Pastry passport: 17 desserts to take you around the world

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Why travel when you can have a global dessert tour at home? This collection of 17 international sweets is all you need to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends. Each one tells a story from a different part of the world, and they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. So, who’s ready for a little worldwide pastry adventure?

An apple cake on a white plate with cinnamon sticks.
Nanna’s Apple Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turtle Brownies

A piece of Turtle Brownie with ice cream on a plate.
Turtle Brownies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Everyone loves a good mashup, and Turtle Brownies are no exception. They bring together rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans in a way that makes you wonder why they weren’t always a thing. Perfect for when you can’t decide between candy and a baked treat, these brownies cover all the bases. Seriously, it’s like getting the best of both worlds without even asking for it.
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you thought cookies couldn’t get any better, Chocolate Caramel Cookies are here to prove you wrong. It’s like someone took the essence of your favorite chocolate bar and baked it into a cookie. The addition of caramel turns them into a treat that’s hard to put down after just one. They’re the kind of snack that makes coffee breaks and milk moments way more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Pecan Pie Brownies

A close-up of two pecan brownies on a slate surface, showing the rich, chocolatey interior and a topping of chopped pecans.
Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Mixing things up in the dessert scene, Pecan Pie Brownies have entered the chat as a top contender. This bake takes the beloved elements of a classic pie and fuses them with the dense, chocolatey goodness of brownies. They’re a hit at gatherings, leaving everyone asking for the recipe or at least for seconds. The fact that they’re so easy to love makes them a go-to for anyone looking to impress without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies

Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

A batch of Zucchini cookies with chocolate & pecan on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who like to sneak veggies into every meal, Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans are your new best friends. They strike an interesting balance between being somewhat good for you and satisfying your sweet tooth. You wouldn’t think zucchini could play so well in a dessert, but here we are, proven wrong. Plus, the addition of chocolate and pecans? Game changer.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

An apple cinnamon roll on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are like a hug for your stomach on a cozy morning. They combine the comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with the classic, heartwarming flavor of apple pie. Perfect for those chilly mornings or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to wake up to that aroma?
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Double Chocolate Brookies

A plate of chocolate cookies with walnuts and chocolate pieces on the side.
Double Chocolate Brookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These brookies are here to disrupt your usual dessert line-up in the best way possible. Imagine biting into the chewy goodness of a brownie and the soft, crumbly texture of a cookie at the same time. It’s a bold move to bring these two together, but boy, does it pay off. Double Chocolate Brookies are for those days when choosing between a cookie and a brownie feels like an impossible task.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins

A white rectangular plate Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffin topped with chocolate chips.
Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Falling leaves and sweater weather call for Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins. These bad boys make it so easy to fill your kitchen with the smells of autumn any time of the year. They’re the perfect excuse to stay in, get cozy, and enjoy the little things. And let’s face it, pumpkin spice has a way of making everything better.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Mini Biscoff Cheesecake

A white plate with strawberries and mini biscoff cheesecakes.
Mini Biscoff Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Mini Biscoff Cheesecake might just be the tiny hero we didn’t know we needed. They pack all the creamy, crunchy goodness of a full-sized cheesecake into a bite-sized wonder. It’s a convenient way to indulge without having to commit to a whole slice. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Biscoff twist? It makes everything feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Mini Biscoff Cheesecake

Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies

A white plate with four square pieces of Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies bars.
Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you’re craving something sweet, Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies bring a unique twist to the table. They’re the perfect blend of indulgence and comfort, making them a hit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Ideal for a casual hangout or a quiet evening at home, they effortlessly become the star of the show without trying too hard. It’s like catching up with an old friend – familiar yet always pleasantly surprising.
Get the Recipe: Speculoos White Chocolate Blondies

Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Six Cookie Butter Cake Balls on a slate tray.
Cookie Butter Cake Balls. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

For those times when you want a bite-sized treat, Cookie Butter Cake Balls are your go-to. They pack a punch of rich flavors in a small package, making them dangerously addictive. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself (we won’t judge), these treats are designed to impress. It’s hard not to reach for another as they masterfully balance sweetness with an irresistible texture.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies

Three pieces of pumpkin brownies on a slate plate.
Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

These Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies stand out as a creative twist on the classic dessert, providing a multi-layered experience. This dessert is like a good book; with each layer, you uncover more depth and interest. They’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a familiar favorite with a bit of a twist. The combination is so well executed, it’ll have you reconsidering your usual brownie preferences.
Get the Recipe: Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies

Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake

Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake dusted with powdered sugar topped with raspberries and blackberries on a black plate.
Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Nothing beats the simplicity and elegance of an Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake. This cake takes it back to basics but keeps things interesting, proving that sometimes less truly is more. It’s all about the texture and the subtle flavors that make every bite worth it. Great for those moments when you’re looking for something both simple and sophisticated, it’s a classic that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake

No-Bake Molly Bars

A rectangular baking pan filled with molly bars and melted chocolate drizzle.
No-Bake Molly Bars. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When the urge for dessert hits but the thought of baking doesn’t appeal, No-Bake Molly Bars are a lifesaver. They come together so easily, yet the result is always a crowd-pleaser. This treat has a knack for being the perfect last-minute dessert without looking or tasting like one. It’s the ace up your sleeve for when you want to whip something up with minimal effort but maximum impact.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Molly Bars

Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls

Four pieces of Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls on a rack.
Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

With Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls, Halloween feels can happen anytime, giving a playful twist to your dessert spread. These are not just fun to look at but are also packed with a flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether for a themed party or just because, they add a festive touch that’s both creative and delicious. They remind us that it’s totally acceptable to play with your food sometimes.
Get the Recipe: Skeleton Oreo Cookie Balls

Pumpkin Blondies

Close-up pumpkin blondies on a white plate.
Pumpkin Blondies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Pumpkin Blondies offer a comforting nod to classic flavors with a seasonal touch, making it easy to enjoy these all year round. They have just the right amount of sweetness, balanced with a hearty texture that makes each bite fulfilling. It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to settle in with a good book or a favorite movie. They’re like a warm hug in dessert form, always there to comfort you.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Blondies

Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread

A plate of Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread.
Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

This recipe is all about bringing a bit of color and a lot of flavors to your dessert table. Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread have a way of standing out, not just for their appearance but for their memorable taste. They strike the perfect balance between nutty and tart, making them a great choice for those who like a little contrast in their sweets. It’s a refreshing take on a classic, proving that it’s okay to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread

Nanna’s Apple Cake

An apple cake on a white plate with cinnamon sticks.
Nanna’s Apple Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nanna’s Apple Cake brings back those cherished memories of home-cooked desserts that many of us hold dear. It’s the kind of cake that feels like it’s made with love, perfect for any occasion, or no occasion at all. The textures and aromas invite you for a slice, tempting you to come back for more. Every bite takes you down memory lane, making it more than just a dessert but a journey to the past.
Get the Recipe: Nanna’s Apple Cake

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