Indulge in the sweet wonders of Middle Eastern cuisine! These 25 mouthwatering desserts are sure to transport you to a world of pure delight. From classic treats like Baklava and Halva to lesser-known gems, each one is a masterclass in flavor and texture. You’ll be hard-pressed to pick just one favorite among this diverse array of sweet indulgences.
Maamoul (Traditional Arabic Cookies)
Maamoul cookies are renowned for their tender texture and mouthwatering flavor profile. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by the subtle tang of rosewater, making them an absolute delight to savor. At their core lies a rich date filling that adds depth and complexity to each bite. Whether enjoyed as a sweet accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee, or served as a dessert following dinner, Maamoul cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ghraybeh (Middle Eastern Butter Cookies)
Indulge in the delightful Ghraybeh cookies at your next gathering, whether it’s a Middle Eastern-themed bash or just a casual get-together with friends. Despite their simplicity – requiring only three ingredients – these treats boast a complex flavor profile and silky texture that will leave you questioning why you ever settled for store-bought cookies in the first place.
Halva (Halawa)
Halva, a traditional treat, is rooted in the simplicity of combining tahini – a paste crafted from ground sesame seeds – with powdered sugar and dry milk. The ratio of these ingredients is easily adjustable to suit individual tastes. For added depth, a hint of vanilla extract can be incorporated. But what truly sets halva apart is its versatility. By incorporating nuts or other mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips, you can create your own unique flavor profile.
This adaptability makes halva an exciting canvas for experimentation and innovation.
Stuffed Dates
Indulge in the delightful world of naturally sweet treats! There’s something special about a dessert that hits all the right notes – sweet, salty, crunchy, and nutty. This scrumptious stuffed date recipe checks all those boxes and more. The harmonious blend of dates, coconut, and cardamom will leave you craving for more.
Kataifi
As you take a bite of these kataifi treats, a symphony of flavors and textures unfolds. The sweetness is balanced by hints of cinnamon, while the flaky phyllo adds a satisfying crunch. But it’s the nuts that really elevate the experience, providing a rich and satisfying depth to each morsel. And then, just when you think it can’t get any better, the addictive sugar syrup kicks in, infusing every bite with an irresistible spice flavor that simply melts in your mouth.
Ashure (Noah’s Pudding)
Ashure, a delightful dessert, is ideal for social gatherings with loved ones. This sweet treat combines the wholesome goodness of softened wheat berries, white berries, chickpeas, and a medley of dried fruits. The humble chickpea brings a satisfying chewiness and earthy undertones, while the succulent raisins and dried figs infuse a natural sweetness and antioxidant-rich qualities. Meanwhile, the crunchy pomegranate seeds add a delightful textural contrast to this nutritious dessert.
Booza Ala Haleeb (Lebanese Milk Ice Cream)
Indulge in the rich flavors of Booza ala Haleeb, a velvety smooth Lebanese milk ice cream that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its premium ingredients and homemade taste, this soft-serve treat is perfect on its own or paired with your favorite dessert. Whether you’re craving a cool and creamy indulgence or looking for the perfect accompaniment, Booza ala Haleeb delivers.
Pistachio Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious treat that’s as wholesome as it is tasty. Made with the perfect blend of almonds and rolled oats, these pistachio cookies are elevated by the addition of honey and egg for an indulgent twist. The best part? This recipe shuns refined sugar, allowing you to enjoy the same nutty, toasty flavor you love without the guilt. With this sweet treat, you can indulge in pleasure, not regret.
Muhalabieh (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding Dessert)
Muhalabieh, a Middle Eastern rice pudding, boasts an exotic charm with its rosewater infusion and delicate crunch from crushed pistachios. This indulgent treat is not only visually stunning but also remarkably easy and budget-friendly to prepare. With a creamy texture reminiscent of soft tapioca, the sweet and floral flavors meld together in perfect harmony, making it an ideal choice for serving at dinner or brunch gatherings.
