Desserts Around The World: The Best Desserts To Travel For

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I’ve always believed that the most satisfying part of any meal is the dessert. Honestly, as soon as I finish a savory dish, my very next thought is, “What’s for dessert?” Over the years, my travels have taken me across continents, and I’ve discovered so many incredible sweet treats that are truly drool-worthy.

Each time I try a new dessert in a different country, it feels like a dream come true. I get to savor flavors and textures I’d never imagined before. Tasting new cuisines and especially desserts is one of the most exciting parts of traveling for me.

Together with a group of fellow travel writers from all around the globe, I’ve compiled a list of the tastiest, most irresistible desserts I’ve encountered. If you’re a dessert lover like me, you might just want to add these to your own bucket list!

Most Delicious Desserts from Around The World

1. Brigadeiro, Brazil

Let me share my own experience with brigadeiro, Brazil’s beloved chocolate treat:

Imagine this: I take a bite of a small, chocolate truffle that’s as luxuriously soft as fudge, yet it melts in my mouth before I even realize it, leaving behind the most delightful pure cocoa aftertaste. That’s exactly what happened the first time I tasted a brigadeiro in Brazil, and I was instantly hooked.

I introduce you to the brigadeiro, one of the most popular desserts in Brazil. It’s a recipe that requires only four ingredients, being one of them just to garnish, and the cooking time takes no longer than 15 minutes – isn’t that a good deal or not?!

I was fascinated to learn that “brigadeiro” means “brigadier” in Portuguese. These little chocolate fudge balls were invented to support a brigadier’s presidential campaign in Brazil. Even though the candidate didn’t win the election, thanks to the enthusiastic support of his female voters, the world gained an incredible dessert. I’d say that’s a win for all of us with a sweet tooth!

That’s how Brazil won its most famous sweet, and to this day, it is one of – if not the most – consumed desserts in the country.

Contributed by Bruna Venturinelli from I Heart Brazil

2. Tiramisu, Italy

The word “tiramisu” means “pick me up” in Italian, which is quite an appropriate name for this coffee-flavored dessert. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, or if Italian espresso is a bit too strong for you, you’re sure to love this smooth, creamy treat. It’s made with alternate layers of ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso and a type of whipped cream made from mascarpone cheese.

I also love the subtle hints of cocoa throughout, especially the delicate dusting of cocoa powder on top, which adds the perfect finishing touch for chocolate lovers like me.

While the original tiramisu recipe calls for eggs and dairy, vegetarians and vegans traveling to Italy will be happy to know that a number of restaurants now offer vegan tiramisu. My absolute favorite is at Rifugio Romano, a cozy trattoria in Rome where I was able to taste both the vegan and non-vegan versions of this beloved dessert. It’s wonderful to see how traditional flavors can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their dietary preferences.

Contributed by Wendy Werneth from The Nomadic Vegan

3. Tarte Au Citron, Paris

Tarte au citron (lemon tart) is one of the favorite desserts in Paris, any Paris food guide will recommend it! Basically, a tarte au citron consists of a pastry case containing a baked lemon custard. Some versions are topped with meringue whilst other versions come with a piece of chocolate on the top.

There’s something special about having your own perfectly portioned tart, especially when it’s as beautifully crafted as the ones I found in Parisian patisseries.

Tarte au citron is usually served as a dessert, after the meal. Of course, there are big tartes au citron for many people but in Paris, it is common to find individual tarts like the one shown in the picture. All the big pastry brands in Paris propose tartes au citron but it is possible to find it also in bakeries and also in restaurants.

Contributed by Elisa from World in Paris

4. Belgian Waffle, Belgium

Nothing pairs better with a leisurely stroll down the streets of Brussels than a fresh, warm Belgian waffle. Street vendors have been selling waffles to hungry Belgians since the 1800s! And the best part: there are multiple types of Belgian waffles just waiting for you to try.

I started my waffle journey with Belgium’s most famous treat: the Liège waffle. Made from a rich, brioche-style batter, Liège waffles are dense, chewy, and studded with caramelized pearl sugar that adds a delightful crunch. I found that the best way to enjoy a Liège waffle is just as the locals do—fresh from the vendor, no toppings, and eaten with your hands as you stroll. No fork required, and honestly, none needed!

Of course, I couldn’t leave Brussels without trying the classic Brussels waffle as well. These are lighter, crispier, and have deep pockets that are perfect for holding toppings like fresh fruit, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, or a drizzle of Belgian chocolate.

Sampling both kinds made me realize why Belgian waffles are such an iconic street food. Each one was a little piece of local tradition, and every bite made my stroll through Brussels even sweeter.

