23 sweet specialties from around Europe

Nougat originates from the French city, Montélimar, in Provence. It might not have the best reputation in the U.S., but give it a try in France, and you’ll be delighted. It’s made from sugar or honey whipped with egg and often has nuts or dried fruit mixed in.

This shortbread cookie isn’t like the ones you’re probably used to because it’s spiced. Thus, the flavor is more akin to gingersnaps. You’ll find the cookie and its flavor all over Western Europe, although it was invented in Belgium.

The classic French “pancake” is well-known worldwide. These treats are sold at most brasseries, cafes, and grocery stores in France as well as throughout the continent. The most common toppings are Nutella, fruit, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. 

Originally from Spain, these fried favorites will delight anyone with a craving. You’ll find them across Europe, covered in sugar and served with an optional side of chocolate sauce.

Another French treat popularized by bakers in the U.S., but trust me, macaroons are better in France. You’ll usually find them sold in patisseries around the country. Usually, you buy them at an individual price, but sometimes, they’re sold by box which contains a set number. Alternatively, larger ones are often sold as a sort of cookie sandwich with a fruit and custard filling.

We call this layered puff pastry treat a Neapolitan in the U.S., and the U.K. calls them vanilla slices. But they’re essentially all the same with a custard filling and occasionally fruit or a chocolate glaze on top.

This ringed treat is sold in large variations meant for sharing as well as smaller individual treats for you to take home. Paris-Brests are made of choux pastry and filled with a praline-flavored cream before being covered on the outside with almonds. It’s named for a bike race between the two cities, Paris and Brest.

Another fried favorite, these sugar-covered fritters can actually be found throughout the Francophone world, including in New Orleans and Québec. However, the ones you’ll find throughout bakeries in France are usually chocolate or raspberry-filled.

Italy doesn’t just go hard on pasta and pizza; Italian desserts are also amazing, including tiramisu, a layered treat of cake, espresso-dipped lady fingers, and topped with cocoa powder.

Another Italian favorite that is, unsurprisingly, coffee-based. The simple dessert is espresso and ice cream — the perfect thing to enjoy on an Italian summer day!

You’ve probably seen these Italian coned desserts before as a fun party treat. The fried dough that is rolled into a cylinder is filled with sweet ricotta and often chocolate and topped with sugar.

Poland’s traditional Easter cake is sure to delight year-round. There are different versions, but usually, you’ll be making a short cake and, sometimes, a sponge cake. The decoration on top typically contains floral designs.

Named for the Austrian city from which it originates, Linzer Torte is a pie tarte with a lattice design. The filling is traditionally made of fruit preserves and nuts.

Another Austrian favorite, this one originates in the capital, Vienna. If you’re a chocolate lover, a Sacher torte is a must-try! The rich chocolate cake originally baked for royalty is now a staple in Austrian coffee houses.

This German chocolate cake is essentially the traditional recipe but with a cherry filling. It’s named for the Black Forest in the southwest of the country.

In the Netherlands, Stroopwafels can be found at most confectionaries. These cookies are very thin, round waffles with a syrup filling on the inside.

Named for the city where it was created, a Berliner is a powdered doughnut with jam filling. You’ll usually see them covered with powdered sugar.

Also known as Greek Honey Pie, this favorite dessert is essentially a honey-infused cheesecake. It comes from the island of Sifnos.

Also known as Turkish delight, these very sweet candies are sold throughout Europe. They have a unique texture and come in interesting flavors, like rose and pistachio.

Most commonly thought of as a Greek treat, this pistachio dessert can be found throughout the Balkans. I’ve even seen chocolate varieties!

Sweet cheese pancakes are traditional in both Lithuania and Latvia. They’re made with cheese curds and served with fruit and sugar.

A lovely dessert found in both Poland and Ukraine, Babka is perfect if you love chocolate. The braided bread either has a chocolate or fruit filling.

You'll see these desserts all around Europe, but they originate in Switzerland. The cake is covered with frosting and, sometimes, a fruit filling then rolled into a log-look alike. Often, they're topped with icing and berries.