Basbousa (Semolina Cake)
Indulge in the irresistible charm of basbousa, a quintessential Arabic dessert that will captivate your senses. This traditional treat is crafted from a rich blend of coarse semolina, golden ghee (clarified butter), velvety honey, and tangy yogurt. The result is a delightfully crumbly texture that effortlessly absorbs the sweetness of syrup or honey. To elevate its flavor profile even further, consider drizzling it with orange blossom simple syrup for an added layer of complexity.
Walnut Baklava
Indulge in the delightful combination of textures in this walnut baklava. The crispy, flaky phyllo dough provides a satisfying crunch, while the soft, nutty walnuts add depth and warmth. To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, simply brush each layer of phyllo with melted butter, allowing it to crisp up beautifully. Then, fill the layers with an aromatic blend of walnuts and cinnamon, finishing off with a sweet and sticky drizzle of honey syrup.
This show-stopping dessert is sure to impress your friends at your next gathering, and its unique combination of textures will leave everyone wanting more.
Karabij & Natef (Walnut-filled Cookies & Cream)
For the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, look no further than Karabij & Natef. This shortbread cookie boasts a filling infused with crunchy nuts and the subtle essence of rose water, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. What’s more, these cookies strike just the right balance between sweetness and complexity, featuring hints of rosy notes and a drizzle of creamy marshmallow creme that adds an indulgent touch.
Riz Bi Haleeb (Middle Eastern Rice Pudding)
Indulge in the exotic charm of Riz Bi Haleeb, a sumptuous Middle Eastern rice pudding infused with the subtle essence of orange blossom water. This creamy delight is the epitome of sweet indulgence, offering a unique and authentic taste of the region’s culinary traditions. By preparing this dessert in your own kitchen, you’ll be able to transport yourself to the vibrant streets of the Middle East, bringing a touch of cultural flair to your dining experience.
Honey Cake With Pistachio
This delectable honey cake with pistachio is an extraordinary culinary experience, not just a sweet treat. The combination of flavors creates a harmonious balance between the sweetness of the honey and the savory notes from the pistachio and tahini. Evaporated milk and semolina add depth to the cake, while the honey and rose water syrup drizzle brings it all together in a symphony of flavors that’s nothing short of heavenly.
Luqaimat (Middle Eastern Crunchy Fritters)
Indulge in the rich flavors of Luqaimat, a Middle Eastern delight that’s as stunning as its appearance. These fried dough cakes have been transformed by a sweet and sticky bath of simple syrup, resulting in an irresistible treat with a satisfying crunch on the outside and a fluffy softness within. Be warned: once you take a bite, it’s likely you’ll be hooked, finding yourself helplessly reaching for more of these decadent delights.
Usbu Al Zainab (Crunchy Cheese Fingers)
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with Usbu Al Zainab, a sweet treat that combines tiny morsels of cheese rolled in samosa pastry, then fried to a golden crisp. This indulgent dessert snack is sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. At their best when served fresh from the fryer, these scrumptious rolls are best devoured immediately, so be prepared to grab one before they disappear!
With each bite, the harmonious balance of cheesy goodness and crispy pastry creates a truly irresistible treat.
Balah El Sham (Fried Choux Pastry)
Balah El Sham, a delectable fried choux pastry, boasts a tantalizing texture and flavor profile. Its crispy exterior gives way to a soft, fluffy interior, making each bite a delight. When served with a generous drizzle of heavy sugar syrup, the combination is nothing short of divine. But what truly sets Balah El Sham apart is its adaptability – it can be paired with an array of sweet and savory accompaniments, from whipped cream and chocolate to pastry cream.
Take it to the next level by dipping it in melted chocolate, nuts, or salted caramel for a treat that’s as unique as you are.
Halawet El-Jibn (Clotted Cream Dessert)
A quintessential Middle Eastern delight, Halawet El-Jibn consists of layers of cheese pastry dough rolled and filled with the richness of clotted cream. The outer shell is then adorned with a crunchy sprinkling of pistachios or other dry nuts, adding a satisfying textural contrast to each bite.
To complete this indulgent treat, it’s bathed in a flavorful sugar syrup that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, resulting in a cheesy delight that’s equal parts creamy, velvety, and utterly irresistible.
