Our guide on the most popular desserts in the world for you to try at home.
Desserts are a universal love, with each culture offering its own sweet treats that have gained popularity worldwide. From decadent chocolate-based dishes to light and fruity indulgences, these desserts are famous for a reason.
From the rich and creamy tiramisu of Italy to the delicate, fruit-topped pavlova from down under, these popular desserts offer a world of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer something light like pavlova or decadent like cheesecake, each dessert is a unique treat to savor. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and indulge in the sweet flavors from around the globe!
Here’s a guide to some of the most popular desserts in the world, with recipes, tips for perfecting them, and calorie information.
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Most Popular Desserts in the World
1. Tiramisu (Italy)
What It Is: Tiramisu is a creamy, coffee-flavored Italian dessert made with layers of ladyfingers dipped in espresso, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder.
Ingredients:
3 large eggs, separated
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup strong espresso (cooled)
1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
24 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions:
In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the mascarpone and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks, then fold into the mascarpone mixture.
Dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso (mixed with liqueur if using) and layer them in a dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone. Dust with cocoa powder and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Tips:
For a boozy kick, add coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Marsala wine to the espresso. Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
A serving of tiramisu (about 1 slice) contains approximately 400-450 calories.
Read here how to make Tiramisu
2. Crème Brûlée (France)
What It Is: A rich, creamy custard topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. The contrast between the smooth custard and the crunchy sugar topping makes it irresistible.
Ingredients:
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Heat the cream in a saucepan until simmering (do not boil). Slowly add the cream to the egg mixture while whisking.
Stir in vanilla extract and pour the mixture into ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish halfway with hot water. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Chill for at least 2 hours. Before serving, sprinkle sugar over each custard and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.
Tips:
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Serve with fresh berries for a touch of acidity.
A serving of crème brûlée (1 ramekin) contains around 250-350 calories.
Read here how to make crème brûlée
3. Cheesecake (USA)
What It Is: Cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert made from a base of cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, with a buttery graham cracker crust. It can be flavored with vanilla, lemon, or fruit toppings.
Ingredients:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
24 oz (3 packs) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
Fresh fruit or fruit sauce (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a springform pan. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set. Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Top with fresh fruit or a fruit sauce if desired.
Tips:
For a creamier texture, bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open to prevent cracks on the surface.
A slice of traditional cheesecake contains approximately 300-450 calories, depending on toppings.
Read here how to make Cheesecake
4. Baklava (Middle East)
What It Is: A rich, sweet dessert made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
Ingredients:
1 package filo pastry
2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds), finely chopped
1 cup melted butter
1 cup honey
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a baking dish with melted butter. Layer half the filo sheets, brushing each sheet with butter as you layer.
Spread the chopped nuts mixed with cinnamon over the filo. Layer the remaining filo sheets on top, brushing each with butter. Cut the baklava into diamond shapes. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Meanwhile, heat honey, sugar, water, vanilla, and lemon juice in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pour the syrup over the baked baklava and let it soak for a few hours before serving.
Tips:
Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava before baking to ensure clean, even pieces. Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving to let the syrup fully absorb.
A serving of baklava (1 piece) contains about 250-300 calories.
Read here how to make Baklava
5. Pavlova (Australia/New Zealand)
What It Is: Pavlova is a light, airy meringue dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, typically berries or passionfruit.
Ingredients:
4 large egg whites
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Whipped cream and fresh fruit (for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold in vinegar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Spread the meringue into a round shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside the oven with the door ajar.
Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit before serving.
Tips:
Ensure the mixing bowl is completely clean and dry to achieve stiff peaks in the meringue. Do not open the oven door while the pavlova is baking, as this can cause it to collapse.
A serving of pavlova (1 slice) contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the toppings.
6. Churros (Spain)
What It Is: Churros are fried dough pastries, often rolled in sugar and served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
1 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Sugar and cinnamon (for coating)
Oil (for frying)
Instructions:
In a saucepan, bring water, sugar, and oil to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in flour and baking powder until a smooth dough forms. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan. Spoon the dough into a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe strips of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden, about 2-3 minutes.
Drain on paper towels and roll the churros in sugar and cinnamon. Serve with melted chocolate for dipping.
Tips:
Use a star-shaped piping tip to create the classic churro ridges. Serve fresh for the best texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
A serving of churros (3 pieces) contains approximately 200-300 calories, depending on the size and if served with chocolate.
Read here how to make Churros
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.