Canada is among the biggest countries in the world, and populating this vast landscape is a variety of charming desserts that must be tasted at least once in your lifetime.
Canada is a country rich in culture with indigenous roots, an astounding diversity, and breathtaking landscapes. Especially impressive are their desserts, from the butter tarts to nanaimo bars, and from the blueberry grunt to the flapper pie. They are part of a proud culinary heritage and tell the story of an ancient tradition. They are often shared with others, and eaten at social gatherings, family or community events, and special occasions. These desserts are simple and complex at the same time, and are as enticing to look at as they are to taste. Here are the best desserts of Canada.
Butter tarts consist of a flaky pastry shell, with a gooey and sweet filling made of butter, sugar and eggs. The ingredients are simple, but the end result is a dish that’s complex and satisfying in terms of flavor. They’re a comfort food like no other, and are deeply embedded in Canada’s culinary heritage. A Canadian classic, modern bakers also top it with chocolate, nuts or other elements that add crunch and flavor to it. They’re always present during holidays and special occasions, reiterating their important place in Canadian culture.
Birthed in the west coast of Canada, nanaimo bars are a no bake, layered dessert that combines a crumbly wafer and nut base, a custard flavored middle layer, and a glossy chocolate ganache as topping. Named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, these bars are a beloved treat that are just the right amount of sweet, and balance a crunchy and creamy texture. Today, these bars, which started out as a regional dish, are a classic Canadian dessert. They are ever present at bake sales, gatherings, and celebrations across the country.
Canada is known for its high quality maple syrup, often referred to as liquid gold. The sweet, amber-colored syrup extracted from maple trees has become an iconic Canadian flavor and is a key ingredient in many Canadian desserts. Maple syrup candy, also called maple taffy, is simply maple syrup that's been heated to the right temperature, and then hardened in a maple leaf mold so it has that shape. These candies can be eaten as is or dropped into a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate as a sweetener.
Blueberry grunt is a dessert with roots in Canada’s Maritime provinces. This rustic dish features blueberries simmered on heat, and then topped with dumplings or biscuits that "grunt" as they cook. The result is similar to a cobbler, a warm and sweet concoction that makes for a comfort food like no other. It's often made with fresh blueberries, making it a popular summer dessert when the fruit is in season. It's often served with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream, the tongue enjoying their coolness in contrast to the warm, cooked dessert.
This is a dessert with a slightly tart flavor from the saskatoon berries, also called june berries. These berries, native to Canada, are incorporated into a classic pie filling and encased in a flaky crust. The pie comes from the vast fields of the Prairies region of Canada, marking its rustic roots. In prairie towns and villages, the arrival of saskatoon berries marks the beginning of the festive season. Local bakeries and residents join in to prepare pies that will be eaten at social gatherings, fairs, and community events. The pies are often served with vanilla ice cream. If saskatoon berries are unavailable, they can also be substituted with blueberries.
Originating from the prairies and deeply embedded in the culinary tradition of Canada, the Flapper Pie is a comforting dish that can be made with simple ingredients available in every kitchen. It has a graham cracker crust, a custard filling, and a meringue top. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, when people were looking for simple and cost effective recipes, the flapper pie emerged as a staple, delicious and easy to make. Over time, it became the go-to dessert at gatherings like potlucks, church suppers, and holiday feasts. It's one of those desserts whose recipe is passed down from generation to generation, and is made slightly differently in each household.