The Top 10 Must-Try British Desserts (2024)

The British have a habit of eating dessert after a meal and the golden combination of afternoon tea with dessert. For thousands of years, desserts have played an essential role in Western cuisine and are an indispensable part of the Western diet. Although the UK is known in our minds as the country of dark cuisine, these exquisite and delicious desserts are irresistible.

Many girls complain that they have gained a lot of weight after coming to the UK. However, they can’t control themselves when faced with these tempting desserts, which is a headache. Take a look at these irresistible and exquisite desserts in the UK, and be sure to savour them when you have the chance:

Trifle

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Trifle is a traditional British Christmas dessert, usually available in supermarkets. It is especially suitable for summer, not too sweet or greasy. Compared with other British desserts that make people tired of panic, this can make people unable to stop. Trifle is usually made from fruit, cake, jam and cream layers. Some Trifles are made with alcohol (usually sherry or Madeira). In contrast, non-alcoholic Trifles are made with liquids such as ginger ale, fruit juice or sparkling water to give them a different taste. UK supermarkets sell Trifles in large boxes and small cups. Trust us, Sainsbury’s Summerfruit Trifle is a delightful choice. This 500g box, perfect for sharing among 4-5 people, offers an authentic taste of summer.

Scone

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When it comes to traditional British afternoon tea, how can you go wrong with Scone? Savouring a robust English black tea with milk and a freshly made scone adorned with cream or strawberry sauce in a quaint countryside teahouse on a rainy afternoon offers a serene and elegant slice of the English experience. This is how a British afternoon tea should be: a cup of strong black tea with milk, a hot piece of handmade Scone with fresh cream or strawberry sauce.

Rhubarb Crumble

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Rhubarb is a strange plant that is a common ingredient in desserts in the UK. Crumble is a dessert commonly made by British people at home. And I remember eating it several times at British people’s homes, freshly made by themselves. This dessert usually comes with butter and seasonal fruits, and the choice of fruits is generally quite random. Some common choices are apples, blackberries, peaches and plums. The name of the dessert changes accordingly with different fruits. For example, if you add apples, the dessert’s name is AppleCrumble, and if you add the vegetable Rhubarb, it’s the RhubarbCrumble. In summary, the British have a strong affinity for this dessert, which consists of a crumbly biscuit layer on top and a tart yet sweet layer on the bottom. The unconventional combination is well-loved in Britain.

Eton mess

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As in China, the names of many British cuisines are linked to their place of birth. Eton mess was initially served as traditional food to players, guests, and spectators at cricket matches pitting Eton against Winchester and Harrow. The finishing touch to this dessert is the messy appearance of the ingredients piled perfectly together. It is a simple mix of cream, jam, ice cream and fresh fruit. Eton mess is famous in the UK and pairs perfectly with champagne, even making it to the Prince’s wedding table!

Treacle Sponge Pudding

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Treacle sponge pudding is a meal that dessert lovers should not miss. After carefully baking the cake, top it with golden syrup or creamy custard. The sweet and savoury taste can fill every taste bud, which will let you feel relaxed. Half of this dessert is not available in supermarkets. You can get it in some Western restaurants or small pubs, but ensure you eat it while it’s hot. Eating a Treacle sponge pudding on a warm winter day will satisfy you greatly. Beckham declares this dessert as his favourite British treat.

Bakewell Pudding

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Bakewell pudding, a traditional English dessert, became famous in the small town of Bakewell, nestled in England’s Peak District. As a result, Bakewell Pudding has become a local speciality, and the smell of the dessert fills the whole town’s air. Every year, the city attracts many tourists to taste the food. Bakewell Pudding consists of a lasagna pastry for the bottom shell, jam for the bottom layer of the filling, a top layer consisting of butter, eggs and sugar, and an almond-flavoured icing on top. Bakewell Pudding has grown all over the UK. Through a process of refinement and evolution, we’ve bestowed the pudding with a variety of flavours and specialities. However, only those puddings crafted in the local heart of Bakewell earn the esteemed title of Bakewell Pudding.

Apple Pie

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Although it’s just one of British England’s most challenging and unacceptable treats, it doesn’t stop the British from loving apple pie. Apple pie is a very classic, traditional British dessert. Apple pies have a crusty cake on top and bottom. The top layer may be a circle or a woven lattice. Traditional British dessert makers are very particular about the apples used in apple pie. The apples must be fresh enough, and the cooking time must be controlled appropriately to maintain the flavour after cooking. You can find apple pies in almost all large and small supermarkets in the UK, but you can also go to a bakery for the freshest and most delicious taste.

Christmas Pudding

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As the name suggests, Christmas Pudding is a dessert eaten at Christmas in the UK. This dessert can be the highlight of your British family Christmas dinner. It is a must-try for anyone celebrating this special holiday with loved ones. Many families prepare several days in advance, and all the family members create a pudding together, symbolising unity and harmony. All the family members make a pudding together to symbolise unity and harmony. At the end, hide a coin in the dough. Christmas pudding in the British festive season, like Chinese dumplings and noodles, symbolises reunion, happiness and good fortune for the coming year.

Bread and butter pudding

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Bread and butter, quintessential English staples, can morph into uniquely flavoured traditional desserts. Layered buttered Bread sprinkled with fresh sultanas, topped with herbs, and a little custard in the oven, the finished dessert smells of butter and milk. However, a French friend told me it is best to use expired Bread for Bread and butter pudding. The product is delicious.

