Brandon Walker A Global Sugar Rush: Unveiling Earth’s Sweetest Treasures
Traveling the world is not just about exploring new places but also about indulging in local cultures and traditions, and what better way to do that than by savoring the local delicacies? From the sandy shores of Scandinavia to the bustling markets of México, every corner of the world has its unique flavors to offer. In this article, we bring to you a selection of popular desserts from around the globe. So, grab your dessert spoons, it’s going to be a sweet journey!
Chocolate – Belgium
Moving on to a dessert that needs no introduction – Chocolate. Belgium, home to some of the world’s most famous chocolate brands like Leonidas, Cote d’Or, and Godiva, takes its chocolate very seriously. No trip to Belgium is complete without indulging in their delicious chocolate creations.
From truffles to seashells and pralines, Belgian chocolates come in an array of shapes and flavors. The country’s chocolate-making history is deeply rooted in colonialism, which you can learn about in the Choco Story Museum in Brussels.
ScenicBytes Pick: Neuhaus
A prestigious Belgian chocolate brand established in 1857 by Jean Neuhaus. It is credited with inventing the first chocolate bonbon or praline. Link
Neuhaus Chocolate Outlet, Address: Postweg 2, 1602 Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium
Mazapán – México
Next on our list is a treat from México, known for its vibrant culture and equally vibrant cuisine. Mazapán, a coin-shaped peanut marzipan, is a legendary sweet that you’ll find in virtually every shop in the country. This crumbly, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy, with its iconic red rose wrapper, is an absolute must-try.
ScenicBytes Pick: De La Rosa
https://dulcesdelarosa.com.mx/en/history/
Brigadeiros – Brazil
Our dessert journey takes us next to Brazil, where no gathering is complete without Brigadeiros. These bite-sized morsels, made with butter, cocoa powder, and condensed milk, are Brazil’s answer to truffles. Rolled in chocolate sprinkles, Brigadeiros offer a rich and luscious treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
ScenicBytes Pick: Maria Brigadeiro
Maria Brigadeiro is often credited as the first gourmet brigadeiro boutique in Brazil. Located in São Paulo, it offers a variety of brigadeiros and is known for high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. https://www.mariabrigadeiro.com.br/
Haw Flakes – China
From the bustling streets of China, we bring you Haw Flakes. These sugary discs, made from hawthorne berries, are a childhood favorite in China. The distinct tartness of the hawthorn berries gives the candy its unique flavor, making Haw Flakes a treat worth trying.
Pineapple Lumps – New Zealand
Pineapple Lumps, one of New Zealand’s most popular candies, are chewy chunks of pineapple coated in rich chocolate. The original recipe was created by Charles Diver, a confectioner from the small town of Oamaru, and has been a staple in New Zealand since the 1950s.
ScenicBytes Pick: Pascall
Pascall Pineapple Lumps are a popular candy in New Zealand, with a soft, chewy pineapple-flavored center coated in smooth chocolate. They offer a unique sweet yet tangy taste, blending tropical flavors with rich chocolate for an addictive treat. Link
Jungle Sticks – Argentina
Our next stop is Argentina, home to the iconic sweet treat, Palitos de la Selva. These chewy, strawberry and vanilla-flavored candies are a beloved part of Argentinean culture. Over the years, they have introduced new flavors, including banana and grape, further cementing their popularity.
ScenicBytes Pick: Palitos de la Selva
Palitos de la selva is a brand of soft, chewy candy produced by Cadbury Stani Adams Argentina since the 1950s. It is one of the most popular and iconic confections in Argentina, and has also spread to Uruguay and Paraguay.
Oma’s Apfelkuchen – Germany
Truly a testament to the comfort of grandmother’s cooking, Oma’s Apfelkuchen, or Grandma’s Apple Cake, is a well-loved dessert in Germany. Made with a blend of sweet-tart apples, sugar, and a rich, buttery cake base, this dessert is often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
ScenicBytes Pick: A German Grandmothers Kitchen
The very best way to enjoy this treat is to have a german grandmother, but barring that, here’s a good recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
4-5 tart apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: Confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Directions:
Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven:
Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
Prepare the Apples:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Toss the apple slices in the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture until they’re well coated.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then remove the sides of the springform pan and allow it to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
Rose Water Rice Pudding – Lebanon
Our dessert tour takes us next to Lebanon, where Rose Water Rice Pudding is a popular treat. This floral delicacy is garnished with pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios for an added crunch, making it an elegant and refreshing dessert.
