Amanda PhillipsNo matter who you are or where you’re from, everyone knows about The Great British Bake Off.
We love the show because each week, we are introduced us to some of the most incredible pastries and desserts from all over the world, which always leaves us drooling over our TV screens.
Think of yourself as a bit of a pudding connoisseur? Inspired by the show, here are some of the countries you should tick off your dessert bucket list. Who knows, maybe after trying all of these, it could be you battling it out in the white tent next…
Custard Tarts, Portugal
Custard Tarts have been tried and tested on Bake Off. This dessert consists of a pastry crust that is filled with an egg custard and baked, and is one of Portugal’s most popular sweet treats.
TRY THEM YOURSELF: The best custard tarts in Lisbon come from ‘Antiga Confeitaria de Belem’. The recipe is almost 200 years old and with 16,000 tarts being made each day, these are a reason to go to Portugal in themselves.
Sfogliatelle, Italy
Often nicknamed ‘Lobster Tail’ in English, this shell-shaped pastry is made up of small layers that resemble stacked leaves, traditionally filled with orange-flavoured ricotta, almond paste and citron peel. These delicate pastries could be the ultimate technical challenge on Bake Off.
TRY IT YOURSELF: ‘Antico Forno delle Sfogliatelle Calde Fratelli Attanasio’ is seen by travellers to be the best bakery in Naples, and is a must for any visitor to the city. Serving hot Sfogliatelle all day, this is the perfect first stop after you touch down at the airport.
Nanaimo Bar, Canada
This could be the bakers’ chance to go all-out Canadian, by making the Canada’s favourite no-bake dessert. With layers of buttery wafer crumb, a custard-flavoured butter icing and melted chocolate, this treat is low-fuss in the best way possible.
TRY IT YOURSELF: To get the best of this iconic Canadian dessert, you have to go to its home, Nanaimo itself. Take their self-guided dessert trail around the city – why try one when you can try them all?
Brigadeiro, Brazil
This chocolate truffle will make you want to pack your bags and head to Brazil immediately. Since its conception, it has been made from condensed milk, cocoa powder and butter, coated in chocolate sprinkles. With over 50 flavours existing in gourmet shops across Brazil, there is definitely room for the bakers to experiment with flavours.
TRY IT YOURSELF: If you can’t make it to Brazil, ‘Maya’s Brigadeiro Brazilian Sweets’ in Los Angeles is seen to be as close to the original as you can get. Head here at the end of your stateside trip to ensure you’re a hit with all your friends at home.
Baklava, Turkey
Yet another tricky dish that could serve as a technical challenge, Baklava is a rich, sweet delight made with layers of filo pastry, with chopped nuts and either syrup and honey. Said to have been around since the 15th Century, Balkava can be served hot or cold – why not try it both ways?
TRY IT YOURSELF: ‘Karakoy Gulluoglu’ is seen to serve the best Baklava in Istanbul, and even provide an educational video on the history and production of their desserts. Be sure to add this as a stop on your next Turkish city break.
Which of these desserts is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!