14 Luxurious European Desserts Every American Should Try At Least Once
If you think American desserts are good, wait until you try these 14 amazing European sweets. These desserts are so flavorful and so intense that they make every American dessert look basic and boring. We promise that once you take just one bite of a European treat on this list, you will never go back to American desserts ever again. Give them a try, and you will see! You’ll be immediately obsessed with European desserts.
Mille Feuille – France
Mille Feuille means “a thousand leaves” in French, and it gets its name from the compacted layers of puff pastry that form this incredibly French dessert. Puff pastry normally rises as it bakes, but here we weigh it down so that it forms crisp, thin pieces of delicious buttery pastry instead. Crisp puff pastry with vanilla pastry cream is a match made in heaven, you have to try it.
Go to the recipe: Mille Feuille
Sacher Torte Cake – Austria
Austrian Sacher Torte cake is a Viennese specialty, and it’s a European cake recipe that defines elegance. Two layers of chocolate sponge cakes, a fine layer of apricot jam, and a smooth chocolate glaze make this dessert a must-try European cake, one of the best European chocolate desserts for sure.
Go to the recipe: Sacher Torte Cake
Tiramisu – Italy
Traditional tiramisu is soft and creamy with airy ladyfingers, a rich yet light mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, and a dusting of delicious cocoa powder to finish. Tiramisu originated from the Veneto region in Northern Italy, but it is so popular worldwide that you can enjoy it in Italian restaurants anywhere. And now, you can try my easy recipe and eat it at home too.
Go to the recipe: Tiramisu
Ricotta Pie – Italy
This easy Sicilian ricotta pie with a hint of lemon is one of the creamiest, most delicious European desserts you will ever make! Classic Ricotta Pie is traditionally a spring dessert associated with Easter, but I think you can enjoy it at any time of year. The fresh lemon flavor, creamy filling, and crispy pie crust is the most amazing combination of flavor and texture.
Go to the recipe: Ricotta Pie
Danish Butter Cookies
For a simple yet flavorful dessert or snack that the whole family will love, these buttery and soft Danish butter cookies (also known as Danish biscuits) will not disappoint! Using the same six ingredients from the classic Royal Dansk Danish cookies in the blue tin that many know and love.
Go to the recipe: Danish Butter Cookies
Napoleon Cake – Russia
You might be mistaken in believing Napoleon cake is French, but it is actually Russian! Napoleon cake is a classic Russian layer cake made of crunchy puff pastry and silky pastry cream. It was first served in 1912 to honor the 100th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Napoleon. It will tower above your dinner table with its many layers of buttery pastry and smooth filling; trust me, this puff pastry dessert is certainly a real showstopper.
Go to the recipe: Napoleon Cake
Limoncello Tiramisu – Italy
This bright and refreshing Limoncello tiramisu puts a citrusy twist on the classic Italian dessert! Made with Limoncello lemon curd, sweet ladyfingers, and creamy mascarpone cream between each layer, it will surely leave an impression. Serve it after your favorite pasta for a well-rounded Italian meal you won’t forget!
Go to the recipe: Limoncello tiramisu
Crème brûlée – France
I bet you love ordering Crème brûlée as a dessert in restaurants, however, did you know that making Crème brûlée at home is in fact shockingly easy? It is one of the most delicious custard creams of all that comes together in literally 5 minutes using 3 simple ingredients: cream, egg yolk, and sugar. This is a no-fail, restaurant-like professional yet easy Crème brûlée recipe that will impress everyone, try it!
Go to the recipe: Crème brûlée
Lemon Ricotta Cookies – Italy
Brighten up your world with a burst of citrusy bliss with these easy-to-make and delectably delicious Italian lemon ricotta cookies! With their soft melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect balance of tangy and sweet, these lemon cookies are a true delight! Whether you serve them alongside your favorite hot beverage or take them to your next family gathering, they are sure to be a hit!
Go to the recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cookies
Chocolate Brioche – France
For chocolate lovers who also enjoy the tender, fluffy texture of brioche bread, this chocolate brioche gives you the best of both worlds! This easy chocolate brioche recipe takes classic brioche bread and fills it with swirls of creamy chocolate and cocoa powder before topping it with melted butter. Enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or for an after dinner treat!
Go to the recipe: Chocolate Brioche
Lemon Ricotta Cake- Italy
This delicious, easy Italian Lemon ricotta cake is by far one of the best lemon desserts you will ever try. Made with fresh lemons, creamy ricotta cheese, and a hint of vanilla extract, it has a gently sweet, citrusy flavor and an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture that resembles a moist sponge cake. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert with a side of ice cream, it will be hard not to run back for seconds!
Go to the recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cake
German Bee Sting Cake – Germany
This delicious two-layer traditional German bee sting cake is sure to be the talk of your guests at your next gathering! Made with soft, airy, French brioche bread filled with creamy vanilla pastry cream and a honey-glazed, crunchy almond topping, it is more than tasty but also eye-catching!
Go to the recipe: German Bee Sting Cake
Mini Tiramisu Cups – Italy
These mini tiramisu cups are the perfect no-bake dessert for summer. They come together in 15 minutes using a few simple ingredients. Airy ladyfingers are layered between light mascarpone cream, rich espresso, and a touch of cocoa finish. Individual tiramisu parfaits that no need to share!
Go to the recipe: Mini Tiramisu Cups
Baklava – Greece / Turkey
Baklava is originally from Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East, and it’s certainly easy to see why its invention is hotly contested between countries. It is a layered dessert made of filo pastry (phyllo), filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. Enjoy baklava with hot, strong coffee to bring out its delicate sweetness and nutty flavor.
And, if you love baklava, you should also definitely make my baklava cheesecake.
Go to the recipe: Baklava
