a dipping sauce.
Linzer Torte
Linzer Torte is a classic Austrian dessert that has been around since the 1600s. This torte is made with a buttery hazelnut-almond crust filled with raspberry jam. It is then dusted with powdered sugar.
Furthermore, this torte is not only beautiful but also delicious. I recommend trying Linzer Torte within the 50 of the world’s best desserts if you are looking for a new and unique one.
Kulfi
Kulfi is a frozen dairy dessert from India and Pakistan. It is made by slowly simmering milk and cream until it thickens, then adding flavorings and freezing it.
Kulfi is often compared to ice cream, but it is denser and richer, with a more intense flavor. Finally, it is usually served in a cone or cup, with chopped nuts or fruit on top.
Knafeh
In a small town in Lebanon, there is a little cafe called Kafeh Knafeh. And they serve the most fantastic dessert in the world. It’s a traditional Arabic pastry with cheese and semolina dough and absolutely delicious.
Also, the cafe is family-owned and operated, and they’ve been making this dessert for generations. If you’re ever in Lebanon, stop by Kaveh Knafeh and try the knafeh. You won’t regret it! A rare treat among the 50 of the world’s best desserts.
Kashaya
A kashaya is a sweet made with brown sugar, spices, and peanuts. It is popular in East Africa, especially in Kenya. The name comes from the Swahili word for sugar.
In addition, Kashatas are often made into small balls or disks and can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They are also a popular ingredient in many African dishes.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun is a traditional Indian dessert made from milk solids and flour. The dough is formed into balls and fried, then soaked in sugar syrup. Gulab jamun is often served at weddings and festivals and is a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.
Gâteau Fondant au Chocolat
A French classic, this cake is all about oozing chocolate. It has a rich yet airy texture that melts in your mouth. The secret to its success is in the quality of the chocolate used.
Further, a good gâteau fondant should use at least 70% cocoa solids chocolate for the filling and couverture chocolate for the coating. This is one of the must-try 50 of the world’s best desserts!
Eszterhazy Torta
Eszterhazy Torta is a traditional Hungarian cake that dates back to the 19th century. It is made with a walnut meringue base, layers of vanilla custard, and a chocolate ganache top. The cake is named after Hungarian composer Ferenc Erkel and his opera, Hunyadi László.
Also, the cake was created by Budapest confectioner János Aranyi in 1885. It has been called the jewel of Hungarian confectionery and one of the world’s most elegant and rich cakes.
Dan Tats
When it comes to desserts, there are a lot of different options out there. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, you can’t go wrong with Dan Tats. This Japanese-style mochi is made with sticky rice and has a chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
And the perfect balance of sweet and savory. No wonder this dish is a favorite among the 50 of the world’s best desserts, locals and tourists alike. So next time you’re in Japan, be sure to give Dan Tats a try!
Cornes de Gazelle
Cornes de gazelle is an Algerian pastry that is crescent-shaped and made with semolina flour, butter, sugar, and almonds. They are traditionally served with orange blossom water or rose water. Cornes de gazelle is said to be the favorite pastry of Algerian women.
Furthermore, the pastries are often served at weddings and other special occasions. Cornes de gazelle are usually made fresh and not bought from a store.
The pastry is not very sweet, but it is still a dessert. If you are ever in Algeria, make sure to try out this delicious pastry!
Chocolate Mousse
There are a lot of chocolate mousse recipes out there, but this is the only one you need. It’s light and airy, rich and chocolatey, with a hint of coffee to round out the flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time. Simply put, it’s the perfect dessert.
Cendol
Cendol is a refreshing Malaysian iced dessert that is perfect for hot weather. It is made with green jelly noodles, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and ice. Cendol is believed to have originated from Indonesia and is now popular all over Southeast Asia.
Also, the dish is often served with a dollop of pandan-infused custard or whipped cream. Cendol is one of the world’s best desserts!
Cannoli
Cannoli might just be the world’s best dessert. This Italian classic is made with fried pastry dough and a sweet, creamy filling. The most traditional filling is made with ricotta cheese, but you can also find cannoli filled with chocolate or another flavored cream. No matter what filling you choose, cannoli are always delicious.
Burma
Burma is a traditional dessert from the island of Corsica. It is made with sheep’s milk cheese, honey, and nuts. The cheese is first melted in a double boiler, then honey and nuts are added.
Further, the mixture is spread on a plate and left to cool. Once it is cool, it is cut into small squares and served.
Baklava
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry with layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts. And held together with syrup or honey. It is popular in the Middle East, Greece, and Turkey.
Furthermore, BaklavaBaklava is made by layering thin sheets of phyllo dough, one on top of the other. The dough is brushed with butter between each layer.
The filling is usually made up of chopped walnuts or pistachios, and the BaklavaBaklava is held together with syrup or honey.
Also, the beauty of BaklavaBaklava lies in its simplicity – it only requires a few ingredients to make. But the result is a truly decadent and luxurious dessert.
Alfajores
For those who don’t know, alfajores are a type of South American shortbread cookie sandwiched with dulce de leche.
They are delicious, and I firmly believe they are the best dessert in the world. Here are a few reasons alfajores are among the 50 of the world’s best desserts:
Firstly, Alfajores go great with coffee. Alfajores can be made into any flavor by adding different fillings, like fruit preserves or chocolate. Alfajores are very easy to make!
Furthermore, you only need butter, flour, sugar, and eggs for the dough. All you need for filling is some liquid sweetener like honey or corn syrup mixed with heavy cream (or condensed milk).
Plus, an optional flavoring such as vanilla extract or lemon zest. You can serve these hot or cold. If serving them hot from the oven, top them off with ice cream for an extra decadent treat!
Also, they’re not just tasty but also good for you! The word alfajor comes from Arabic meaning al-hafr, which means sweet cake or biscuit. You can find many different variations of this recipe around the world.
In addition, traditional Chilean ones use hazelnuts, while Mexican ones use ground nuts (most often almonds). In Spain, there’s even a version called the turron that uses honey instead of corn syrup. Each country has its unique twist on this delicacy.
But if it were up to me, I would say that the Argentinean style would be my favorite. I love how the edges of the cookies turn crisp and golden brown when baked and how the inside stays soft with little pockets of melted caramel.
They usually fill them with dulce de leque or other fruit preserves in Argentina. Alfajores are perfect for many occasions – after-dinner snacks, afternoon tea parties, summer picnics. Because they can be eaten both warm or cold.
And did I mention that this is one recipe where leftovers never last long? These little treats disappear fast once baked and filled. Maybe it’s because they taste just as good with a cup of coffee at 8 pm as they do at 8 am!
One thing is for sure: I’ll always have time to enjoy another alfajor, no matter what day it is!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are 50 of the world’s best desserts. Every one of them is unique and special in its way. I hope you enjoyed reading about them as much as I wanted to write about them!
Therefore, I would love to hear your thoughts on this list. So please feel free to share them in the comments below. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for other desserts that should be included on this list. Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a sweet tooth!