A Sweet Journey Around the World-
Attention dessert lovers and fellow travel enthusiasts! Ever notice how a good dessert can make you feel like you are on a vacation, even if you are just sitting in your kitchen? Well, imagine indulging in the world’s best desserts to try while traveling: actually savoring Sticky Toffee Pudding in a cozy English pub or biting into a perfect Pastel de Nata fresh from a Lisbon bakery. Sounds like a dream, right? On National Dessert Day, we’re here to make that dream a reality- minus the calories (for now).
Join us as we take a virtual bite out of some of the world’s most iconic desserts. And the best part? You can actually experience them on location during our tours. Because really, what’s a vacation without a little sweet indulgence? Ready to taste your way through the world’s best desserts? Let’s dig in!
England: Sticky Toffee Pudding
This classic British dessert is known for its moist sponge cake, rich toffee sauce, and often served with vanilla ice cream or custard. The exact origins of this beloved treat are somewhat disputed but it is widely believed to have originated in the Lake District of England in the mid-20th century.
One popular story attributes the creation of this dessert to the Sharrow Bay Hotel, which opened in 1948. The hotel’s chefs are said to have developed the recipe using ingredients that were common in British baking, like dates and treacle (a type of molasses). The dessert gained popularity quickly, and its reputation spread throughout the UK.
Another theory suggests that sticky toffee pudding may have roots in older, traditional puddings that were made with dates and served with a sweet sauce. Variations of similar sponge puddings can be found in other cultures, though they may not contain the same distinctive combination of flavors.
After a long day exploring the historical wonders of London or the charming countryside, there is no better way to wind down than with a spoonful of this sticky goodness. When you join us on our Traditions of Christ in Ancient Britain tour, you can experience this sweet treat for yourself!
France: Creme Brulee
This exquisite dessert known for its creamy custard base topped with a layer of caramelized sugar, has somewhat murky origin, with several countries laying claim to its invention. The earliest known reference to a similar dessert was made in the 1691 cookbook, “Cuisinier Royal et Bourgeois” by Fracois Massialot, a French chef. He described the dessert made with cream, egg yolks, and sugar, which could be finished with a caramelized top, though it did not use the term “creme brulee.”
However, the dessert we know today became popular in France in the 18th century. The term “creme brulee” itself translates to “burnt cream” in French, which refers to the method of caramelizing the sugar on top using a torch or broiler.
Interestingly, a similar dish called “crema catalana” is traditionally served in Catalonia, Spain, and is also believed to have been created in the 18th century. It uses a base of milk and is flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest, distinguishing it from the cream-based French version.
In more modern times, creme brulee has gain global acclaim, appearing on dessert menus around the world. Its luxurious texture and delightful contrast between creamy and crisp have solidified its place as a beloved dessert in culinary culture.
Try this culinary delight on our Traditions of Mary Magdalene in France tour, and see why its one of the worlds best desserts to try while traveling.
Italy: Cannoli
Italy is synonymous with incredible food, and when it comes to desserts, cannoli takes the spotlight. If you’re craving one of the world’s best desserts to try while traveling, this crispy, creamy dessert is a must. The origins of cannoli can be traced back to Sicily, where they were traditionally prepared during the Carnival season in the early 19th century.
The word “cannoli” is the plural form of “canno,” which means “tube” in Italian, referring to the pastry’s tubular shape. The earliest known recipe dates back to the Arab rule of Sicily (831-1091 AD), during which the island experienced a fusion of cultures that influenced its culinary traditions. The Arabs introduced new ingredients like sugar, almonds, and citrus, which would later find their way into Sicilian desserts.
Originally, cannoli were made as a celebration treat and filled with sweetened ricotta mixture that sometimes included candied fruit or chocolate. Over the years, the pastry became a staple in Sicilian cuisine, spreading throughout Italy.
Whether filled with traditional ricotta or inventive flavors like chocolate or pistachio, cannoli remain a beloved dessert celebrated for their delightful combination of texture and flavors. On our Best of Italy Tour, as well as our Tunisia, Malta, and Southern Italy tour, you will have the opportunity to taste cannoli at its roots. With first hand experience, you will see why cannoli is one of the world’s best desserts to try while traveling.
