Europe is a culinary mecca especially when it comes to desserts. So many incredible classic pastries originate from the European region and many of them are still pretty unknown in the United States. It is time to change that! We have gathered 51 amazing European dessert recipes that you need to try right away. The bold flavors, exciting combinations, and easy-to-make recipes are going to change how you look at baking. You may just find your new favorite dessert!
Tiramisu
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 theVeneto 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
Napoleon Cake
You might be mistaken in believing Napoleon Cake is French, but it is actually Russian!Napoleon cakeis a classic Russian layer cakemade of crunchy puff pastry and silky pastry cream. It was first served in 1912to 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
Mille Feuille
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
Lussekatter
TraditionalSwedish saffron buns called Lussekatter(named after Lucia cats) are theultimate saffron-infused fluffy yeasted briocheto bake before the holidays! These buns are crazy moist and delicious, and primarily made for St. Lucia Day (December 13th) but enjoyed throughout November and December in Sweden.
Go to the recipe: Lussekatter
Palmiers
These deliciously sweet and buttery FrenchPalmierscookies are perfectly light, crispy, and crunchy perfection with each bite! Made with just a package ofstore-bought puff pastryand a bit of sugar, this2-ingredient easy recipecomes together in just40 minutes!
Go to the recipe: Palmiers
Rum Baba
Rum baba (baba au rum), this classic yeast French bundt cake soaked in delicious rum syrup, decorated with a light vanilla bean whipped mascarpone frosting is the ultimate brioche-like boozy dessert!
Go to the recipe: Rum baba
Sacher Torte Cake
AustrianSacher Torte Cake is aViennese specialty, and it's a European cake recipethat defines elegance. Two layers of chocolate sponge cakes, a fine layer ofapricot 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
Macarons
Macaron is a classic European dessert that is hugely popular worldwide because it looks so pretty and tastes so good! You can make macarons in so many flavors; they are also very versatile and make great gifts or petit fours after dinner.
Go to the recipe: Macarons
Homemade Ladyfingers
Slightly crisp on the outside yet soft and airy on the inside, Ladyfingers (or savoiardi) is one of my favorite European desserts and an absolute must for making tiramisu. They originate from Savoy, which is now part of France, but the story goes that they were presented to the King of France as a gift in the 15th century and went down in history as an official 'court biscuit.'
Go to the recipe: Homemade Ladyfingers
Victoria Sponge Cake
Victoria Sponge Cake is a classic British cake named after the famous British queen, so it is certainly one of the most famous European cakes. Bake moist layers of sponge cake and sandwich them together with strawberry jam and lashings of whipped cream. I decorate my Victoria sponge cake with more piped whipped cream and fresh fruit, and it looks so decadent and regal.
Go to the recipe: Victoria Sponge Cake
Eclair
Eclairs are classic French pastries that are widely popular all around the world. Delicious crispy and creamy eclairs filled with chocolate orvanillapastry cream covered with a chocolate glaze will impress everyone!
Go to the recipe: Eclair
Croquembouche
Croquembouche is a very famous sight in French patisserie windows. Have you ever seen a tower of profiteroles wrapped in a delicate cobweb of spun sugar? It's certainly a showstopper! A beautiful and impressive croquembouche is traditionally served at weddings as a grand centerpiece; it isn't hard to see why.
Go to the recipe: Croquembouche
Ricotta pie
This easySicilian Ricotta piewith a hint of lemon is one of thecreamiest, 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 us the most amazing flavor and texture combination.
Go to the recipe: Ricotta pie
Basque Burnt Cheesecake
I love Spanish food. This Basque Burnt Cheesecake recipe comes together in just five minutes and only uses five simple ingredients,yet it has such an unbelievable texture and taste. Basque Burnt Cheesecake, or San Sebastian Cheesecake, is the easiest cheesecake of all; honestly, it's a must-try! There is no water bath, but the result is still the creamiest, most amazing custard-like texture with a caramelized top.
Go to the recipe: Basque Burnt Cheesecake
Paris-Brest
Imagine a ring of choux pastry filled with hazelnut praline crème mousseline filling. Certainly, it sounds delicious, one of my favorite French desserts! This classic French Paris-Brest recipe has it all. Crispy pâte à choux, silky, nutty creme mousseline filling, extra praline paste, and roasted hazelnuts make Paris-Brest one of the most impressive European desserts of all! This fancy-looking dish is a great dessert for a dinner party as it feeds a crowd and looks so impressive.
Go to the recipe: Paris-Brest
Baklava
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 filopastry (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.
Go to the recipe: Baklava
Mini Tiramisu Cups
The Italians scored the jackpot when they invented Tiramisu. And now you can make delicious Mini Tiramisu Cups so you don't have to share! I love Tiramisu so much that I made an easy version with just three ingredients you can whip up in minutes. This simple tiramisu recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic European dessert with zero hassle and using basic pantry ingredients.
Go to the recipe: Mini Tiramisu Cups
Homemade Ferrero Rocher
Ferrero Rocher is a famous Italian chocolate truffle with a whole roasted hazelnut encased in a creamy hazelnut filling, covered with chocolateand crunchy hazelnut pieces.It is divine! In this recipe, I show you how you can make this European chocolate dessert yourself at home.
