12 Unique Holiday Desserts from Around the Globe to Try This Year

Around the world, people celebrate with unique sweets that reflect their culture, history, and festive spirit. From light and airy meringues to dense, fruit-filled breads, these global treats bring something special to the table. Trying a new holiday dessert is not just delicious—it is a chance to explore traditions from far-off places. The best part is that many of these desserts are surprisingly simple to make. These recipes are sure to impress. So, why not shake things up this year and add some international flair to your holiday spread?

Panettone (Italy)

Start with this Italian classic that has become a symbol of Christmas. Panettone is a sweet, fluffy bread filled with candied fruits, raisins, and sometimes chocolate. To make it, prepare a rich dough with eggs, butter, sugar, and yeast, and let it rise for several hours. Once the dough doubles in size, mix in your favorite dried fruits or chocolate chips. Bake it in a tall, round mold for that signature dome shape. The key is patience—good panettone takes time to perfect. Serve it with mascarpone or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence. It is a dessert that screams tradition and holiday cheer.

Pavlova (New Zealand/Australia)

This meringue-based dessert is light, airy, and topped with fresh fruits. Start by whipping egg whites until stiff, gradually adding sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of vinegar for stability. Shape the mixture into a round base on a baking sheet, leaving a slight indentation in the center for toppings. Bake it at a low temperature to ensure a crisp exterior and marshmallow-like interior. Let it cool completely before adding whipped cream and seasonal fruits like kiwi, berries, or passionfruit. The balance of sweetness and tanginess makes it a perfect holiday treat. Pavlova is a showstopper for your holiday table. It is as much a visual delight as it is a delicious one.

Stollen (Germany)

Stollen is a dense, fruit-filled bread coated in powdered sugar, perfect for the holidays. Start by soaking dried fruits and nuts in rum or orange juice overnight. Make a dough with flour, yeast, milk, butter, and a pinch of cardamom, then knead in the soaked fruits. Shape it into a log, optionally wrapping marzipan in the center for added richness. Bake it until golden brown, then brush it with melted butter and coat it generously in powdered sugar. Let it rest for a day to enhance the flavors. Slice and serve with coffee or mulled wine for a festive treat. Stollen is a dessert that tastes like holiday memories.

Bibingka (Philippines)

Bibingka is a Filipino rice cake traditionally baked in clay pots lined with banana leaves. Start by mixing rice flour, coconut milk, eggs, and sugar into a smooth batter. Pour the batter into a round pan lined with softened banana leaves. Top it with salted eggs and cheese for a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Bake it until golden and slightly charred around the edges. Brush the top with butter and sprinkle with grated coconut before serving. Bibingka is often enjoyed during early morning Christmas masses. It is a warm, comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.

Bûche de Noël (France)

This French Yule log is a rolled sponge cake decorated to resemble a log. Start by making a simple sponge cake, then spread it with a creamy filling like chocolate ganache or whipped cream. Carefully roll the cake into a log shape and chill it to set. Cover it with more ganache, creating wood-like textures with a fork. Decorate with powdered sugar for snow, meringue mushrooms, and fresh berries for a festive look. The presentation is as important as the flavor here. This dessert brings elegance and tradition to your holiday table.

Sufganiyot (Israel)

Sufganiyot are jelly-filled doughnuts traditionally enjoyed during Hanukkah. Make a soft yeast dough using flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, then let it rise until doubled in size. Roll the dough out, cut into rounds, and let them rise again. Fry the doughnuts until golden and drain on paper towels. Inject them with your favorite jam or custard using a piping bag. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. These doughnuts are light, fluffy, and irresistible. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays.

Rosca de Reyes (Mexico)

This ring-shaped bread is traditionally served on Three Kings’ Day in Mexico. Make a rich, buttery dough flavored with orange zest and cinnamon, and let it rise. Shape it into a ring and decorate it with candied fruits and sugar. Bake until golden brown, then brush with melted butter and sprinkle with more sugar. Traditionally, a small figurine is hidden inside the bread, symbolizing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds it is tasked with hosting a celebration later. Rosca de Reyes is a sweet and meaningful way to end the holiday season.

Kransekake (Norway)

Kransekake is a Norwegian wreath cake made of almond dough stacked in rings. Start by mixing almond flour, powdered sugar, and egg whites into a pliable dough. Roll the dough into long ropes and shape them into rings of decreasing size. Bake the rings until golden and stack them into a tower using royal icing as glue. Decorate with more icing and small flags or candies. It is a dessert that looks as festive as it tastes. Kransekake is perfect for weddings, holidays, or any special occasion.

Tang Yuan (China)

Tang Yuan are glutinous rice balls served in a sweet soup, often during the Winter Solstice. Mix glutinous rice flour with water to form a soft dough, then divide and color portions as desired. Roll small balls, filling some with sweet black sesame or red bean paste. Cook the balls in boiling water until they float. Serve them in a bowl of warm, lightly sweetened ginger syrup. These chewy treats symbolize family unity and togetherness. Tang Yuan is a comforting dessert that warms both heart and soul.

Pfeffernüsse (Germany/Netherlands)

Pfeffernüsse are spiced cookies often enjoyed during Christmas in Germany and the Netherlands. Make a dough with flour, molasses, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a dash of black pepper for heat. Roll into small balls and bake until puffed and firm. Let them cool, then coat in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These cookies have a bold, festive flavor that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee. They are perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings. Pfeffernüsse bring a spicy twist to holiday baking.

 Polvorones (Spain/Mexico)

Polvorones are crumbly shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth. Mix flour, powdered sugar, and lard or butter into a soft dough, then shape into small discs. Bake until lightly golden and let them cool completely. For a Mexican twist, add ground cinnamon or pecans to the dough. Dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving. These cookies are simple but rich in flavor and tradition. Polvorones are perfect for holiday platters or as a sweet gift.

Rum Cake (Caribbean)

Rum cake is a moist, boozy dessert popular across the Caribbean. Start by soaking dried fruits in rum for at least a day (or longer for a richer flavor). Make a batter with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder, then fold in the soaked fruits. Bake until golden and pour a rum glaze over the warm cake. Let it soak overnight for the best flavor. The rich, spiced cake is perfect for holiday gatherings. Rum cake is a dessert that brings tropical warmth to winter celebrations.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

15 Cozy Fall Wardrobe Staples from Walmart, Starting at Just $11

Autumn has a way of bringing out the need for a wardrobe refresh, and Walmart is packed with affordable options that are both stylish and comfortable.  Read More.

10 Nearly Forgotten Thanksgiving Recipes to Bring Back to Your Holiday Table

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, reminiscing, and creating memories over delicious food. But amidst the turkey and pumpkin pie, many classic dishes from Thanksgivings past have been overshadowed by modern trends. Read More.

10 Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes to Bake for Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time to bake up some magic in the kitchen, and what better way to celebrate than with easy Christmas cookie recipes? From classic sugar cookies to festive peppermint treats, these recipes are simple, quick, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Read More.