The Victoria sponge

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The Victoria sponge, it seems, is a classic must-have for afternoon tea time in the UK. A well-made plain cake is sliced horizontally down the centre and touched with a layer of cream and a layer of jam, or in some cases, fresh fruit. The dessert is named Victoria Sponge after Queen Victoria’s favourite way of eating sponge cake, and it’s easy enough to make at home if you’re interested.

FAQ

Why should I try these top 10 British desserts?

These desserts not only offer an authentic, mouth-watering taste of British cuisine but also provide an insight into the country’s cultural traditions and historical influences on its food.

Are these top 10 British desserts easy to prepare at home?

While some of these desserts may require a bit of culinary skill, their unique flavours and textures make the effort worthwhile. We believe in your ability to create these delightful dishes at home!

Where can I find the best places to savour these British desserts?

While we advocate for the joy of homemade desserts, we also understand the pleasure of dining out. You can find these British desserts in various traditional bakeries, pubs, and restaurants across the UK.

The Top 10 Must-Try British Desserts (2024)

FAQs

The Top 10 Must-Try British Desserts? ›

Bread and butter pudding

The fact that good old bread and butter pud still appears a go-to dessert proves that classic British puddings will always have a place in our hearts.

What is the most famous British dessert? ›

Bread and butter pudding

The fact that good old bread and butter pud still appears a go-to dessert proves that classic British puddings will always have a place in our hearts.

What is the most famous desert in the UK? ›

So, the humble apple crumble clinched the top spot, pipping Vicky sponge to claim the title as the UK's favourite dessert. And who could blame Brits for being besotted by this classic British pud?

What is the national sweet of the UK? ›

There isn't actually an official national sweet, but Sticky Toffee Pudding is widely celebrated as a quintessentially British treat. 3. What is the traditional dessert of London? Puddings like Bread and Butter Pudding have a long-standing association with London, embodying traditional British comfort food。

What do English people have for dessert? ›

British puddings
  • Bread and butter pudding.
  • Bread pudding.
  • Cabinet pudding.
  • Christmas pudding.
  • Eve's pudding.
  • Figgy pudding.
  • Fruit hat.
  • Jam Roly-Poly.

What was Queen Elizabeth's favorite dessert? ›

Posted on www.today.com (Read original article here.) “This chocolate biscuit cake is Her Royal Majesty the Queen's favorite afternoon tea cake by far,” chef Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef and former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, told TODAY Food.

What is the national cake of England? ›

England – Victoria sponge cake

A Victoria sponge cake is the quintessential example of English cuisine, simple, homely, and comforting. A traditional Victoria sponge consists of layers of buttery sponge cake, raspberry jam, and whipped buttercream.

Which five are popular desserts in the UK? ›

  • Ever wondered which delectable British desserts are the nation's favourites? Here are a few that have provided our chocolatiers with inspiration. ...
  • Banoffee pie. ...
  • Carrot cake. ...
  • Cheesecake. ...
  • Bread and butter pudding. ...
  • Crumble. ...
  • Chocolate brownies. ...
  • Eton Mess.
May 16, 2022

What is the oldest British desert? ›

What is the oldest English dessert? Its probably Syllabub, a sweet cream dessert with a slightly gelatinous second part. The recipe goes back at least as far as the 16th Century. Whisk all the ingredients together until the syllabub just holds its shape.

What is the UK's only desert? ›

Dungeness, along the coast of Kent, has been previously called a desert, and is the only one in the UK. It remains mild throughout the year - it is one of the warmest beaches in the spring with highs of 18C - and the highest ever summer temperature was recorded at 29C although averages around 22C.

What is Britain's most popular sweet? ›

New research has revealed the nation's favourite sweets of all time, with Jelly Babies (65 percent) taking the top spot.

Which candy is commonly eaten in Britain? ›

You can't really have a list of popular British candy without talking about Cadbury Dairy Milk. A simple treat, this won't necessarily blast you off into a wonderland of texture and flavor, but it is a solid British classic (and one of the oldest chocolate bars in the region).

What is a cookie called in England? ›

A cookie (American English) or biscuit (British English) is a baked snack or dessert that is typically small, flat, and sweet.

What is the British dessert with a funny name? ›

Spotted Dick: This classic British dessert might raise an eyebrow with its name, but it's a delightful steamed pudding filled with currants or raisins, often served with custard.

What is the oldest English dessert? ›

What is the oldest English dessert? Its probably Syllabub, a sweet cream dessert with a slightly gelatinous second part. The recipe goes back at least as far as the 16th Century. Whisk all the ingredients together until the syllabub just holds its shape.

What is the most famous British cake? ›

As a nation of cake lovers, it's no surprise that we hold several British bakes in high regard. Our tastes for cake may have changed over the years, but it's comforting to see a firm royal favourite like the Victoria sponge regarded as the most iconic British bake.

What are traditional sweets in England? ›

Traditional British Sweets

Rhubarb & Custard, Pear Drops, Sherbet Lemons, BonBons, Humbugs, Aniseed Balls, Rosie Apples, Wine Gums, Coconut Mushrooms, Jelly Babies, Cola Bottles, Gobstoppers, Rock Candy and Tea Cakes to name a few.

What is the UK national delicacy? ›

First place naturally goes to Britain's 'national dish' Fish and chips! People in the UK have been eating fish and chips since the 19th century.

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