We’ve entered the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic which also marks the second year of not being able to travel overseas and explore the world. We have no idea when international travels and vacations will be possible again, so let us take you on a trip around the world through your tastebuds! 

Portuguese Egg Tarts

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The Portuguese Egg Tart, also known as Pastéis de Nata, is plausibly Portugal’s favorite dessert. Portuguese Egg Tarts have a flaky, buttery puff pastry that is filled with sweet and creamy custard with a distinctive caramelized, creme brulee-like top. 

They were first made in the 18th century by monks in the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. These egg tarts were sold by the monks in order to fund the monastery as government funding for monasteries ceased after the liberal revolution. It was a common practice for nuns to stiffen their habits using egg whites at that time, which left the monks with tons of leftover egg yolks. The monks began baking the extra yolks into these scrumptious custard tarts. 

In 1837, they sold the tarts to a sugar refinery, right next to the monastery itself. The descendants of the original merchant still serve the original recipe at the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém today.

Black Forest Cake

Now, we are headed to the Black Forest region in Southwest Germany. The Black Forest acquired its name hundreds of years ago for its dense woods, filled with fir and pine trees. And yes, this is where the Black Forest Cake was born! The cake also features one of the region’s main crops, cherries.

The Black Forest Cake is easily recognizable with its chocolate cake, juicy cherry and whipped cream layers topped with even more cherries, whipped cream and chocolate shavings as decoration. 

There are various ways to prepare the present Black Forest Cake. In European countries, it is common to infuse kirsch, a fruit brandy made from sour cherries, into the whipped cream. Different types of alcohol have been used over the years, and for many renditions of this cake now contain no alcohol at all.

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Pavlova

For many Australians and New Zealanders, this sweet treat is synonymous with summer celebrations. Its light meringue, fresh cream and summer berries make for a refreshing sweet treat on a hot summer day. 

No one knows for sure which of the two countries first invented the pavlova, but they have a long-time dispute over the matter. Australians claim that they invented the recipe, but New Zealanders say they did.

The name of this dessert comes from a famed Russian ballerina named Anna Pavlova, who toured Australia and New Zealand in 1926. According to Australians, the pavlova was invented in a hotel in Perth and was named as such after a diner described it to be “light as Pavlova”. The New Zealanders, on the other hand, declare that a chef of a Wellington hotel was inspired by the ballerina’s tutu and named it in her honor.

We’ve only included three sweet treats and its place of origin in this article. However, we have so much more in store for you! Choose from over 1,000 cakes and sweet treats inspired by renowned desserts from all over the world and original creations from 120+ home and independent bakes on our website.