Go to the recipe: Homemade Ferrero Rocher
Panna Cotta
Panna Cottameans "cooked cream" in Italian,and this European dessert is incredibly versatile. It is a molded dessertof sweetened cream thickened and set withgelatin to make the texture stable yet still jiggly. It can be flavored in so many ways, from coffee, coconut, vanilla, or other fruit. This particular Panna cotta recipe is made with coconut milk, so it is, in fact, a dairy-free European dessert.
Go to the recipe: Panna Cotta
Galette
Galette has to be one of the easiest French desserts. The super-rich, buttery rustic crust only takes a few minutes to make, and you can layer it with whichever fruit you prefer! It's just so easy. Bake the galette in the oven until it is crispy and bubbling, and simply serve it with ice cream for the tastiest, easiest dessert.
Go to the recipe: Galette
Choux Au Craquelin
Choux Au Craquelin is an elegant crunchycream puff made from choux pastry topped with a thin cookie disc calledcraquelin.Craquelin adds an extra sweet, crunchy texture, and you can pipe the interior air pocket full of delicious fillings like diplomat cream for a classic European dessert.
Go to the recipe: Choux Au Craquelin
Crème brûlée
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 French 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
Clafoutis
Cherry Clafoutis, thisclassic French dessertis the ultimate flan-like recipe that comes together really quickly and easily! It has a custard-like creamy texture andcan be made with a great variety of fruits, eg. berries, cherries, apples, etc.
Go to the recipe: Clafoutis
Danish Butter Cookies
For a simple yet flavorful dessert or snack that the whole family will love, thesebutteryandsoftDanish butter cookies(also known asDanish 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
Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies
One of the most traditional Austrian Cookies is this Linzer Cookie, filled with apricot or raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar. They are the star of every holiday cookie tray.
Go to the recipe: Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies
Medovik tortRussian honey layer cake
ThisMedovik tortRussian honey layer cake is a unique birthday or celebration cake. Layered with thin honey cakes and whipped sour cream frosting makes for a deliciously soft and satisfying cake.
Go to the recipe: Medovik tortRussian honey layer cake
Haselnussmakronen
Haselnussmakronen are German Hazelnut Macaroons. Chewy and sweet, these German cookies are made with only egg whites, ground hazelnuts, cinnamon, and sugar.
Go to the recipe: Haselnussmakronen
Cannelés de Bordeaux
Cannelés -sometimes spelled Canelés -are a classic French pastry that has a deliciously crispy caramelised exterior and soft baked custard center. These little cakes are packed with fresh Vanilla flavors and a touch of Rum.
Go to the recipe: Cannelés de Bordeaux
Kladdkaka
This is the fast perfect cake: chocolate is the main ingredient and is really easy to bake. You just need to serve a piece of this Swedish chocolate cake with whipped cream to enjoy the perfect chocolate dessert.
Go to the recipe: Kladdkaka
Pączki Polish Donuts
These deep-fried fluffy yeast doughnuts are filled with jam (or with other delicious fillings) and glazed with icing or dusted with powdered sugar.
Go to the recipe: Pączki Polish Donuts
Italian Rum Cake
This cake is so fluffy and delicious! Everyone will love it with its rum and vanilla flavor, sponge layers, and two types of delicious frosting. The Italian Rum Cake is your next party cake.
Go to the recipe: Italian Rum Cake
Sand Cake
Ready for a brand new dessert recipe that whips up fast? This Serbian no-bake sand cake, AKA pesak torta, is the perfect solution for busy days when you need a show-stopping dessert in a hurry.
Go to the recipe: Sand Cake
Greek Skillet Orange Fillo Cake
This dish is a traditional Greek dessert with filo pastry, oranges, cinnamon, and simple syrup that we made more accessible to home cooks by making it in a skillet.
Go to the recipe: Greek Skillet Orange Fillo Cake
Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake
This Italian ricotta dessert falls somewhere between a cake and a pudding. You will need a Bundt pan to make this tasty lemon ricotta amaretti cake which is often served at Christmas or other holidays.
Go to the recipe: Lemon Ricotta Amaretti Budino Cake
Italian Sponge Cake
Italian Sponge Cake is a simple recipe made with just three ingredients! This fluffy cake is a classic recipe you don't want to miss!
Go to the recipe: Italian Sponge Cake
Czech sweet pastry frgale
Czech sweet pastry frgale is a European specialty, which is typical for the region called Valassko in the northeast of the Czech Republic. It is a sweet dough shaped in pizza and topped with choices of plum jam, dry pressed cottage cheese, blueberries, or poppy seed filling.
Go to the recipe: Czech sweet pastry frgale
Torta Della Nonna
Torta Della Nonnais a simple, rustic Italian dessert that is loved throughout Italy!This homely tart consists of a lemony, tender shortcrust filled with luscious Italian pastry cream and is an absolutely ideal way to end any meal!!
