Top 10 Arabic Desserts & Sweets
Arabic cuisine is renowned for its delightful and delicious desserts. From traditional cookies to creamy concoctions, Middle Eastern sweets are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
Take a journey through the history of Arabic confections with classic favorites like Kahk, Roz Bel Laban, Arabic Baklava, and Maamoul Cookies. Each one has a unique flavor and texture to tantalize your taste buds and make any occasion extra special.
No matter what time of year or what type of occasion you have in mind, these Arabian sweets are sure to hit the spot! So let’s take a look at my 10 favorite Arabic sweets and desserts!
1. Basbousa
Have you ever indulged in the mouth-watering Middle Eastern dessert, Basbousa? Every bite is a perfect blend of nutty and sweet, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy.
Made with semolina flour, sugar, butter, and yogurt, this delectable dessert is a staple at every special celebration. Whether you’re celebrating Ramadan or Eid, Basbousa is always present to make the occasion even more memorable. This flavorful cake is soaked in syrup, giving it a sticky yet satisfying texture, and the chopped almonds and pistachios sprinkled on top bring an extra crunch to every bite.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it all the way to the Middle East to try this divine dessert, nowadays, you can find Basbousa wherever you are in the world.
So why not indulge in this sweet and satisfying delight today?
2. Knafeh
Picture yourself sitting in a bustling market in the heart of the Middle East… as you inhale the fragrant smells of spices and baked goods, your eyes settle on a beautiful pastry known as Knafeh.
So, what exactly is this decadent dessert? Well, it’s made up of layers of crispy, shredded pastry with a creamy cheese filling. And let’s not forget the finishing touch of pistachios and sweet syrup drizzled over the top.
But where did this delectable treat come from? Rumor has it that it originated in the city of Nablus in Palestine centuries ago and became a beloved dessert throughout the region.
If you’ve never tried Knafeh, you’re truly missing out on a delectable experience!
3. Umm Ali
Imagine yourself in a delightful, inviting living room surrounded by your cherished family and friends. When someone brings out the steamy Umm Ali dessert, you all become instantly mesmerized as the fragrance fills up the space. You savor every single bite of this heavenly dish made with flaky pastry encasing creamy custard, delicate raisins, and crunchy nuts — it’s like being wrapped up in an affectionate hug!
This cherished Egyptian dessert has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique flair. Yet despite the variations in recipes, all households share one bond — that of love and devotion put into making it.
So next time you find yourself in the Middle East, make sure to try a slice of Umm Ali and be prepared to taste the love and warmth nestled within!
4. Sahlab
Sahlab is a creamy, warm dessert that is popular in many Arab countries. This beloved treat is made from a mixture of milk, sugar, and a blend of spices, but what makes Sahlab unique is it is thickened with the starchy root of the Orchidaceae family. This root, which is also known as Salep, is what gives Sahlab its distinctive texture and satisfyingly chewy mouthfeel.
But what’s the history behind this comforting dessert? Well, it is believed that this delicious sweet was first developed in Ancient Egypt and has been enjoyed for centuries. Today, Sahlab is a favorite in many Middle Eastern homes, especially during winter months when people need a little extra warmth and comfort.
So go ahead and give this traditional sweet a try — you won’t regret it!
5. Qatayef
Indulge in a dessert experience like no other with the heavenly Qatayef Arabic confection! This sweet treat is a traditional staple across the Middle East and is savored during special occasions like Ramadan and Eid.
Qatayef is essentially a folded pancake, filled with sweet cheese or whipped cream and nuts, and then sometimes it’s deep-fried to a mouth-watering golden brown. Its soft, doughy texture combined with the creamy filling and crisp outer layer is an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Qatayef is often paired with syrup or topped with powdered sugar and will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Sweet tooth or not, this dessert is worth trying at least once!
So, grab a plate of Qatayef, sit back, and indulge in the satisfying goodness of this tantalizing dessert!
