People’s fascination with Middle Eastern cuisine knows no bounds, and for good reason. Lebanese cuisine stands out as a shining star in this culinary landscape, especially when it comes to its delectable desserts. These sweet treats have gained immense popularity worldwide, with an increasing number of Lebanese restaurants popping up in every corner of the globe.
Maamoul
Baked goods often have a reputation for being high in sugar content, but maamoul is an exception. This traditional dessert offers a delightful sweetness without the negative impact on blood sugar levels that many other treats can cause. Compared to more decadent desserts, maamoul strikes a perfect balance between flavor and nutritional value.
Lebanese Baklava
Baklava, a traditional Lebanese dessert, has been a staple for generations. Its rich history and cultural significance are evident in its intricate layers of phyllo dough, carefully soaked in a fragrant syrup infused with rosewater. The dough is then topped with an assortment of freshly crushed nuts, adding texture and depth to each bite. This cleverly crafted dessert allows the flavors of all ingredients to shine through in every portion, regardless of size or shape.
Typically, Baklava is reserved for special occasions and celebrations in Lebanon, where its sweetness and richness are indulged in moderation as a treat.
Riz Bi Haleeb (Rice Pudding)
Zestfully flavored with rose and orange blossom water, the Lebanese version of rice pudding, known as Riz bi Haleeb, presents itself as an elegant and sweet dessert. The use of these two ingredients not only adds a beautiful floral aroma but also elevates the dish to new heights. Interestingly, this dessert has been adopted by most communities around the world as a traditional treat, despite being commonly served as a breakfast dish in Lebanon.
This subtle contradiction highlights the complexity and diversity of global cuisine. With just 25 minutes of cooking time required, creating this delightful dessert is a breeze, especially considering its simplicity in terms of ingredients – only milk and rice are needed to bring it all together. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert to serve at your next gathering or simply want to try something new, this recipe is an ideal choice.
Lebanese Ashta
People who are familiar with Lebanese cuisine already know what ashta is. For those who don’t, let’s break it down. Ashta, also known by its alternative name kashta, holds significant importance in Lebanese dessert-making traditions. This clotted cream can be enjoyed on its own with fresh fruit or used as a filling for various other sweet treats. The recipe that follows shows you how to make this versatile ingredient using just 6 essential components.
These ingredients include milk, heavy cream, rose water, orange blossom water, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar. When prepared, you can utilize ashta in various ways, such as making fruit salads, cocktails, or other creative dessert concoctions.
Shaabiyat
Delighting in similar textures and flavors as baklava, you may want to try shaabiyat from Cook In With Mima. This dessert shares similarities with baklava in that it is crispy, sweet, and mouthwateringly delicious. However, what sets it apart is the filling – whereas baklava typically contains butter and nuts, shaabiyat features a gooey, slightly sweet cheesy filling. This change offers a unique twist on a classic combination, pairing beautifully with the crunch of the phyllo dough.
Znoud El Sett
Sticking to the theme of Middle Eastern desserts, we have another delightful recipe from Lebanon – Znoud El Sett. This dessert takes just over 30 minutes to prepare, utilizing the classic combination of rosewater and phyllo dough that is so characteristic of Lebanese sweets. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll notice that these two ingredients are staples in many traditional Lebanese desserts.
Mafroukeh
Delightful Lebanese desserts are renowned for their rich flavors and textures, and Mafroukeh is one such treat that stands out from the rest. This traditional dessert comprises layers of cooked semolina carefully covered with ashta, an assortment of roasted nuts including pistachios, walnuts, and almonds, all held together by a sweet sugar syrup.
Some variations take it to the next level by incorporating ricotta cheese that has been sweetened with sugar and infused with the distinctive aroma of orange blossom water, adding a touch of elegance to this already decadent dessert.
Jazarieh
Lebanese pastries are known for their rich flavors and textures, and one such dessert is Jazarieh, a candied pumpkin treat that’s widely available in most Lebanese sweet shops. The key ingredient in this dessert is the grated pumpkin, which is mixed with various nuts like pistachios and almonds to create a unique blend of flavors. Once combined, the mixture is carefully stacked into a pyramid shape, giving Jazarieh its distinctive appearance.
While it may not be as sweet as other desserts, the addition of orange blossom water and mastic gum helps balance out the flavors, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind taste experience that’s both savory and sweet.
Layali Luban
Surprisingly, at first glance, Layali Luban may not appear appealing due to its uninviting color. However, this impression is quickly dispelled when we delve into the true nature of this Lebanese delicacy. The secret to its great flavor lies in its subtle nuances that are revealed upon closer inspection.