Go to the recipe: Torta Della Nonna
Sicilian cheesecake
Luxurious, light, and easy to make, my creamySicilian cheesecakeis perfect for desserts, holidays, and every kind of celebration.
Go to the recipe: Sicilian cheesecake
Kourabiedes
Kourabiedes(Kουραμπιέδες) cookies are a traditionalGreek shortbread-type biscuit, usually made with ground almonds. These Greek butter cookies are typically served atChristmassince they resemble snowballs.
Go to the recipe: Kourabiedes
Ravani Greek Semolina Cake
Greek Semolina Cake orRavaniis a delicious sponge cake that is popular throughout Greece. This light, airy cake has hints of citrus flavor and is sweetened with simple syrup.
Go to the recipe: Ravani Greek Semolina Cake
Apple Cake Greek Milopita
This Apple Cake (or Milopita in Greek) is moist, tender, and filled with thinly sliced apples. The apples and warm cinnamon spice make this the perfect fall treat to pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
Go to the recipe: Apple Cake Greek Milopita
Torta Caprese
Torta Caprese is a delicious, flourless, chocolate-almond cake from Capri! If you love fudgy brownies, you'll love this gluten-free chocolate cake, with its crackly top and moist center.
Go to the recipe: Torta Caprese
DoubleChocolate Chip and Coffee Biscotti
DoubleChocolate Chip and Coffee Biscottiare rich, decadent chocolatey cookies. These double-chocolate Italian cookies are perfect for dipping in a cup of coffee.
Go to the recipe: DoubleChocolate Chip and Coffee Biscotti
Danish Kringle
This Danish kringle recipe is brought to you from the middle of Nowhere, Wisconsin. If you're not familiar with our state or have never been here, there are a few essentials that every good cheesehead is familiar with.
Go to the recipe: Danish Kringle
Traditional German Plum Cake
German plum cake, also known as Zwetschgenkuchen is a culinary highlight in late summer and autumn in Germany. The cake is made with simple yeast dough, a layer of plums, and a delightful streusel topping.
Go to the recipe: Traditional German Plum Cake
Authentic Nussecken (German Nut Corners)
These nut corners are a delicious combination of three layers - a buttery shortcrust pastry, apricot jam, and a crunchy nut topping. Dipped into chocolate these dessert bars make a real treat for any nut lover.
Go to the recipe: Authentic Nussecken
Prinzregententorte German Layer Cake
Prinzregententorte is a traditional German layer cake consisting of eight layers of fluffy Genoise Sponge sandwiched with a smooth, creamy Chocolate German Buttercream and topped with a poured chocolate ganache. It's delicious and chocolatey, but not too rich.
Go to the recipe: Prinzregententorte German Layer Cake
Dutch Apple Pie
A traditionalDutch apple pierecipe is made with a crumbly, buttery crust, a sweet apple filling, and a lace pattern on top. The cinnamon in this recipe makes it the perfect fall dessert.
Go to the recipe: Dutch Apple Pie
French crepes
This French crepes recipe is super easy to make with just a few basic ingredients. Serve these buttery homemade crepes with fresh fruit or Nutella for an amazing dessert or breakfast.
Go to the recipe: French crepes
German Black Forest Cake
Authentic German Black Forest Cake or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. This is the best-known German gateau there is. Three layers of chocolate sponge filled with cherries, Kirsch, and whipped cream, and garnished with chocolate shavings.
Go to the recipe: German Black Forest Cake
Apple and Blueberry Crumble
Apple and Blueberry Crumbleis a healthy & delicious quintessential British dessert made with juicy, sweet autumn apples and blueberries topped with nutty, crisp crumble. It is perfect for summer, autumn, or the holiday season.
Go to the recipe: Apple and Blueberry Crumble
Tiramisu Cookies
These delicious, coffee-flavoredtiramisu cookiesare the perfect after-dinner treat, dessert table addition, or compliment to your morning cup of coffee. A delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, this easy tiramisu cookie recipe combinesespressopowder and sweetmascarpone frostingtopped withcocoa powder. No matter how or where you eat them, it is sure to be something that everyone will love!
Go to the recipe: Tiramisu Cookies
More from Spatula Desserts
Here's our list of all thebest summer dessertsto make as the sun comes out and the weather heats up. 45 Delicious and easy-to-make sweets for BBQ parties, summer vacations, and fun are all on the menu. Whether you like fruity desserts, chocolate desserts, easy no-bake desserts, ice cream, or all of the above, we've got you.
Go to the recipes: Summer Desserts
Best Nutella Desserts
These are thebest Nutella dessertsto enjoy when you just can't get enough of thatsmooth chocolate hazelnut taste. If you're aNutella addictlike me, you'll love my list of Nutella dessert recipes.
Go to the recipes: Nutella Desserts
Best Cream Cheese Desserts
Our guide to thebest Cream Cheese Dessertsis packed with easy and delicious recipes that you can easily make at home. We chose thesedesserts made with cream cheesebecause of their step-by-step recipes, beautiful photos, and bold cream cheese flavor.
Go to the recipes: Cream Cheese Desserts
This article originally was published as Best European Desserts at Spatula Desserts.