Sahleb (Middle Eastern Pudding)
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Sahleb, a captivating Middle Eastern winter drink. As you sip this comforting concoction, allow the subtle nuances of rose water and orange blossom water to whisk you away to a mystical realm. For an added touch of elegance, simply sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top and garnish with finely chopped nuts for a delightful textural contrast.
Mesh Om Ali (Phyllo Dough Crinkle)
Mesh Om Ali is an indulgent delight that perfectly balances contrasting textures. The dish is constructed from layers of phyllo dough, which are soaked in a rich mixture of milk and eggs. This creamy combination gives way to tender and juicy meat on the inside, while the outside remains crispy and flaky. The finishing touches come in the form of chopped pistachios and a drizzle of simple syrup, imbuing the dish with all the sweet and nutty flavors of traditional baklava.
But it’s the flaky crust that truly sets Mesh Om Ali apart, making it impossible to stop at just one or two bites.
Qatayef With Nuts (Middle Eastern Pancakes)
The arrival of Ramadan is a time for celebration and indulgence in traditional treats. In the Middle East, one classic delight stands out from the rest: qatayef. These sweet pastries are characterized by their soft, fluffy texture and filling of choice – and it’s not uncommon to find them stuffed with an array of ingredients. However, for many, nuts remain the top contender when it comes to adding a unique flavor profile and satisfying crunch.
Once cooked, these treats are then bathed in a rich sugar syrup that will leave even the most discerning palates watering at the mere thought.
Shirini Latifeh
Shirini Latifeh, an Iranian dessert meaning ‘soft’, is characterized by its delicate and airy texture. This pastry is filled with a light and fragrant whipped cream infused with vanilla and rose essence. For those seeking a Middle Eastern dessert that is neither heavy nor rich, Shirini latifeh stands out as a top recommendation.
Aish El Saraya (Middle Eastern Bread Pudding)
Aish el Saraya, also known as ‘palace bread,’ is a quintessential Middle Eastern dessert that has captured the hearts of many with its rich flavors and textures. At its core lies toasted or stale white sliced bread, which provides a solid foundation for the sweet treat. The bread is then soaked in a thick, syrupy mixture that adds depth and complexity to the dish’s sweetness.
However, it’s the ashta – a creamy milk pudding or clotted cream topping – that truly elevates Aish el Saraya to new heights. Not only does it add a luxurious richness to each bite, but it also provides a delightful contrast in texture to the soft bread. To complete the dessert, a sprinkle of crunchy pistachios adds a pop of color, flavor, and satisfying crunch, making this treat truly fit for royalty.
Knafeh (Sweet Cheese Pastry)
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, there’s one dessert that reigns supreme: Knafeh. This delectable Middle Eastern treat is a masterclass in contrasts – its crunchy, shredded filo dough crust gives way to a rich, creamy cheese filling, all of which is drizzled with the subtle sweetness of rose water-infused simple syrup. The result is a flavor experience that’s both familiar and exotic, comfortingly nostalgic yet thrillingly new.
It’s a taste sensation that will leave you craving more, every time.
Traditional Qottab
Indulge in the warm charm of Traditional Qottab, a quintessential Persian pastry that harmoniously blends nutty flavors, powdered sugar, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom within a delicate, flaky crust. The crescent-shaped treats are elevated by the subtle yet distinctive essence of rosewater, lending a floral dimension to their richness.
Whether enjoyed as a special treat or at festive gatherings, these pastries beautifully encapsulate Persian culinary heritage with each satisfying bite.
The bottom line
With this exhaustive list of 25 delectable and distinctive Middle Eastern desserts, we’ve effectively transported the essence of sweet indulgence from the region straight into your taste buds. The diversity showcased here is undeniable, and it’s only natural to assume that at least one of these mouthwatering treats will have you hooked.
Whether you’re seeking a satisfying conclusion to your meal or simply craving a moment of self-indulgence, this collection of Middle Eastern desserts promises to deliver on its promise of unparalleled sweetness.