Contributed by Courtney from Courtney in the Middle Seat

5. Baklava, Turkey

“Baklava” – a famous sweet from Middle-Eastern, central Asian & Balkan countries. Many people say it originated from the eastern Roman empire but this sweet got popularity from the Ottoman empire in Turkey and many now know this as Turkish sweet.

Also known as placenta cake because Baklava is layers of flaky sheets with crunchy nuts and all sweetened with awesome sugary syrup.  The authentic Turkish version of Baklava contains lots of pistachios and special sweetened frosting over it. And one more great feature of Baklava – Turkish sweet is that it can be eaten at any time of the day.

Within minutes the crunch of sweetened squares or parallelograms melts into your mouth. And I bet, you will always ask for more Baklava if you have one piece.

Baklava is also a popular edible souvenir. I made sure to bring some home to share with family and friends, and it was a hit! While there are many shapes and creative variations out there, nothing quite compares to the taste and tradition of classic Turkish baklava. As a vegetarian, I was happy to find that I could enjoy it without any worries, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Turkey.

Contributed by Yukti Agrawal from Travel With Me 24×7

6. Sachertorte, Vienna

Sachertorte is a decadent treat for chocolate lovers. It’s a dense chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam on top. It’s coated with dark chocolate icing on the top and sides and served with unsweetened whipped cream.

The story behind Sachertorte fascinated me. It was invented by Franz Sacher in 1832 for Prince Metternich, and ever since, it’s become a dessert with almost legendary status in Vienna.

To sample the original, I made my way to the iconic Sacher Hotel. I’d heard about the rivalry with the Demel pastry shop. Even the legal battle over the cake’s name! Clearly, Sachertorte is serious business here.

When I arrived at the Sacher Hotel, there was a line out the door, but the wait was part of the experience. We went in the late afternoon and only had to wait about 15 minutes before being served our slices of the famous cake.

Let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it. From the first bite, I understood why Sachertorte has become such a beloved Viennese tradition.

Contributed by Carine & Derek from We did it our way

7. Gelato, Italy

The quickest way to upset an Italian chef is to tell them that Gelato is just an ice cream. Often imitated nowadays around the world, there’s still nothing quite like tasting Gelato in Italy.

What distinguishes it? Well, Gelato typically contains around 70% less air and more flavorings than other ice creams. Ice cream also has more cream than milk, while Gelato has the opposite. And for the dieters, Gelato has less fat!

There’s always an exciting array of flavors to choose from, including vanilla, chocolate mixes, stracciatella, pistachio, mint, raspberry and so forth. Some gelateria even have 80 different flavors on the go. In Italy it’s typical to serve it either in a cup (coppetta) or a cone (cono) – the choice is yours.

Contributed by Dave Chant from www.davechant.com

8. Ras Malai, India

Indian meal is incomplete without having desserts in the end or basically it is served with an Indian Thali (platter). Ras Malai is West Bengal origin dessert in India. It’s very soft in texture and just melts in your mouth! Ras means juice and Malai means cream.

Ras Malai is made from Paneer (Indian cottage Cheese) and then it is soaked into sweetened thick milk. Almonds, cashews and saffron are added to garnish the dessert. It is typically served chilled after the meals.

Ras Malai is most popular dessert in India, particularly during the festivals of Diwali and Holi. Though Ras Malai is from Bengal, it is very popular in North India. I had best Ras Malai in Varanasi which is a hub for milk based sweets.

Contributed by Mayuri Patel from Fernwehrahee

9. Leche frita, Spain

Leche frita is a delicious Spanish dessert, very surprising because of its consistency and taste. The name “Leche frita” translates as fried milk and, in theory, that is exactly what it is. The fresh milk is boiled and then thickened with cornstarch until it becomes solid. It is then refrigerated overnight, passed through eggs and flour, and then fried.

The leche frita has a creamy consistency on the inside, enclosed in a crunchy shell. Before it is served, leche frita is rolled in sugar and cinnamon, which contribute to this dessert’s flavour. The taste of the leche frita is very delicate, whilst still sweet enough to satisfy any dessert lover.

It is not that common to find leche frita on restaurant’s menus because it takes a long time to cook. I tried it in one of the restaurants in La Cala de Mijas and since returned many times to the same place just to have leche frita again.

Contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

10. Chimney Cake, Hungary

Combining dessert and street food, the Chimney Cake was an absolute highlight of my travels through Hungary and Romania. Known locally as Kürtőskalács, these treats aren’t just delicious. They’re a spectacle to watch being made. I still remember stopping at a bustling street stall, completely mesmerized as strips of sweet dough were spun and skillfully wrapped around cone-shaped spits.

