Try these Traditional Middle Eastern Desserts at Home, using everyday things like nuts, honey, milk, and semolina. These recipes go back many years and are still very popular today. Some desserts come soft and creamy, others are rich and sticky, but they’re all simple to make. They’re just right when you want a sweet treat that’s a bit different from cakes and cookies.
Homemade 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
Tulumba Tatlısı
'Tulumba Tatlisi', also known as Balah el Sham, is a traditional Middle Eastern 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
Kadaif Dessert, (or Turkish Tel Kadayif), is a popular and unique Middle Eastern 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
Quince Dessert
Ayva Tatlisi, also known as Quince Dessert, is a delicious sweet treat that has been enjoyed in Turkey and Middle East for centuries.
This dessert consists of quince fruit, which is native to the Caucasus and Western Asia, and has a unique and sweet flavor that is hard to resist.
To learn more: Ayva Tatlisi - Turkish Quince Dessert
Keskul - Almond Pudding
Keskul is a light and creamy Almond Pudding made with milk, rice flour, cornstarch, sugar, and ground almonds.
This delicious Middle Eastern dessert is similar to Muhallebi - Mahalabia Dessert and is traditionally served in small bowls, garnished with ground pistachios, red fruits, or coconut shavings.
To learn more: Keskul - Turkish Almond Pudding
Kunefe
Kunefe (or Kunafa/Knafeh) is a heavenly Turkish and 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
Ashure
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
Revani Cake
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
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
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