Have you ever wondered what sweet treats people around the world enjoy? Well, get ready to embark on a delicious journey as we explore some international baked goods that will satisfy your cravings and introduce you to new flavors.
Let's start in France, the land of culinary delights. Picture yourself sitting in a cozy Parisian café, sipping a cup of coffee and savoring a freshly baked croissant. These buttery pastries are made by layering yeast-based dough with butter, then folding and rolling it to create those irresistible flaky layers. The result is a golden brown delight that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee.
Now, let's travel to the Middle East where we find the exquisite baklava. This delicacy is made by layering thin sheets of phyllo dough with a mixture of nuts, honey, and spices. Once baked to a crispy perfection, it is drizzled with a sweet syrup made from honey and lemon juice. The combination of the crunchy layers and the rich, sweet flavors will transport your taste buds to a whole new world of indulgence.
Next stop, Spain! Imagine yourself strolling through the bustling streets of Barcelona, where the tantalizing aroma of churros fills the air. These fried pastries are made by mixing flour, water, and a pinch of salt to create a dough. The dough is then piped into hot oil and fried until golden and crispy. Rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, these churros are best enjoyed warm with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.
Traveling down under to Australia, we find the beloved lamingtons. These sponge cake squares are coated in chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut. The process starts with baking a simple vanilla sponge cake, which is then cut into squares. Each piece is dipped in a chocolate icing and generously rolled in coconut. These sweet treats are a staple at afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert.
Finally, we arrive in Germany where we discover the delightful Bienenstich, also known as "bee sting cake." This yeast-based cake is topped with a sweet honey almond mixture and baked to perfection. Once cooled, the cake is sliced in half horizontally and filled with a creamy vanilla custard. The combination of the nutty topping and the luscious custard filling creates a truly heavenly experience.
Following are a few recommended recipes you can try at home. These international baked goods will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also take you on a culinary adventure around the globe. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let your taste buds travel the world from the comfort of your kitchen. Happy baking!
If you're looking to indulge in the buttery goodness of classic French pastries, then croissants are the perfect treat for you. These flaky delights are made with a yeast-based dough that is layered with butter, resulting in a heavenly texture and flavor. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of coffee, croissants are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Prep Time: 2 hours (120 mins)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: Makes 12 croissants
Ingredients:
- 2 and 1/4 cups (270 grams) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoons (4 grams) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
- 1 and 1/2 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter, cold
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Special Notes:
- Make sure the butter is cold as it needs to be rolled into the dough.
- You can use a stand mixer or knead the dough by hand.
Cooking Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk while stirring the mixture. Continue mixing until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the cold butter into thin slices and arrange them over two-thirds of the dough.
- Fold the uncovered third of the dough over the middle third, then fold the remaining third over the top. This creates three layers.
- Roll out the dough again into a rectangle and repeat the folding process. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- After chilling, repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each fold.
- Roll out the dough one final time into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Trim the edges to make them even.
- Cut the dough into triangles, starting from the long side. Gently stretch each triangle and roll it up tightly, starting from the wide end.
- Place the croissants onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the croissants with beaten egg wash.
- Bake the croissants for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Croissants are best served warm and fresh from the oven. Enjoy them for breakfast or as a delightful snack with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with your favorite jams, spreads, or even use them to make delicious breakfast sandwiches. Croissants are perfect for special occasions, brunch gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a little taste of France.
Baklava Recipe
Indulge in the rich and sweet flavors of this traditional Middle Eastern dessert. Baklava is a delicious treat made by layering thin sheets of phyllo dough with a mixture of nuts, honey, and spices. The result is a crispy and golden pastry, drizzled with a sweet syrup made from honey and lemon juice. It's a dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth and transport you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mins | 45 mins | 1 hr 15 mins | 12 servings |
Ingredients
- 1 package of phyllo dough sheets (16 ounces)
- 2 cups of mixed nuts, finely chopped (such as walnuts, pistachios, and almonds)
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Optional: additional nuts for garnish
Cooking Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Set aside.
-
Brush a baking dish with melted butter to prevent sticking.
-
Carefully unroll the phyllo dough sheets and cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
-
Place one sheet of phyllo dough into the baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering the sheets one by one and brushing each with butter.
-
After layering half of the phyllo dough sheets, sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the top.
-
Continue layering the remaining phyllo dough sheets, brushing each with butter.
-
Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
-
While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
-
Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over it. Be sure to cover the entire surface.
-
Allow the baklava to cool completely in the pan, absorbing the syrup.
-
Optional: Garnish with additional chopped nuts before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Baklava is best enjoyed as a sweet ending to a Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Serve it alongside a cup of Turkish coffee or a refreshing mint tea. This dessert is perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or simply as a delightful treat to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and nutty.
Craving a taste of Spain? Look no further than these crispy and delicious churros. These fried pastries are a popular treat enjoyed by people of all ages. With their golden exterior and soft, doughy interior, churros are the perfect indulgence for any time of day. Whether you're enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, churros are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 20 mins | 35 mins | 4 servings |
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Chocolate sauce, for dipping (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour. Stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip nozzle.
- Carefully pipe 4 to 5-inch long strips of dough directly into the hot oil. Use scissors or a knife to cut the dough from the piping bag.
- Fry the churros until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the churros from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are coated evenly.
- Serve the churros warm with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Churros are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them as a delightful breakfast treat alongside a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. They also make a great dessert for parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a platter and serve with different dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or fruit purees. However you choose to serve them, churros are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Lamingtons
Indulge in the delightful Australian treat of Lamingtons. These sponge cake squares coated in chocolate and coconut are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat. Dive into the recipe below and enjoy the deliciousness!
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 grams)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (120 milliliters)
- 3 cups desiccated coconut (180 grams)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240 grams)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30 grams)
- ½ cup milk (120 milliliters)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special Notes: You can use shredded coconut if desiccated coconut is not available. Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for the chocolate icing.
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose 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 add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it.
- Once the cake has cooled, cut it into 12 equal squares.
- In a shallow dish, spread the desiccated coconut.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, butter, and vanilla extract for the icing. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Dip each cake square into the chocolate icing, making sure to coat all sides.
- Roll the coated squares in the desiccated coconut, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place the Lamingtons on a wire rack to set completely.
- Serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
Lamingtons are perfect for serving at afternoon tea or as a sweet treat for parties and gatherings. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful combination. These delicious squares also make great homemade gifts or additions to dessert platters.
Bienenstich: German Bee Sting Cake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Bienenstich, a traditional German Bee Sting Cake. This sweet treat features a yeast-based dough topped with a honey almond mixture and filled with creamy vanilla custard. It's the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mins | 45 mins | 1 hr 15 mins | 12 servings |
Ingredients:
-
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (270 grams)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120 milliliters)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (57 grams)
- 2 large eggs
-
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1/2 cup honey (170 grams)
- 1 cup sliced almonds (100 grams)
-
For the custard filling:
- 2 cups whole milk (480 milliliters)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (32 grams)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm (about 110°F/43°C). Pour the warm milk and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Add the eggs. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the topping. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, honey, and sliced almonds. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Press the dough evenly into the dish, covering the bottom.
- Pour the honey almond topping over the dough, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the topping is bubbly.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the custard filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Slowly pour the steaming milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Once the cake has cooled, carefully slice it in half horizontally. Spread the custard filling evenly over the bottom half of the cake. Place the top half of the cake back on.
- Serve the Bienenstich cake chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
Bienenstich is a wonderful dessert to enjoy on special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. It pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
