Date of publication 14/01/2025
Los mejores postres del mundo (que debes probar en tus vacaciones)
What are the best desserts in the world? If you have a sweet tooth, you’ve probably wondered about this—especially when preparing for a trip to a new destination. The best way to find out? Sample the local sweet treats wherever you go! The best part is that you can always go back for seconds (or thirds) of your favorites. To get you inspired, here’s a list of irresistible desserts that will add a touch of sweetness to your trip and give you a taste of the local culinary culture.
Creamy desserts you can’t miss
Pastéis de Nata (Portugal)
When it comes to creamy desserts, pastéis de nata is a classic Portuguese treat that truly stands out. These mini custard tarts have a creamy center and a crisp, flaky pastry shell. Made with puff pastry and filled with a rich mixture of cream, eggs, and sugar, caramelized on top, they’re simply irresistible. The renowned pastéis de Belém even have a protected designation of origin, as they originate from the Belém district of Lisbon, where this beloved recipe was born.
Tres Leches Cake (Mexico)
In Mexico, the tres leches cake is as iconic as mole or tacos al pastor, with regional variations found throughout Latin America in countries like Colombia and Venezuela. This cake is soaked in three types of milk—evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Depending on the location and the chef, it may be topped with meringue, whipped cream, or chantilly, and often dusted with cinnamon or garnished with maraschino cherries.
Cheesecake (Greece and the United States)
Contrary to popular belief, cheesecake didn’t originate in the U.S.—it was invented in Greece, a land of myths and legends where this ancient dessert is still enjoyed today. However, the modern version has become one of the most beloved creamy desserts in cities like New York. The classic New York cheesecake is made with cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, and a touch of flour for structure. The base is typically made from crushed cookies and melted butter. After baking and cooling, it is often topped with strawberry or blueberry jam for an extra burst of flavor.
Ensaimada (Spain)
If you visit Mallorca, you can’t leave without trying the traditional ensaimada. This famous Balearic pastry is made from a soft, fluffy dough of flour, eggs, pork lard (the name ensaimada comes from the Catalan word saïm, meaning lard), water, yeast, and a pinch of salt. After being baked to perfection, it is generously dusted with powdered sugar, and slivered almonds, and sometimes filled with whipped cream or toasted custard. This treat is perfect for any time of day, from brunch to an afternoon snack.
Must-try puff pastry desserts
Baklava (Greece and Turkey)
One of the best puff pastry desserts in the world is baklava. From the bustling markets of Istanbul to the historic bakeries of Crete, this iconic treat has become a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine. Originating from traditional Ottoman cuisine, the secret to this decadent dessert lies in its delicate layers of thin pastry, each brushed with butter and stacked with finely chopped nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios. The final touch is a drizzle of sweet syrup or honey, which soaks into the layers for added sweetness. Served cold and cut into bite-sized squares, baklava is an unforgettable indulgence.
Apple Tarte Tatin (France)
Fresh, seasonal ingredients are the stars of many iconic homemade desserts, like the French tarte Tatin. This upside-down apple pie was invented by the famous Tatin sisters in the late 19th century. The recipe calls for seasonal apples, which are slowly caramelized in butter and sugar before being placed at the bottom of a baking dish or cast-iron skillet and covered with a layer of puff pastry. The pastry is brushed with egg and baked until golden. Before serving, the tart is flipped so that the caramelized apples rest on top—a delicious showstopper!.
The best chocolate desserts
Brownie (United States)
Did you know that Katharine Hepburn had her own brownie recipe? A neighbor of the Hollywood icon sent the recipe to The New York Times in a letter to the editor, making it famous. The brownie, considered one of the best chocolate desserts in the world, has won hearts everywhere with its rich, indulgent flavor. This classic treat is made with eggs, flour, sugar, butter, cocoa powder, and walnuts, often enhanced with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon. Since it doesn’t contain baking powder, this American favorite has a thin, dense, and moist texture that packs an intense chocolate punch.
Brigadeiros (Brazil)
Brazilian cuisine boasts its own chocolate treat: brigadeiros. These small cylindrical sweets are a staple at family gatherings, popular celebrations, and kids' birthday parties. Made by mixing melted cocoa powder, condensed milk, and butter, the mixture is chilled before being shaped into small balls and rolled in chocolate sprinkles.
Iconic international desserts you must try
Tiramisú (Italy)
No trip to Italy is complete without tasting homemade tiramisú—the perfect finale to an Italian feast of pizza and pasta. This classic dessert is made with ladyfingers (savoiardi), which are soaked in strong coffee and layered in a glass dish or individual servings. Each layer is generously covered with a rich mascarpone cheese cream made from eggs and sugar, then dusted with cocoa powder for a finishing touch. Other iconic Italian desserts, such as panna cotta, gelato, and panettone, also highlight Italy's rich culinary heritage.
Torrijas (Spain)
In Spain, torrijas are traditionally enjoyed during Lent and Holy Week, though in some regions, such as the Canary Islands, they’re also served during Carnival celebrations—sometimes with a hint of anise. This comforting dessert is made with thick slices of stale bread soaked in milk infused with cinnamon sticks, lemon peel, and sugar for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, the bread is dipped in beaten egg and fried in hot olive oil until golden. The fried slices can be sprinkled with cinnamon and served plain, drizzled with syrup, or soaked in even more milk for an extra indulgence.
