The opportunities to try new foods and flavors, both sweet and savory, are one of the best things about travel. Desserts, just as much as mains and appetizers, tell you so much about a place’s history and culture. Many of the most popular desserts in the world have a fascinating backstory and they have been carried through generations of food lovers and cooks, each putting their own unique spin to these sweet dishes. So, the next time you find yourself in any of these countries, you will know where to find the sweet spot.
Tiramisu (Italy)
Tiramisu hardly needs any introduction. It is a classic Italian dessert that is made up of sponge fingers soaked in coffee, generally layered between a mascarpone cheese whipped with sugar and eggs, and then topped with cocoa. Originated in the 1960s in the Italy’s Veneto region, Tiramisu is a relatively new dessert. Yet, it has become one of the most popular desserts in the world.
Churros (Spain)
Churros were introduced to the world by the Spanish. They are quite popular around the world, even in American baseball games and Korean movie theatres. Churros are sticks of soft dough made from various specific ingredients, including wheat flour. They are best relished with coffee or creamy Spanish hot chocolate. They are powdered with sugar and cinnamon. The interior is softer but the exterior is crispy and this dessert just electrifies the delicious sensation in one’s mouth. This dessert has been adopted by cultures the world over.
Lamingtons (Australia)
This sponge cake is Australia’s favorite. It originated in New Zealand under the name Wellington and it is covered in coconut shreds and melted chocolate. Lamingtons are available in different flavors such as lemon and strawberry. They are available with a layer of strawberry jam or cream as well. The origins of this dessert date back to the turn of the 20th century. Every year, National Lamington Day is celebrated on July 21st in Australia.
Apfelstrudel (Austria)
Apfelstrudel or Apple Strudel is the favorite dessert of Austria. It is an oblong flaky pastry that features tasty apple filling on the inside. Grated apples are generally mixed with breadcrumbs, raisins, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Apfelstrudel is enjoyed best when served with traditional Viennese coffee and icing sugar. The Viennese strudel was created during the Hapsburg Empire in Austria in the 17th century. It is now one of the most popular desserts in the world.
Black Forest (Germany)
Apart from the iconic mountain-top castles, the delicious black forest cake is the pride of Germany. It is also known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in the country. The black forest cake is made of several layers of chocolate cake filled with cherries and whipped cream. Once done, it is adorned with more cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. This decadent cake is particularly very popular in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and parts of northern Italy.
Desserts are like soul food. Once you taste them, you keep coming back for more. The desserts listed above come from countries far and wide and they all have their own unique flavors and cultural significance in those specific regions.
Photos by: Brooke Lark, Marianna Ole, Olya Kobruseva, Laark Karen, Ulrike Köb, Jacob Thomas