The aroma was irresistible as the cakes cooked over charcoal, with the vendor generously basting them with butter. When I finally got to try one, I was hooked by the contrast: the outside was perfectly crispy and caramelized, while the inside stayed light, fluffy, and warm. Each cake was rolled in sugar and cinnamon, making it impossible to eat just one bite.

While the classic version is served plain, I couldn’t resist trying a Chimney Cake filled with chocolate spread. It was pure bliss! Sometimes I opted for custard or cream fillings, each one just as decadent as the last. For anyone with a sweet tooth like mine, Kürtőskalács is an experience you simply can’t miss.

The best way to enjoy Chimney cake is bought from a street food van and eaten on the go, but there are also many cafes, particularly in Budapest, where you can sit and enjoy a Chimney cake with a coffee, whilst watching the world go by.

Contributed by Nell from Adventures With Nell

11. Kunefe, Turkey

Sampling local food in Turkey is a unique experience and this is true for both the savory and the sweet tastes. Probably the Turkish cuisine’s best dessert is the mouthwatering künefe.

This delicious dessert is made of unsalted cheese sandwiched between two layers of string pastry which is then doused in fresh butter and cooked in small copper pans. It is served hot with a dollop of kaymak cream (the Turkish take on clotted cream) or ice-cream on top.

The way künefe tastes and smells is literally out of this world and it’s definitely a special treat everyone should try at least once!

Contributed by Maria & Katerina from It’s All Trip To Me

12. Ensaladas de Fruta (AKA fruit salads), Colombia

One of the most delicious desserts I’ve tried while traveling the world are the ensaladas de fruta (AKA fruit salads) in Cali, Colombia. These aren’t your ordinary fruit salads. First comes the yogurt. Next is the tropical fruits, many of which you probably won’t find at home. After that, you’ve got a huge scoop of ice cream, drizzled with peanuts, coconut shavings, and condensed milk. Lastly (and most importantly), is the cheese.

Yes, I said cheese! The mixture of shredded cheese, ice cream, and fresh fruits is a killer combination you’ll never forget.

If you’re ever in Colombia (especially Cali near Las Canchas Panamericanas), this is a treat you won’t want to miss.

Contributed by Mitch Glass from Project Untethered

13. Mochi, Japan

Mochi, a delectable Japanese rice cake, is a sweet and chewy treat. You can grab one from little local bakeries in Japan, have one for dessert or go all out and enjoy mochi warm and served with dips and Matcha tea. This is how I had it when I spent 4 days in Tokyo. Japanese cuisine is delicious in general so it was no surprise to me that it was delicious.

Often mixed with sugar or sweet red bean paste, these gelatinous balls have been perfected over centuries of production. If you have a really sweet tooth, you can even try mochi ice cream, where they fill the sticky rice with an ice cream filling.

Contributed by Cassie Bailey from Cassie the Hag

14. Melomakarona, Greece

I feel like Melomakarona sum up Greece in one delicious bite. These wonderful biscuits, also known as Greek honey cookies, are the perfect dessert – they work with a strong coffee on the side or grabbed by the handful, by children (and adults) wanting a treat.

Drizzled in honey and cooked with the zest of oranges, they are then scattered with crunchy walnut pieces and are delicious. Every bite is like a taste of the Mediterranean and the warmth and happiness of Greek life.

Primarily cooked in the run up to Christmas the hint of cinnamon feels cozy and comforting. Once you have one you will find it hard to stop!

Contributed by Nichola from Globalmouse Travels

15. Peach Cobbler, South America

There really just is no dessert that screams summertime more than peach cobbler, especially if it comes with a side of vanilla ice cream. You’ll find this dish all over the American South, and it’s even important in parts of the Midwest and Southwest. It’s actually the official state dessert of Oklahoma!

The dish is actually dates back to colonial America, when the settlers had to improvise their dishes from home. Peaches were added because they were abundant in the South, whereas they used different fruits more often in the North.

While similar, the difference between a cobbler and a pie is that cobbler doesn’t require a bottom layer of crust but it always has a top layer, whereas pie must have crust on the bottom and  the crust on top is optional. This makes cobbler a much easier dish to make, since you can sprinkle your crust on instead of worrying about it being perfect. This also means cobbler is easier to turn into a healthy (or at least healthier) option, since you can use less crust on top.

Many peach cobbler recipes have you stew the peaches in sugar first with spices like cinnamon, while simpler recipes call for dumping frozen peaches right into the baking dish.

Contributed by Stephanie Craig from Oklahoma Wonders

16. Flan Cubano, Cuba

Flan Cubano is a traditional Cuban flan recipe topped with a deliciously sweet topping or caramelized sugar called creme caramel.

