International Desserts: 6 Recipes from Around the World

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Desserts are an essential part of every culture and cuisine, and they offer a perfect way to wrap up a meal. Every country has its unique desserts that reflect its history, culture, and climate. In this blog post, we have compiled ten delicious and easy-to-make dessert recipes from different parts of the world. So, let's explore the sweet side of international gastronomy.


France: Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée is a French dessert that has gained popularity worldwide due to its rich, creamy texture and caramelized sugar topping. It is made with a custard base of egg yolks, cream, and sugar, which is then baked in a water bath. Once it's chilled, the dessert is topped with a layer of sugar, which is then torched until it forms a hard, crispy crust.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a saucepan, heat the cream until it starts to simmer.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour the hot cream over the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  5. Pour the custard mixture into ramekins or other small oven-safe dishes.
  6. Place the dishes in a baking dish and fill the dish with water, about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  8. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
  9. Just before serving, sprinkle sugar over the top of each custard.
  10. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust.


Italy: Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. It has a creamy texture with a slight crunch from the ladyfingers, and the coffee flavor gives it a rich, bold taste. This dessert is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for dinner parties.

Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup strong coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 24-30 ladyfingers
  • Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
  2. Add the mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  4. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
  5. Mix the cooled coffee and coffee liqueur (if using) in a shallow dish.
  6. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for a few seconds, making sure it's fully coated but not soggy.
  7. Layer the ladyfingers in a dish or individual glasses.
  8. Spread a layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
  9. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of the mascarpone mixture.
  10. Dust the top with cocoa powder.
  11. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.


Turkey: Baklava

Baklava is a popular Turkish dessert that has also gained fame in other parts of the world. It is made with layers of filo pastry, chopped nuts, and honey or syrup. The pastry is flaky, and the filling is crunchy, making for a delightful texture combination. Baklava is typically served with a strong cup of Turkish coffee, making it a perfect dessert to share with friends and family.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound filo pastry
  • 1 pound chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or a mixture of both)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
  3. In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts with sugar.
  4. Unroll the filo pastry and cut it to fit the size of the baking dish.
  5. Cover the filo pastry with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
  6. Brush a layer of melted butter on the bottom of the dish.
  7. Place a layer of filo pastry on top of the butter, brushing each layer with butter.
  8. Add a layer of the nut mixture.
  9. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish, ending with a layer of filo pastry.
  10. Brush the top layer with butter.
  11. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
  12. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
  13. While the baklava is baking, mix the honey, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
  14. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  15. Once the baklava is done, pour the honey syrup over it while it's still hot.
  16. Let the baklava cool before serving.


Mexico: Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a popular dessert in Mexico and other Latin American countries. It is a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This dessert is rich, creamy, and sweet, making it a perfect choice for celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Whipped cream and berries for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
  3. In a bowl, mix the flour and baking powder.
  4. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition.
  6. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  7. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. While the cake is still hot, pierce it all over with a fork.
  10. Mix the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream in a bowl.
  11. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure it soaks in.
  12. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  13. Before serving, top with whipped cream and berries, if desired.


Greece: Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry that is popular in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, including Greece. It is made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and a sweet syrup made with honey and lemon juice. Baklava is typically served with a cup of strong coffee or tea.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound phyllo dough
  • 1 pound chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or a mixture of both)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
  3. In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts with sugar.
  4. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it to fit the size of the baking dish.
  5. Cover the phyllo dough with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
  6. Brush a layer of melted butter on the bottom of the dish.
  7. Place a layer of phyllo dough on top of the butter, brushing each layer with butter.
  8. Add a layer of the nut mixture.
  9. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish, ending with a layer of phyllo dough brushed with butter.
  10. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces.
  11. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  12. While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup by combining the honey, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
  13. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  14. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over the top, making sure it seeps into all the cuts.
  15. Allow the baklava to cool and soak up the syrup for at least 1 hour before serving.


Korea: Bingsu

Bingsu is a popular Korean dessert that is made with shaved ice and a variety of sweet toppings. The toppings can range from sweetened red beans and fruit to condensed milk and syrup. Bingsu is a refreshing and delicious treat that is perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups shaved ice
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup sweetened red bean paste
  • 1/2 cup sliced fresh fruit (such as strawberries, kiwi, or mango)
  • 1/4 cup fruit syrup (such as strawberry or mango syrup)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large bowl with shaved ice.
  2. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the ice.
  3. Add the sweetened red bean paste and sliced fruit.
  4. Drizzle the fruit syrup over the top.
  5. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!


Conclusion

Desserts are a delicious and indulgent way to explore the flavors of different cultures around the world. From the rich and creamy Crème Brûlée of France to the refreshing and sweet Bingsu of Korea, there is no shortage of tasty treats to discover. Whether you're looking for something rich and decadent or light and fruity, these international dessert recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and transport you to far-off lands. So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a delicious journey around the world!

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