These Middle Eastern desserts are easy to follow and made with simple ingredients like honey, nuts, dates, and warm spices. Many of these homemade treats have been passed down through generations and are often shared during religious holidays, celebrations, and family gatherings. From crisp, syrup-soaked pastries to creamy milk-based puddings with a hint of rosewater, each dessert has its own unique charm.
Baklava
This Authentic Middle Eastern Walnut Baklawa is a scrumptious creation that beautifully combines layers of filo pastry with the richness of walnuts and a sweet simple syrup.
But what truly makes this recipe special is the love and artisanship that goes into creating each delicate layer of hand-rolled phyllo sheets.
To learn more: Authentic Middle Eastern Walnut Baklawa
Mahalabia
Muhallebi (or Mahalabia / Muhallabieh/Mouhalabieh) Dessert is a light, creamy, and delicious milk pudding that's popular throughout Turkey and the Middle East.
This popular Muhallebi dessert recipe only requires 5 ingredients and comes together in just 20 minutes.
To learn more: Muhallebi - Mahalabia Dessert
Revani
Revani Cake is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with semolina flour, sugar, and eggs, soaked with orange-flavored syrup, and then cut into diamonds or squares. The result is a moist and tender cake that is perfect for serving on special occasions or as an afternoon treat.
To learn more: Revani - Turkish Semolina Cake
Baklava Rolls
Sari Burma Baklava Rolls, known as Saragli in Greek cuisine and Burma Baklava in Turkish cuisine, are a delicious twist on the classic layered baklava. They’re made with flaky phyllo dough, a filling of finely chopped nuts, and soaked in a fragrant syrup.
To learn more: Sari Burma Baklava Rolls
Ashure - Noah's Pudding
Ashure (Aşure), also known as Noah's Pudding, is a rich, unique, and traditional dessert that's rich in history and flavor. Made with a delightful mix of grains, legumes, nuts, and fruits, this super nutritious treat is a true gem in Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
To learn more: Ashure Dessert - Noah's Pudding
Qatayef
Qatayef (also spelled Atayef or Katayef) are small, stuffed pancakes that are popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, especially during festive occasions and Ramadan. They are versatile, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
To learn more: Qatayef - Middle Eastern Stuffed Pancakes
Tulumba Tatlisi
'Tulumba Tatlisi', also known as 'Bamiyeh' or 'Balah el Sham', is a traditional Turkish fried dough dessert famous for its crispy texture and syrupy sweetness. This popular street food is made from mini choux pastry dough balls, piped into cold oil, fried, and then dipped in sweet syrup.
To learn more: Tulumba Tatlisi - Turkish Fried Dough Dessert
Kadaif Dessert
Kadaif Dessert, (or Turkish Tel Kadayif), is a popular and unique Turkish dessert typically served during the holy month of Ramadan. It is made with layers of crispy, shredded filo pastry base filled with a rich and nutty walnut mixture, and then baked until crispy. The dessert is then soaked in a sweet syrup, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
To learn more: Kadaif Dessert - Turkish Tel Kadayif
Semolina Halva
Irmik Helvasi (Turkish Semolina Halva) is a traditional dessert widely popular in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. This delicious pudding is enriched with butter & pine nuts and then soaked in hot syrup.
What makes this Turkish Semolina Halva dessert recipe so special is that it is extremely easy to make and can be prepared with a few ingredients.
To learn more: Irmik Helvasi (Turkish Semolina Halva)
Knafeh
Kunefe (or Kunafa/Knafeh) is a heavenly Turkish / Middle Eastern Cheese Dessert made with kadaif pastry filled with cheese and soaked in syrup. This crispy and buttery cheese dessert is as popular as Baklava or Sekerpare (Turkish Semolina Cookies) but is much easier to make and ready in just 30 minutes.
To learn more: Kunefe (Kunafa) - Turkish Cheese Dessert
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