6. Halawat El Jibn
Are you a cheese enthusiast? Then adorn your taste buds with the exquisite flavors of Halawat El Jibn. This scrumptious Middle Eastern delight is certain to tantalize anyone who loves an indulgent treat.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a delicate layer of sweet, stretchy dough created from cheese and semolina encasing decadent cream filling topped off with powdered sugar and chopped pistachios — absolute bliss! After sampling this delectable dessert, I can guarantee that you’ll be dreaming about it long after every morsel is gone!
So don’t wait any longer, dip into some heavenly goodness today, and thank me later for introducing you to the wonders of Halawat El Jibn!
7. Kahk Cookies
Kahk, or “Egyptian cookies” as they are sometimes called, are a staple of the Middle Eastern diet. These heavenly mounds of buttery goodness are crafted with flour, milk, sugar and a generous helping of love. After being rolled into balls, they are filled with an exquisite blend of chopped nuts and dates before taking a trip to the oven for baking until perfect golden perfection is achieved. They are often served around special occasions such as weddings and religious festivals. But their history dates back much further than that!
In Ancient Egypt, Kahk Cookies were first made as offerings for the gods. Over time, these sweet treats evolved into a traditional symbol of hospitality, with guests being served hot tea and Kahk upon arrival. Today, they are still enjoyed in many Middle Eastern countries as a special treat that you can enjoy anytime!
With such a long and rich history behind these delicious cookies, it’s no wonder that Kahk Cookies have become an essential part of Middle Eastern cuisine. So if you’re looking for a sweet treat steeped in tradition, look no further than Kahk Cookies!
8. Roz Bel Laban
Close your eyes and imagine a creamy, delicious, and refreshing treat that’s perfect for satisfying any sweet-tooth craving. Can you picture it? That’s right, I’m talking about Roz Bel Laban!
This Egyptian specialty is a delightful concoction made with milk, sugar, and rose water, giving it a unique and irresistible flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether served cold and topped with pistachios, or warm and sprinkled with cinnamon, Roz Bel Laban is sure to please any dessert lover’s taste buds.
So go ahead, indulge yourself in the sweet and creamy goodness of Roz Bel Laban, and let your taste buds dance with joy!
9. Arabic Baklava
Arabic Baklava is a dessert fit for royalty! This flaky pastry is sweet, sticky, and simply scrumptious. The layers of thin phyllo dough are delicately filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with hints of rose water, honey, and orange blossom.
Each bite will make you want to dance with delight. A traditional delicacy, Arabic Baklava has been enjoyed for centuries by those who appreciate the perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors. If you have never tried Arabic Baklava, come on… what are you waiting for? Treat yourself like royalty and indulge in a slice of this heavenly dessert. You won’t regret it!
10. Maamoul Cookies
If you’re a dessert lover or just have a sweet tooth, you’re going to love Maamoul Cookies. These handcrafted Middle Eastern sweets are a real treat, thanks to their delicate texture and irresistible flavor. Made with flour, butter, and sugar, Maamoul Cookies are usually filled with date paste, pistachios, or walnuts. They’re baked to perfection until they’re lightly golden brown and then sometimes dusted with powdered sugar.
Maamoul Cookies have been around for centuries and are still an essential part of Middle Eastern cuisine. They’re often served as part of special occasions such as weddings, religious holidays, or simply to welcome guests into someone’s home.
So if you’re looking for a delicious dessert with a long history behind it, give Maamoul Cookies a try — you won’t regret it!
Wrapping It Up
These Middle Eastern sweets and desserts offer a wide variety of flavors and textures that will please everyone. From the flaky, nutty goodness of Arabic Baklava, to the creamy deliciousness of Roz Bel Laban, there’s something for every taste. You can even try out traditional treats like Kahk or Maamoul Cookies for an unforgettable dessert experience!
So if you have never explored the world of Arabic sweets and desserts, you’re missing out on a whole realm of mouth-watering temptation. Just think of the scent of rosewater and cardamom, the comforting crunch of nuts, the smoothness of cream and butter, and the satisfying sweetness of honey and syrup melting in your mouth.
So why not treat yourself to a plateful of these sweet delights and experience the magic of Arabic cuisine for yourself? After all, life is too short to skip dessert!
Bil-hanā’ wa ash-shifā’ !
