Desserts bring joy to every occasion, whether it's a simple afternoon treat or an elaborate celebration. Knowing the English names for various sweet delights can enhance your culinary knowledge and make ordering in restaurants or following recipes much easier. This guide covers a wide range of desserts, from classic cakes to exotic international treats.

Cakes and Pastries

1. Cake – A baked sweet made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, often layered with frosting.
   • Example: Chocolate cake, Red velvet cake, Cheesecake
2. Cupcake – A small individual cake, usually topped with icing.
3. Muffin – Similar to a cupcake but less sweet, often containing fruits or nuts.
4. Brownie – A dense, chocolatey baked square, sometimes with nuts or frosting.
5. Croissant – A buttery, flaky pastry of French origin.
6. Danish pastry – A layered, sweet pastry often filled with fruit or cream.
7. Éclair – An oblong pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate glaze.
8. Macaron – A delicate French meringue-based cookie with a creamy filling.

Pies and Tarts

9. Pie – A baked dish with a pastry crust and sweet or savory filling.
   • Example: Apple pie, Pumpkin pie, Pecan pie
10. Tart – Similar to a pie but with a shallow crust and open top.
    • Example: Lemon tart, Fruit tart
11. Quiche – A savory tart, but sweet versions exist (e.g., chocolate quiche).

Cookies and Biscuits

12. Cookie (US) / Biscuit (UK) – A small, sweet baked treat.
    • Example: Chocolate chip cookie, Shortbread, Gingerbread
13. Biscotti – An Italian twice-baked almond biscuit, often dipped in coffee.
14. Madeleine – A small shell-shaped sponge cake from France.

Puddings and Custards

15. Pudding – A creamy dessert, which can be baked, steamed, or chilled.
    • Example: Rice pudding, Bread pudding
16. Custard – A thick, creamy dessert made with eggs and milk.
    • Example: Crème brûlée, Flan
17. Mousse – A light, airy dessert made with whipped cream and egg whites.
    • Example: Chocolate mousse, Raspberry mousse

Frozen Treats

18. Ice cream – A sweet, frozen dairy dessert available in countless flavors.
19. Gelato – Italian-style ice cream, denser and richer than regular ice cream.
20. Sorbet – A dairy-free frozen dessert made with fruit purée and sugar.
21. Sherbet – Similar to sorbet but with a small amount of dairy.
22. Frozen yogurt – A tangy, frozen dessert made with yogurt.
23. Popsicle (US) / Ice lolly (UK) – Flavored ice on a stick.

Chocolate-Based Desserts

24. Truffle – A rich, chocolate ganache rolled in cocoa powder or nuts.
25. Fondue – Melted chocolate served with fruits or pastries for dipping.
26. Hot chocolate – A warm drink made with melted chocolate or cocoa powder.

International Desserts

27. Tiramisu (Italy) – Coffee-flavored layered dessert with mascarpone cheese.
28. Baklava (Middle East) – Layers of phyllo pastry with nuts and honey.
29. Churros (Spain/Latin America) – Fried dough sticks coated in cinnamon sugar.
30. Mochi (Japan) – Chewy rice cake often filled with sweet bean paste.
31. Gulab Jamun (India) – Deep-fried milk balls soaked in sugar syrup.
32. Pavlova (Australia/NZ) – Meringue-based dessert topped with fruit and cream.

Healthy and Alternative Desserts

33. Fruit salad – A mix of fresh fruits, sometimes with honey or yogurt.
34. Smoothie bowl – A thick smoothie topped with granola, nuts, and fruits.
35. Chia pudding – A nutritious pudding made with chia seeds and plant-based milk.

Understanding these terms not only helps when exploring recipes but also makes dining experiences more enjoyable. Whether you're indulging in a rich chocolate cake or a refreshing sorbet, the world of desserts offers endless delights.

Exploring different cultures through their sweets is a delicious way to expand your vocabulary and culinary horizons. Next time you visit a bakery or browse a dessert menu, you'll recognize and appreciate each treat even more.