Mshabbak
Zeroing in on traditional Lebanese pastries, we can’t help but rave about mshabbak, a delightful dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Its resemblance to churros is undeniable, and the similarities don’t stop there – both share a similar texture and flavor profile. The key to making mshabbak lies in its soft dough, which is carefully piped into hot oil in a spiral shape before being transformed into a crispy golden brown delight.
Once removed from the fryer, these bite-sized treats are then submerged in rosewater syrup, giving them an added layer of sweetness and depth. The result is a sweet, donut-like confection with a delicate crunch on the outside and a soft, fluffy interior that’s simply irresistible. This simple yet elegant dessert is commonly found at food markets during celebrations, making it the perfect treat to indulge in when surrounded by loved ones.
Kanafeh
Brimming with Middle Eastern flavors, kanafeh is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends. This traditional Lebanese pastry consists of angel hair, samneh, akawi cheese, and ghee, which come together to create a rich and indulgent treat. Unlike other desserts, kanafeh boasts a unique texture – once baked, it resembles a sponge cake on the outside but yields to a soft, velvety interior.
The finishing touches of rose water syrup and crushed pistachios add an extra layer of complexity, making this dessert truly unforgettable. One of its most captivating qualities is undoubtedly its intoxicating aroma, which wafts through the air and teases the taste buds.
Bread Pudding
Elevating the traditional Lebanese dessert scene, bread pudding takes on a unique twist with its Arabic counterpart, aish el Saraya. This distinctive recipe diverges from conventional bread puddings, boasting a base crafted from dry, hard, and sweet rusks. These rusks are carefully soaked in a rose water syrup infused with the tang of lemon juice and the subtle zest of orange, creating an intriguing flavor profile.
As you build upon this foundation, another layer is added before the crowning glory: a rich, thick custard that ultimately yields a decadent dessert, satisfying even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Semolina Cake
Visually stunning, semolina cake, also known as nammoura, is a dessert that stands out from its cornbread counterparts. While it shares a similar texture, this Lebanese treat is exponentially sweeter, making it a true delight. The addition of rosewater syrup and sugar already gives it an edge, but the inclusion of honey takes it to new heights.
What we adore most about this recipe is how the coconut, rosewater, vanilla, and almonds harmoniously come together, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Are There any Lebanese-inspired Coffee Desserts Included in the 16 Divine Coffee Desserts You Need to Try?
Taking a culinary journey through Lebanon is a treat for any food enthusiast, especially when it comes to the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine combined with the depth of coffee. The 16 divine coffee desserts listed below are a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in this delightful fusion of cultures.
Ranging from traditional Lebanese classics like tiramisu infused with the unmistakable flavor of coffee, to innovative creations such as cardamom-infused coffee mousse, these treats blend the unique essence of Lebanon with the richness of coffee perfectly. By exploring the world of Lebanese-inspired coffee desserts, you’ll discover a new dimension of flavors and aromas that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Final Thoughts
Beneath their sweet and crunchy exteriors, Lebanese desserts hold a secret: simplicity. Despite their varied appearances, most of these treats rely on a core set of ingredients that never change. Dough, sugar, nuts, and syrup are the staples found in almost every recipe. In this post, we’ve compiled 13 authentic Lebanese desserts that you can easily make at home.
With such a vast array of options now within your reach, we hope to have sparked a desire in you to try out some traditional Lebanese desserts. If so, good luck choosing which one to attempt first – each recipe is sure to be a delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking center stage in Lebanese cuisine are a variety of sweet and savory delights. One dessert stands out as the most popular choice among locals and visitors alike, and it’s none other than mafroukeh. This beloved dessert is renowned for its sweetness, soft texture, and ultimate satisfaction factor. Interestingly, Lebanon has a unique twist on traditional baklava. Instead of calling it by its well-known name, the Lebanese refer to it as be’lewa.
While some people still use the term baklava, be’lewa has become an integral part of Lebanese culinary culture. Moving away from sweet treats and into the savory realm, Lebanon’s cuisine is often associated with shawarma. This mouthwatering street food has gained international recognition, and it’s a staple at many Lebanese markets.
Directions
Visiting a new restaurant or cooking up a storm in your own kitchen can be an exciting experience, but it’s often the simplest steps that make all the difference. Vulnerable to distractions, we might overlook the obvious first step: choosing a recipe from our curated list above. Verifying its ingredients and instructions beforehand is crucial for a successful culinary adventure. View the website of the chosen dish by clicking on its name, then proceed to collect all the necessary ingredients.
Lastly, indulge in the cooking process and relish the fruits of your labor – don’t forget to leave a review afterwards.
