In general, I try not to make really obnoxiously lofty claims around here, like “best desserts that ever existed” or “the only recipes you’ll ever need.” But I’ll just give it to you straight: THESE DESSERTS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Right now I’m having a hard time thinking of any other sweet treat that I’ve eaten, like, ever, that even comes close to the insanity of these Middle Eastern delights. It is ridiculous in a good way.
Like, ridiculous in the “Wow, this is so intensely flavorful and yet I cannot stop eating it” kind of way.
1. Umm Ali
This bread pudding style dessert hails from Egypt and it is a total winner. We are talking puff pastry and almonds and coconut and raisins all coming together in this exotic recipe to create umm ali.
It is served warm and is perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying some warmth on a cold night.
2. Basbousa
We have Egypt to thank for the pyramids and hieroglyphics but also for this incredible dessert. It gave us basbousa which is an ultra moist almond and coconut semolina cake.
It gets smothered in sweet sauce and dusted with toasted coconut shavings.
3. Bastani
For anyone worrying that this list might be lacking in the ice cream department we have good news. Bastani is a unique tasting icy treat flavored with saffron and rosewater.
It is richer and creamier and a lot more filling than your average cone because cream and egg yolks are added to the mix.
4. Turkish Delight
Most people will likely name Turkish delight if you ask them about Middle Eastern desserts. This well known favorite is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and is actually easier to make than you think.
This pretty pink candy is ideal for potlucks or birthday parties or any time you want to show off.
5. Kanafeh
Kanafeh is another sweet staple featuring light and flaky pastry stuffed with syrup and cheese. Cheesy pastry might not be your idea of dessert but trust me because it totally works.
There are a few stages of preparation but it is surprisingly easy to make with crunchy pastry and gooey cheese and sweet syrup plus a dollop of cream on top.
6. Ghraybeh
Almost every culture has a version of butter cookies and these melt in your mouth treats are the Middle Eastern version known as ghraybeh.
The recipe is ridiculously easy with just three ingredients where you simply mix the dough and chill it before shaping and baking. You will have a batch of warm cookies that are totally effortless.
7. Maamoul
Dates are heavily featured in the region since more than ninety percent of the world’s dates grow in the Middle East.
Maamoul happens when you take dates and break them down into a paste to stuff into cookies. And yes they are absolutely as delicious as they sound.
8. Lgeimat
Sweet fritters are basically pure joy in dessert form. These are even better Middle Eastern style where they are flavored with saffron and cardamom.
They get drizzled with decadent sugar syrup for a special treat.
9. Halva
It is basically impossible to discuss Middle Eastern desserts without bringing up halva. This classic confection is a fudge like sesame cake that is a popular snack.
Anyone on a plant based diet will love this three ingredient vegan version that swaps out refined sugars for healthier maple syrup.
10. Stuffed Dates
Sometimes you might want to spend hours layering a cake but sometimes you just want to keep it simple. You can turn to this four ingredient recipe for those times.
Dates get stuffed with walnuts and cardamom and coconut to create an irresistible snack that is both healthy and satisfying.
11. Chocolate Cardamon Halva
Chocolate and cardamom are an amazing flavor combo. They team up in this recipe to produce a dense and richly flavored tahini based fudge that is perfect for chocoholics.
It is a great choice for dessert fans of all ages.
12. Atayef
Pancakes are great at any time so do not let anyone tell you they are just for breakfast. You really can not go wrong with atayef when the mood hits.
These originate from Lebanon and are little parcels of heaven stuffed with creamy ricotta and dusted with crushed pistachios.
13. Persian Chickpea Cookies
Yes you can actually make chickpeas into delicious dessert food so stay with me here.
These inventive cookies use chickpea flour for the dough and are flavored with rosewater and pistachios. The result is a beautifully moist sweet snack that is big on flavor and high in protein.
14. Sahlab
Sahlab is the ultimate Middle Eastern comfort food that takes us from pancakes to pudding. It is a creamy snack served in a tall glass like a milkshake or a sundae.
It is basically sweetened milk flavored with cinnamon and vanilla and topped with nuts or coconut or raisins.
15. Kataifi
Kataifi is another sweet and flaky pastry that is similar to baklava. It is enjoyed in Greece and Turkey and throughout the Middle East.
The dough gets mixed with nuts and spices and honey syrup to create fragrant dessert dumplings.
16. Kahk
These Eid cookies are traditionally served on feast days and really showcase the vibrant flavors of the Middle East.
Pistachios and honey and sesame seeds and cinnamon elevate plain butter cookies into a very unique sweet treat.
17. Pistachio Cookies
Look no further than this recipe if you are craving cookies but do not want to derail your diet.
These gluten free and sugar free pistachio cookies offer Middle Eastern flavors without the carbs. They are made from almond flour and are perfect for health conscious foodies.
18. Balah El Sham
You get a hit of crunchy fried dough followed by creamy vanilla filling when you bite into these freakishly good fritters.
They are basically the Middle Eastern version of churros. We think they are best enjoyed with a good dollop of warm syrupy sauce.
19. Rice Pudding
Forget the classic rice pudding you might have loathed as a child. This easy Middle Eastern version reimagines the dish with a spiced makeover.
It adds vanilla and cinnamon and cloves to the mix for something special.
20. Baklava Cookies
It takes a culinary genius to combine two amazing desserts into one delicious dish. Thankfully that genius gave us baklava cookies as a gift to the world.
These bite size baklavas are gluten free and sugar free and low carb keto.