Greece: Baklava
When you think of the world’s best desserts to try while traveling, baklava instantly comes to mind. This delicious Greek treat is a sweet, flakey pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of honey or syrup. With origin under debate, being claimed by many cultures, roots can be traced back to the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. This version was made with bread and nuts, however, the dessert as we know it today likely took shape in the Ottoman Empire.
The Ottomans refined and popularized baklava, introducing it as a luxurious treat enjoyed by sultans and served in palaces. The name “baklava” itself is believed to come from the Turkish language, but variations of the dish exist across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, each with its own twist on the ingredients and preparation methods. For example, Greek baklava usually includes a blend of walnuts or pistachios, while Middle Eastern versions may incorporate spices like clove and cinnamon.
Today, this dessert is celebrated worldwide as a symbol of hospitality and indulgence, often served during special occasions and festivities. And what is more of a special occasion than to travel and explore the world at its roots? On our Apostle Paul: Greece by Land & Sea tour, you have the chance to sample authentic baklava in local cafes and bakeries, especially in cities like Athens or Thessaloniki.
Portugal: Pastel de Nata
When it comes to the sweet side of travel, the iconic Pastel de Nata ranks among the world’s best desserts to try while traveling. This custard tart, encased in a flaky pastry shell and often dusted with cinnamon, is a sweet symbol of Portuguese culture.
Its origins date back to the 18th century in Portugal, specifically to the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. The monks at the monastery began making these delicious tarts as a way to utilize leftover egg yolks, a common practice in the region at the time, as egg whites were often used for clarifying wine or starching clothes.
As the monks became known for their sweet treat, the recipe eventually spread beyond the monastery. After the dissolution of the monasteries in the early 19th century, the recipe was sold to a nearby sugar refinery, which began producing pasteis de nata commercially. The most famous establishment to do this is the Pasteis de Belem, which opened in 1837 and still serves the original recipe to this day.
On our Templar Traditions in Portugal tour, you will have the opportunity to try Pastel de Nata in the Pasteis de Belem bakery, savoring the rich flavors as you take in the stunning views of the Tagus River. It is the perfect treat to accompany your adventures.
Israel: Sufganiyot
If you are on the lookout for one of the world’s best desserts to try while traveling, look no further than Sufganiyot. This dessert is a traditional jelly-filled doughnut that holds a special place in Jewish culinary culture, particularly during Hanukkah. Their origins can be traced back to Eastern Europe, where they were known as “ponchiks” or “sufganiyot” in Yiddish.
The name “sufganiyah” is derived from the Hebrew word “sufgan”, meaning “to fry” or “to soak,” which is a nod to the preparation method. While the exact historical origins are difficult to pinpoint, the tradition of frying food in oil during Hanukkah is significant as it symbolizes the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days in the rededicated Second Temple, despite there being only enough oil for one day.
Sufganiyot have evolved over time, with different cultures adding their own fillings and toppings. In Israel, they are commonly filled with jam, custard, or chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar, and they have become synonymous with the festive celebration of Hanukkah.
On our Traditions of Christ in the Holy Land tour, you can sample fresh Sufganiyot in bustling markets or cozy cafes in cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It’s the kind of sweet indulgence that not only satisfies your cravings, but also immerses you in the rich culinary traditions of Israel.
Egypt: Basbousa
Egypt’s Basbousa is a must-try when it comes to experiencing the world’s best desserts to try while traveling. This sweet, syrup-soaked semolina cake is often topped with almonds or coconut, giving it a rich and satisfying texture. A favorite at celebrations and feasts. Basbousa offers a perfect blend of sweetness with a subtle hint of citrus.
The exact origin of “basbousa” is difficult to pinpoint, but it is believed to have ancient roots in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, with influences from the Ottoman Empire. The dessert likely evolved as a result of shared culinary traditions among countries in the region, including Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Levant (Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine).
The word “basbousa” itself comes from Arabic, meaning “just a little kiss” or “to be softly patted,” a reference to how the batter is gently smoothed in the pan before baking. This traditional semolina-based dessert became popular during the Ottoman era and spread across North Africa and into Greece, where it is known as “revani” or “ravani”. Each region developed its own slight variations, with different toppings and flavorings.