ScenicBytes Recipe Pick
Ingredients:
1 cup long grain white rice or Basmati rice
4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 tablespoons rose water (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup slivered almonds or pistachios for garnish (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Rinse the Rice:
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
Cook the Rice:
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Add Rose Water:
Stir in the rose water, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more if desired, according to your taste preference.
Cool:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the pudding to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Garnish and Serve:
Once cooled, pour the rice pudding into serving dishes.
Garnish with slivered almonds or pistachios and a sprinkle of ground cardamom or cinnamon if desired.
The rice pudding can be served warm or chilled. If you prefer it chilled, cover the serving dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
Enjoy your Rose Water Rice Pudding as a delightful end to a meal or a sweet treat anytime!
Apple Pie – United States
No list of world desserts would be complete without the quintessential American dessert – the Apple Pie. With its flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, the apple pie is a symbol of American home and tradition. It’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
ScenicBytes Recipe Pick:
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very-cold, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
6 to 7 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 3 to 4 large Granny Smith or other tart, firm apples)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon of butter (to dot), optional
1 beaten egg (for glaze), optional
Directions:
For the Crust:
Combine Flour, Salt, and Sugar:
In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar, pulse to mix.
Add Butter:
Add butter and pulse 6 to 8 times until mixture resembles coarse meal, with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Add Ice Water:
Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until mixture begins to clump together.
Knead and Chill:
Remove dough from the machine and place on a clean surface. Knead the dough just enough to form two discs.
Wrap them in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the Filling:
Prepare Apples:Toss your sliced apples with sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Assembly and Baking:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll Out Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to fit your pie dish.
Gently place the dough into the dish and trim excess.
Add Filling:
Pour the apple mixture into the pie dish, creating a mound in the center.
If using, dot the top of the apples with small chunks of butter.
Top Pie:
Roll out the second dough disc, place it over the apples, and trim the excess dough, pinching the edges to seal.
If desired, use a sharp knife to create a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
For a golden crust, you can brush the top with a beaten egg.
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy your homemade apple pie!
Salty Licorice – Scandinavia
Hailing from the frosty realms of Scandinavia, Salty Licorice, or ‘Salmiak,’ is a dessert that is as unique as it gets. Contrary to the sugary confections we usually associate with desserts, this intriguing treat is a delightful blend of sweetness and saltiness. The saltiness comes from ammonium chloride, which gives the licorice its characteristic lip-puckering flavor.
Popular brands include Tyrkisk Peber in Finland and Opal in Iceland. Both are a must-try for anyone visiting these countries. Despite its unusual flavor profile, salty licorice has a dedicated fan base and is an integral part of Scandinavian culture.
ScenicBytes Pick: Tyrkisk Peber
https://scandinaviangoods.us/products/tyrkisk-peber-liquorice-120g
In conclusion, desserts are a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together. Whether you’re a fan of the tangy and tart or the sweet and creamy, there’s a dessert out there waiting to be discovered by you. So why wait? Let the sweet exploration begin!
And remember, as they say, “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”
Mazapán – México
Next on our list is a treat from México, known for its vibrant culture and equally vibrant cuisine. Mazapán, a coin-shaped peanut marzipan, is a legendary sweet that you’ll find in virtually every shop in the country. This crumbly, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy, with its iconic red rose wrapper, is an absolute must-try.
ScenicBytes Pick: De La Rosa
https://dulcesdelarosa.com.mx/en/history/
Brigadeiros – Brazil
Our dessert journey takes us next to Brazil, where no gathering is complete without Brigadeiros. These bite-sized morsels, made with butter, cocoa powder, and condensed milk, are Brazil’s answer to truffles. Rolled in chocolate sprinkles, Brigadeiros offer a rich and luscious treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
ScenicBytes Pick: Maria Brigadeiro
Maria Brigadeiro is often credited as the first gourmet brigadeiro boutique in Brazil. Located in São Paulo, it offers a variety of brigadeiros and is known for high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. https://www.mariabrigadeiro.com.br/
Haw Flakes – China
From the bustling streets of China, we bring you Haw Flakes. These sugary discs, made from hawthorne berries, are a childhood favorite in China. The distinct tartness of the hawthorn berries gives the candy its unique flavor, making Haw Flakes a treat worth trying.
Pineapple Lumps – New Zealand
Pineapple Lumps, one of New Zealand’s most popular candies, are chewy chunks of pineapple coated in rich chocolate. The original recipe was created by Charles Diver, a confectioner from the small town of Oamaru, and has been a staple in New Zealand since the 1950s.
