20 European Desserts That Win Every Time

These European desserts are great because they use simple ingredients to create something really special and delicious. You can find all kinds of treats, from smooth and creamy custards to crispy and buttery cookies, and each one has its own unique story. They are perfect for when you want to try baking something new that is not too difficult or complicated to make. Some of them are light and fresh, while others are rich and indulgent, but they are all incredibly tasty.

Krumkaker Norwegian Waffle Cookies

You bake thin and crisp Krumkaker cookies in a special iron that gives them a pretty design, and then you can roll them into cones while they are still warm. They are fun to make and even more fun to eat, especially when you fill them with some whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra special touch.
Get the Recipe: Krumkaker Norwegian Waffle Cookies

French Crullers

These light and airy French Crullers get their ring shape from being piped before they are fried, and they are finished with a sweet glaze that is not too heavy. They are a perfect treat to have with your morning coffee or as a little pick-me-up in the afternoon when you need something sweet.
Get the Recipe: French Crullers

Peach Tarte Tatin

This dessert features caramelized peaches that sit on a layer of flaky pastry in a Peach Tarte Tatin, and you flip it over onto a plate after baking so the fruit is on top. The peaches become soft and sweet, and it is perfect when you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tarte Tatin

Raspberry Frangipane Tart

A buttery crust holds a creamy almond filling and fresh raspberries in this Raspberry Frangipane Tart, and the nuts and fruit taste amazing together. It looks like a fancy dessert, but the filling comes together very quickly, and you can dust it with powdered sugar before serving.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Frangipane Tart

Best Italian Pizzelle Cookies Recipe (Vanilla Waffle Cookie)

You bake crisp Pizzelle cookies in a special iron that presses beautiful designs into them, and the vanilla flavor is simple and not too overpowering. They are great stacked up with a cup of coffee, or you can dip them in chocolate for an extra fun and tasty treat.
Get the Recipe: Best Italian Pizzelle Cookies Recipe (Vanilla Waffle Cookie)

Irish Apple Cake

Chunky pieces of apple fill this Irish Apple Cake, which has a crumbly sugar topping on top and stays very moist from all the fruit inside. It is a simple but satisfying dessert, especially when you serve warm slices with a custard sauce poured over it for extra comfort.Get the Recipe: Irish Apple Cake

The Best Sicilian Ricotta Cannoli Filling

Crispy cannoli shells are stuffed with a sweet ricotta filling in this classic dessert, and you can mix in chocolate chips or candied fruit for extra flavor. It is important to keep the shells separate until you are ready to serve so they stay perfectly crunchy and are a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: The Best Sicilian Ricotta Cannoli Filling

Melomakarona: Greek Honey Cookies

These Greek Honey Cookies soak up a sweet syrup after they are baked, and they have chopped walnuts on top that add a nice crunch to every bite. They stay soft for several days, which makes them perfect for making ahead of time, and the honey flavor actually gets better.
Get the Recipe: Melomakarona: Greek Honey Cookies

Traditional Kifle Crescent Cookies with Homemade Jam

Kifle Cookies are shaped into little crescents with a bit of jam tucked inside each one, and they are coated in powdered sugar to look snowy. You can use different kinds of jam to change the flavor, and they are fun to shape and even more fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Kifle Crescent Cookies with Homemade Jam

Crustless Apple Pie (Swedish Apple Pie)

You get all the great flavor of apple pie without having to make a crust with this Swedish Apple Pie, as the top forms a crispy sugar layer while it bakes. It is easier to make than a regular pie but just as good, especially when served warm with ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Crustless Apple Pie (Swedish Apple Pie)

French Strawberry Cake

Light sponge cake layers hold whipped cream and fresh strawberries in this French Strawberry Cake, which is not too heavy and is perfect after a big meal. The fruit keeps it tasting fresh while the cream adds a little richness, making it a wonderful fruity dessert.
Get the Recipe: French Strawberry Cake

Spaghetti-Eis (German Spaghetti Ice Cream)

This German Spaghetti Ice Cream looks like a plate of pasta but is actually a fun dessert made by pressing vanilla ice cream through a ricer to make “noodles.” It is served with strawberry sauce and white chocolate shavings, and kids love to help make this creative treat.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti-Eis (German Spaghetti Ice Cream)

Lemon Posset

You only need three ingredients to make this creamy Lemon Posset, which uses cream, sugar, and lemon to create a dessert that is both rich and fresh tasting. You chill it in pretty glasses, and it looks elegant and sophisticated even though it is actually very simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Posset

German Apple Cake (Kuchen)

Chunks of apple bake right into this German Apple Cake, making it very moist and flavorful, with a cinnamon sugar topping that adds a nice crunch. It is not too sweet, so you can enjoy it for breakfast or for dessert, and it tastes best with a cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe: German Apple Cake (Kuchen)

Easy Fresh Peach Clafoutis (Julia Child’s Recipe)

This Peach Clafoutis bakes up with a custard-like texture and has juicy peaches throughout, with golden edges and a soft middle. It is fancy enough to serve to guests but easy enough to make on a weeknight, and it is best served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fresh Peach Clafoutis (Julia Child’s Recipe)

Warning: This Blueberry Strudel Is Addictive!

Flaky layers of pastry wrap around juicy blueberries in this Blueberry Strudel, and the sugar on top becomes crispy while it bakes. Each slice shows off the beautiful purple fruit inside, and it is especially great when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
Get the Recipe: Warning: This Blueberry Strudel Is Addictive!

Zserbó Szelet Recept (Hungarian Gerbeaud Cake Recipe)

Layers of dough, apricot jam, and walnuts make the Gerbeaud Cake very special, and a rich chocolate glaze on top adds the perfect amount of sweetness. It is a dessert that is sweet but not too sweet, with different textures in every single bite that is great for holidays or any time.
Get the Recipe: Zserbó Szelet Recept (Hungarian Gerbeaud Cake Recipe)

Beautiful Karpatka Cake (Polish Carpathian Cream Cake Made with Choux Pastry)

The Karpatka Cake stacks light layers of choux pastry with a thick vanilla cream in between, and the top is dusted with powdered sugar to look like snow. It is a dessert that looks very impressive but is actually easier to put together than you might think, making it perfect for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Beautiful Karpatka Cake (Polish Carpathian Cream Cake Made with Choux Pastry)

Victoria Sponge Cake

Simple sponge cake layers are filled with jam and cream to make a Victoria Sponge Cake, which is a classic dessert with a light texture that is perfect for tea time. You can add fresh berries on top to make it look pretty, and it is always impressive even though it is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Victoria Sponge Cake