Its simplicity and sweetness have allowed it to endure for centuries as a dessert that feels both humble and indulgent. On our Sacred Mysteries in Egypt tour, guests have the opportunity to indulge in this traditional dessert at local bakeries and cafes. Whether you are wandering through the bustling markets of Cairo or enjoying the view from a Nile-side cafe, nothing will beat a slice of Basbousa after a day of exploring.
Jordan: Ma'amoul
When it comes to the world’s best desserts to try while traveling, Ma’amoul is a standout in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly Jordan. These buttery, crumbly cookies, filled with dates, walnuts, or pistachios, and are shaped into beautiful patterns using wooden molds or pressed by hand. Additionally, they have a rich history tied to both religious and cultural celebrations. Dating back to ancient times in the Levantine region, Ma’amoul has been enjoyed for centuries during Islamic holidays like Eid and Christian celebrations like Easter.
The exact historical origins of Ma’amoul are difficult to pinpoint, but the use of dates and nuts in Middle Eastern sweets dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. Over time, Ma’amoul has become a beloved staple across the region, with each country adding its own twist, such as different fillings or patterns on the cookies. The during popularity of Ma’amoul is a testament to its deep cultural significance and the way it brings people together through its rich, sweet flavors.
On our Holy Land extension to Jordan, you will find Ma’amoul in local bakeries and cafes, especially near Petra. After a day spent exploring this ancient city, there is nothing better than enjoying one of these delightful cookies. Not only are you tasting a delicious dessert, but you are also savoring a piece of Jordan’s rich cultural and historical tapestry: an experience as sweet as it is meaningful.
Costa Rica: Tres Leches Cake
When it comes to the world’s best desserts to try while traveling, Tres Leches cake from Costa Rica stands out as an unforgettable treat. This incredibly moist cake is soaked in three types of milk: evaporated, condensed, and heavy cream. While it is a popular dessert throughout Latin America, Costa Rica has embraced it as a national favorite, often serving it at family gatherings, celebrations, and local bakeries.
Though its exact origin is debated, Tres Leches is believed to have evolved from European influences brought over during the colonial period, with many countries claiming it as their own. In Costa Rica, the cake is sometimes topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, offering a simple yet decadent twist.
On our Costa Rica tours, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to indulge in this beloved dessert after a day of ziplining through lush rainforests or white-water rafting down wild rivers. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of San José or relaxing by the coast, a slice of Tres Leches will surely be the sweet highlight of your adventure!
Dominican Republic: Majarete
Majarete is a delightful cornmeal-based pudding that ranks among the world’s best desserts to try while traveling. This creamy and sweet dish is a Dominican classic, blending cornmeal, coconut milk, sugar, and cinnamon for a rich yet comforting flavor.
In the Dominican Republic, Majarete is more than just a dessert; it represents a rich tapestry of influences from various cultures. Its origins can be traced back to African, the indigenous Taíno, and Spanish influences, reflecting the Dominican Republic’s complex culinary heritage. The Taíno people cultivated corn and other crops long before the arrival of European colonizers. When the Spaniards settled in the Caribbean, they introduced new ingredients such as sugar and coconut, which became staples in Dominican cuisine.
Over the centuries, each culture added its own touch to the recipe, resulting in the version enjoyed today: creamy, fragrant with coconut, and spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon.
Which is the Best of the World's Best Desserts to Try While Traveling?
As you can see, each destination we visit offers not only breathtaking sights and rich histories, but also some of the world’s best desserts to try while traveling. From the comforting Sticky Toffee Pudding of England, to the vibrant Tres Leches cake in Costa Rica, every bite tells a story, weaving together the unique cultures and traditions of each country. So, why not embark on a culinary adventure and experience these sweet delights firsthand?
Ready to satisfy our sweet tooth while exploring the world? Join us on our upcoming tours and indulge in these delectable desserts as we journey through England, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and beyond! Don’t miss out; book your adventure today and get ready for a trip that’s sure to be as delightful as the desserts you will taste!