ScenicBytes Pick: Pascall
Pascall Pineapple Lumps are a popular candy in New Zealand, with a soft, chewy pineapple-flavored center coated in smooth chocolate. They offer a unique sweet yet tangy taste, blending tropical flavors with rich chocolate for an addictive treat. Link
Jungle Sticks – Argentina
Our next stop is Argentina, home to the iconic sweet treat, Palitos de la Selva. These chewy, strawberry and vanilla-flavored candies are a beloved part of Argentinean culture. Over the years, they have introduced new flavors, including banana and grape, further cementing their popularity.
ScenicBytes Pick: Palitos de la Selva
Palitos de la selva is a brand of soft, chewy candy produced by Cadbury Stani Adams Argentina since the 1950s. It is one of the most popular and iconic confections in Argentina, and has also spread to Uruguay and Paraguay.
Oma’s Apfelkuchen – Germany
Truly a testament to the comfort of grandmother’s cooking, Oma’s Apfelkuchen, or Grandma’s Apple Cake, is a well-loved dessert in Germany. Made with a blend of sweet-tart apples, sugar, and a rich, buttery cake base, this dessert is often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
ScenicBytes Pick: A German Grandmothers Kitchen
The very best way to enjoy this treat is to have a german grandmother, but barring that, here’s a good recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
4-5 tart apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: Confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Directions:
Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven:
Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
Prepare the Apples:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Toss the apple slices in the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture until they’re well coated.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then remove the sides of the springform pan and allow it to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
Rose Water Rice Pudding – Lebanon
Our dessert tour takes us next to Lebanon, where Rose Water Rice Pudding is a popular treat. This floral delicacy is garnished with pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios for an added crunch, making it an elegant and refreshing dessert.
ScenicBytes Recipe Pick
Ingredients:
1 cup long grain white rice or Basmati rice
4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 tablespoons rose water (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup slivered almonds or pistachios for garnish (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Rinse the Rice:
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
Cook the Rice:
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Add Rose Water:
Stir in the rose water, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more if desired, according to your taste preference.
Cool:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the pudding to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Garnish and Serve:
Once cooled, pour the rice pudding into serving dishes.
Garnish with slivered almonds or pistachios and a sprinkle of ground cardamom or cinnamon if desired.
The rice pudding can be served warm or chilled. If you prefer it chilled, cover the serving dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
Enjoy your Rose Water Rice Pudding as a delightful end to a meal or a sweet treat anytime!
Apple Pie – United States
No list of world desserts would be complete without the quintessential American dessert – the Apple Pie. With its flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, the apple pie is a symbol of American home and tradition. It’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
ScenicBytes Recipe Pick:
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very-cold, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
6 to 7 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 3 to 4 large Granny Smith or other tart, firm apples)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon of butter (to dot), optional
1 beaten egg (for glaze), optional
Directions:
For the Crust:
Combine Flour, Salt, and Sugar:
In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar, pulse to mix.
Add Butter:
Add butter and pulse 6 to 8 times until mixture resembles coarse meal, with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Add Ice Water:
Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until mixture begins to clump together.
Knead and Chill:
Remove dough from the machine and place on a clean surface. Knead the dough just enough to form two discs.
Wrap them in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the Filling:
Prepare Apples:Toss your sliced apples with sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Assembly and Baking:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll Out Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to fit your pie dish.
Gently place the dough into the dish and trim excess.
Add Filling:
Pour the apple mixture into the pie dish, creating a mound in the center.
If using, dot the top of the apples with small chunks of butter.
Top Pie:
Roll out the second dough disc, place it over the apples, and trim the excess dough, pinching the edges to seal.
If desired, use a sharp knife to create a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
For a golden crust, you can brush the top with a beaten egg.
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy your homemade apple pie!
Salty Licorice – Scandinavia
Hailing from the frosty realms of Scandinavia, Salty Licorice, or ‘Salmiak,’ is a dessert that is as unique as it gets. Contrary to the sugary confections we usually associate with desserts, this intriguing treat is a delightful blend of sweetness and saltiness. The saltiness comes from ammonium chloride, which gives the licorice its characteristic lip-puckering flavor.
Popular brands include Tyrkisk Peber in Finland and Opal in Iceland. Both are a must-try for anyone visiting these countries. Despite its unusual flavor profile, salty licorice has a dedicated fan base and is an integral part of Scandinavian culture.
ScenicBytes Pick: Tyrkisk Peber
https://scandinaviangoods.us/products/tyrkisk-peber-liquorice-120g
In conclusion, desserts are a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together. Whether you’re a fan of the tangy and tart or the sweet and creamy, there’s a dessert out there waiting to be discovered by you. So why wait? Let the sweet exploration begin!
And remember, as they say, “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”