But really it is the base flan ingredients that make it so delicious. Cuban flan is thick, smooth and creamy because it only uses canned ingredients. While Mexican flan and other flan recipes use fresh milk or sometimes cream cheese, these ingredients are not readily available in Cuba.

Because Cuba struggles with a steady supply of fresh ingredients and milk is reserved for children, Cuban flan uses canned evaporated milk, condensed milk along with egg, sugar and vanilla. It’s so easy to make with only five ingredients.

Contributed by Ayngelina Brogan from Bacon is Magic 

17. Ice Cream Burrito, Taiwan

If you’re visiting Taiwan, you have to try an ice cream burrito.  It is a dessert like none other, and you’ll fall in love as soon as you try it.

An ice cream burrito starts with a thin flour crepe that has a generous helping of peanut nugget shaved onto it.  It is then topped with two scoops of taro or pineapple ice cream and fresh cilantro.  The crepe is rolled up like a burrito, put into a plastic bag, cut in half, and served to you. The cilantro sounds like an odd addition to the dish, but it adds a light and refreshing feel to the dessert.

You can find ice cream burritos at night markets throughout Taiwan, but the most famous place to get one is on Juifen Old Street.  There is always a lineup to get one on Juifen Old Street, but it is well worth the wait!

Contributed by Erica Riley from Travels with Erica

18. Cendol, Malaysia

There’s truly no better way to escape the sweltering heat of Asia than with a bowl of ice-cold cendol. I remember my first encounter with this refreshing dessert in Kuala Lumpur. I spotted a long line of locals at a bustling outdoor market and knew right away that I had to try it. Cendol is so beloved in Malaysia that it’s even been officially recognized as a ‘heritage food,’ and after one taste, I completely understood why.

This sublime treat is made from creamy coconut milk, rich palm sugar syrup, and those signature green rice flour jellies that add both texture and a fun pop of color. What I loved most was getting to choose my own toppings. Jackfruit and durian (the famously pungent yet delicious fruit) seemed to be crowd favorites, so of course I had to sample both.

Beyond the delicious flavors, cendol is all about timing. There’s a race to enjoy it before the ice melts and everything turns into a sweet, soupy mess.

Contributed by Caroline and Neil from CK Travels

19. Suksesskake, Norway

Suksesskake, or suksessterte, is a traditional Norwegian dessert made with almonds that is very popular in the north of Norway, but also available in the south. I tasted it on a Northern Europe cruise, which included ports in Norway, and fell in love after just one bite!

Consisting of layers of almond meringue and a sweet cream filling concocted with egg yolks, sugar, cream, and butter, the gluten free treat is super decadent and super yummy.

The version I had was topped with sliced almonds for a  little crunch. You can also find it topping free or garnished with shaved chocolate. Any way you have it, it is oh-so-delicious!

Contributed by Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

20. Eton Mess, England

Eton Mess is one of the most English foods you can have. Made from tasty pavlova – make it, don’t buy it – and cream and fruit all mashed together, you really can’t go wrong. Eton Mess apparently came from cricket matches at Eton College around 1900, but now it’s a staple for English summer BBQs.

Traditionally it’s served with strawberries, and strawberry flavoring, but you can also make it with lemon, raspberries, ginger, pineapple or whatever your heart desires to keep things exciting.

Fresh, tart and tasty, I haven’t met anyone in England who doesn’t like an Eton Mess. In fact, it’s my all time favorite dessert – and I’ve tried a lot!

Contributed by Victoria Philpott from Vicky FlipFlop Travels

21. Cranachan, Scotland

Scotland’s King of Desserts is Cranachan. Imagine a rich creamy pudding with a nuttiness, tartness of fresh raspberries and a hint of alcohol and you have Cranachan.

Made originally to celebrate harvest time, it is now a popular dish throughout the year, though especially on Burns Night in January.

Traditionally, Cranachan is made from double or heavy cream whipped until it is holding its shape with crushed, toasted oats, heather honey and of course Scottish whisky blended through. It is then layered in a glass dish with fresh raspberries, and maybe topped off with a piece of shortbread to make a very moreish dessert.

Restaurants around the world have varied the recipe and substituting mango, pineapple or orange, and biscuits, shortbread and even changing the whisky for rum or calvados. It is an easy recipe to make at home, whether you choose to be traditional or change it to suit your taste.

Contributed by Larch from The Silver Nomad

So, here you have it! Our list of most delicious desserts in the world. What desserts have you come across whilst travelling? We’d love to hear about some new ones we might not have heard of. Share with us in the comment section below!

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