There’s plenty of desserts in the world that are just waiting for you to try making them yourself. Here are the top desserts starting with the letter ‘J’ to get you inspired.
It’s possible to learn about cultures across the world through the desserts they make and eat. From artisanal confections to classics that are deeply comforting, desserts come in all shapes and varieties. They present a rich tapestry of flavors, techniques of cooking, and traditions of eating and sharing. They also transcend boundaries, giving people a reason to connect through their shared love for sweets. So here is a list of the best desserts, from all over the globe, that start with the letter ‘J’. From jalebi to the Japanese cheesecake, each dessert carries with it stories of cultures, families, and communities, celebrating food and the joy of savoring something sweet.
The mesmerizing swirls of jalebi are a sure way to bring happiness to anyone who sees them. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, jalebis are made by deep-frying a flour batter into circular spirals. While still hot, they are then soaked in a sugar syrup, which they willingly soak in. Crispy and delectably soft with each bite, jalebis captivate the senses with their texture. The cardamom aroma and the bright saffron color only add to the eating experience. Served hot, jalebis are an important part of festivities and street food experiences across India.
Here is a dessert that defies the conventional notions of cheesecake making. The Japanese cheesecake, or 'jiggly cheesecake' as it's often called, is renowned for its airy texture. Its characteristic fluffiness and bounce come from the addition of meringue to the batter. This variation of the cheesecake is as popular as the classic cheesecake, being a separate dessert in its own right. It looks simple, often baked till it's golden and dusted with powdered sugar, but presents a melt in your mouth experience, leaving a soft delicateness in your mouth. Its real charm lies in the combination of its unassuming look and irresistible taste.
While donuts are a hit in themselves, jelly donuts are a great way of upping the game. The fried dough, instead of having an empty space in the middle, is stuffed with fruit jelly or jam that oozes through with each bite. The sign of a great jelly donut is when you forgo any considerations for neatness and lean into the messiness created by the eating experience. Popular filling choices include strawberry, raspberry or apricot jam. The donuts are often topped with powdered sugar or a glossy glaze. In several cultures in the West, it's treated as a festive special as much as a snack on a normal day.
At the heart of Jewish culinary heritage is the Jerusalem Kugel, standing strong as a testament to their tradition and taste. It’s essentially a baked noodle pudding, popularly served during Shabbat and other festive occasions. It’s baked until it's nice and golden. The Jerusalem Kugel captivates different palates with its rich flavor, and brings with it a nostalgic element. It's more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of the Jewish culture, with its recipe passed down from one generation to the next, and it’s ever present at communal gatherings, working to connect people.
The jelly roll, also known as a Swiss roll or sponge roll, is baking at its simplest and most charming. This classic dessert is basically a thin sponge cake, with jelly or jam spread on it, which is then rolled into a log-like shape. When cut into slices, the result is a visually appealing swirl of cake and filling. The softness of the cake and the freshness of the jelly also make it a textural delight. It's also a staple in most bakeries and many households in the west, often present for festivities and special occasions. Although simple to make, it still looks elegant and refined when handled neatly.
Also known as Finnish Christmas tart, the Joulutorttu is a traditional Finnish pastry often served during Christmas. It features a star or pinwheel-shaped puff pastry filled with prune jam or dried fruits. The corners of the pastry are folded over the filling while the center boasts the filling, much like a jam biscuit. For the jam filling, options include strawberry, mixed fruit, raspberry, apricot or any other flavor you prefer. To make it more visually appealing while it still retains its simplicity, it's often dusted with powdered sugar.