Desserts are like one of those much-needed hugs that are required after a long, tiring day. From the first spoonful to the last crumb, they offer joy, comfort, and the promise of indulgence. Let us not limit ourselves from the joys of the world, and indulge ourselves in learning about international desserts that can lift our spirits.
1. France: Crème Brûlée
France is the dreamland for dessert lovers. This dessert is the epitome of luxury—crisp caramelized sugar on top and silky custard underneath.
Ingredients:
- 500 ml heavy cream
- 5 egg yolks
- 100 gm sugar (plus 50 gm extra for caramelizing)
- 1 vanilla bean (or 5 ml vanilla extract)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 150°C.
- Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. Heat the cream with the vanilla bean (or extract) until it simmers. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Slowly whisk the cream into the egg mixture, then pour it into ramekins.
- Place the ramekins in a baking dish filled with hot water (like a hot tub for your desserts), and bake at 150°C for 30-40 minutes until set.
- Cool, then refrigerate for at least two hours.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle sugar on top and torch it until caramelized. In case you don’t have a torch, use the broiler.
2. Italy: Tiramisu
Italy, the land of pasta and pizza, also blesses us with Tiramisu, a dreamy, coffee-soaked dessert. Translating to “pick me up,” it’s perfect for when you need a sugar jolt after too much pasta. If not satisfied, you can always have a bite of Oreo Lasagna, praline cake, or a Cadbury cake after this, or serve yourself more Tiramisu.
Ingredients:
- 250 gm mascarpone cheese
- 200 ml strong espresso, cooled
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 100 gm sugar
- 150 gm ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
- 20 gm Cadbury cocoa powder
Instructions:
- Brew some espresso. Resist drinking it all.
- Whip the cream with the sugar until soft peaks form.
- Fold the mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream until smooth.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso, without making it soggy.
- In a dish, layer the dipped ladyfingers, followed by the mascarpone mixture. Repeat until you run out of both.
- Dust with Cadbury cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight). For extra flair, shave some chocolate on top.
3. Mexico: Churros
Churros are one of those international desserts that you can’t miss. They are deep-fried, crispy delights dusted in cinnamon sugar and often served with a side of thick, velvety chocolate sauce for dipping. Consider this your excuse to eat dessert for breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 200 ml water
- 100 gm butter
- 150 gm flour
- 2 eggs
- 50 gm sugar (plus 100 gm for dusting)
- 5 gm cinnamon powder
- Oil for frying
- Chocolate sauce (optional, but let’s be honest—required)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and 50 gm sugar, and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the flour. Mix vigorously until the dough forms a ball.
- Let it cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Heat oil in a deep pan. Spoon the dough into a piping bag with a star tip and pipe long strips into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, then roll the churros in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
- Serve with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping. Or, just eat them straight away—no judgment here!
4. India: Gulab Jamun
End our journey in India with Gulab Jamun, golden doughnut-like balls soaked in sugar syrup infused with cardamom and rose water. So keep aside the Chocolate Barfi, and enjoy these juicy, sweet gems.
Ingredients:
- 150 gm milk powder
- 50 gm flour
- 5 gm baking soda
- 30 ml milk
- 1 lt oil (for frying)
- 300 gm sugar
- 250 ml water
- 5 ml rose water
- 5 gm ground cardamom
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix milk powder, flour, and baking soda. Add just enough milk to form a soft dough.
- Roll into small balls (about the size of a large marble).
- Heat oil and fry the balls on medium heat until golden brown.
- In a separate pot, make the syrup by dissolving sugar in water. Add cardamom and rose water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Soak the fried dumplings in the syrup for at least an hour before serving. Expert advice is to warm them up just before devouring them!