Between weekly Shabbats and holiday meals there are plenty of good excuses to add a delicious dessert to the end of your meal. Jewish communities all around the world have cultivated their own special desserts for different occasions, and these are just some of the best that you could add to your very own table at home!
Babka
Originating in Poland and Ukraine, babka has become a classic staple at every Jewish bakery. With its fluffy dough, light and airy feel, and swirls of sweet filling, it’s easy to see why it’s such a well loved dessert. It was even given a shoutout in the popular sitcom Seinfeld when in “The Dinner Party” episode of 1994 they exclaim, “You can’t beat a babka!” Hard to argue with that! You can make your own here.
Krembo
Krembo are one of the most popular confections in Israel, with over 50 million sold every year. Typically only available in Israeli stores during the winter months, Israelis eagerly wait all summer until these tasty treats return to the shelves. The classic krembo features a cookie base, with marshmallow fluff on top, all covered in a chocolate shell, and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. To make your own version at home, check out this recipe.
Rugelach
Adapted from the European crescent-shaped pastries called “kipfel,” Ruglelach rose to popularity among American Jews in the mid 20th century. Literally meaning “little twists” in Yiddish, rugelach are crescent shaped, made from flaky dough and twisted with different fillings. Whether you prefer chocolate, cinnamon, or vanilla, it’s hard to resist these pastries.
Try making your own chocolate rugelach here.
Strudel
The history of the strudel dates back to Vienna in the 17th century. With many of the top bakers of the time being Jewish, it wasn’t long before it became a staple in many Ashkenazi homes. The classic strudel is made with thin flaky dough, and contains a variety of scrumptious fillings, usually with fruits. Add it to your table with this recipe!
Moufleta
Moufleta is a Moroccan dessert, typically made for special occasions. Traditionally, Moroccan Jews make moufleta for the holiday of Mimouna, which is the Moroccan Jewish celebration of the end of Passover. This thin pastry is often rolled up with honey, butter jelly, or silan, and are absolutely delicious! You can make your own moufleta this year here.
Kanafeh
Kanafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert, and can be found in outdoor markets and bakeries all over Israel. It’s typically layered with cheese and pistachio (or other types of nuts), and soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup. It's usually cooked in a tray over an open fire until the buttery dough forms a crisp crust and the cheese has melted. It's best eaten fresh from the oven, and worth every decadent bite. Follow this classic recipe to make your own!
Teiglach
Teiglach are small knitted pastries boiled in a honeyed syrup. They originated in the Middle East and were initially popular with Sephardic Jews, but eventually made their way to Eastern Europe and became associated with Lithuanian Jews. Today, they have ultimately become known as a classic Ashkenazi dessert. It’s become traditional in some Ashkenazi communities to make these yummy treats for holidays like Rosh Hashana, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, and Purim. Try this recipe to experience them for yourself!
Zengula
If you’re looking for a satisfying fried dough treat, look no further than Zengula. These are the Iraqi version of a fried funnel cake or fritter, traditionally soaked in a sugar syrup. For centuries Iraqi Jews have traditionally made Zengula during the holiday of Hanukkah, as a way to celebrate the miracle of the oil. Try making them for yourself here!
Mandelbrot
Some have called Mandelbrot the Jewish version of Italian biscotti, and it’s easy to see why. Historians believe some of the first sweet biscotti were baked by Jews in the Jewish ghetto in Venice. Jews then took these cookies to other parts of Europe, adapted them, and it wasn’t long before they had a Yiddish name. Mandelbrot means “almond bread” in Yiddish, and are now considered a staple when it comes to Jewish baked goods. They can be filled with nuts, chocolate chips, and more! Try your own classic Mandelbrot with this recipe.
Malabi
Popular throughout the Middle East, this pudding-like dessert has become beloved in Israel, and some even consider it to be the country’s national dessert. Malabi has become so popular among Israelis that there are even restaurants in the country purely devoted to this treat. Malabi is a milk pudding, traditionally flavored with rose water and a sweet, red syrup on top, but there’s plenty of variations to choose from. Try your own here!
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