The land down under is known for its stunning beaches, unique wildlife, and vibrant culture. But did you know that Australia is also home to some of the most scrumptious desserts in the world? From classic treats like pavlova and lamington cake, to innovative twists on old favorites, Australian desserts have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll be exploring 19 delectable Australian dessert recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a sweet tooth enthusiast or just looking for some inspiration for your next baking adventure, these mouth-watering treats are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Classic Pavlova with Fresh Berries
This iconic Australian dessert is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor, featuring a crisp meringue shell topped with a fluffy whipped cream and a medley of sweet and tangy fresh berries.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
4. Sift flour over meringue mixture and fold gently.
5. Spread meringue mixture onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until crisp and dry.
7. Allow to cool completely.
8. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
9. Top cooled meringue with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Lamington Cake with Coconut Coating
A classic Australian dessert, Lamington Cake is a must-try treat that combines moist sponge cake, rich butter and milk mixture, and crunchy coconut coating. This recipe yields 8-10 servings of this beloved sweet delight.
Ingredients:
– 250g (9 oz) plain flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– Coconut flakes for coating
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm (8in) square cake pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and milk in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into squares.
5. Dip each square into melted butter, then roll in coconut flakes to coat evenly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Golden Syrup Dumplings
Golden Syrup Dumplings Recipe
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these tender and flavorful dumplings infused with the rich taste of golden syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup golden syrup
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add the melted butter, golden syrup, beaten egg, and milk. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until it becomes pliable and easy to handle.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
6. Cut into desired shapes or use a cookie cutter.
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Anzac Biscuits with a Chewy Twist
These classic Australian treats get a boost of chewiness from the addition of honey and golden syrup, making them irresistible. Perfect for a sweet snack or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup desiccated coconut
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup golden syrup
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and coconut.
3. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, golden syrup, honey, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) between each biscuit.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: About 24 biscuits
Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce
Moist and sweet, this classic Australian dessert is a crowd-pleaser. Rich sticky date pudding pairs perfectly with a drizzle of velvety butterscotch sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dates, pitted
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– Butterscotch sauce (recipe below)
– Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine dates, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool slightly before serving with butterscotch sauce and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Butterscotch Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Serve warm.
Chocolate Ripple Cake with Cream Layers
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and creamy cake featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, velvety cream, and a hint of coffee. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat for the chocolate lover in your life.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and coffee powder in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and butter. Add dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling. Whip heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Vanilla Slice with Icing Sugar Dusting
This classic dessert is a staple of many bakeries and homes alike. With its creamy vanilla filling, flaky pastry crust, and sweet icing sugar dusting, it’s a treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and heavy cream until well combined. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
3. Spread the sugar mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Brush top with a little water and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before dusting with icing sugar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramel Slice with a Crunchy Base
A classic Australian dessert gets a delicious twist with this crunchy base recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup crushed biscuits (e.g. Arnott’s Marie)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mix crushed biscuits and sugar.
3. Add melted butter and stir until combined.
4. Press mixture into a lined or greased 20cm x 20cm baking dish.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
7. Pour caramel sauce over the cooled base.
8. Top with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes (including baking time)
Passionfruit Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
Elevate your dessert game with this creamy passionfruit cheesecake on a buttery graham cracker crust. The sweet and tangy flavors of the passionfruit will transport you to a tropical paradise.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup passionfruit puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Add melted butter and stir until combined.
3. Press crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, eggs, passionfruit puree, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
5. Pour cheesecake batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before refrigerating overnight.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with Custard
Enjoy a warm and comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the tartness of rhubarb, topped with a crispy crumble and served with creamy custard.
Ingredients:
– 1 large apple, peeled and sliced
– 200g rhubarb, sliced
– 100g granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 120g unsalted butter, melted
– 150ml milk
– 2 eggs
– 25g custard powder
– Crumble topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together apple and rhubarb slices, granulated sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Pour in melted butter and stir until fruit is well coated.
4. Transfer mixture to a 20cm x 25cm baking dish.
5. For the crumble topping, mix together 50g all-purpose flour, 25g unsalted butter, and 50g granulated sugar. Cut into small pieces.
6. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over fruit mixture.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crumble is golden brown and fruit is tender.
8. While the crumble is baking, prepare custard by whisking together milk, eggs, and custard powder in a bowl.
9. Remove crumble from oven and pour custard mixture over top.
10. Return to oven for an additional 5-7 minutes or until custard is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Banana Bread with Walnuts and Honey Glaze
This classic banana bread recipe gets a delightful twist with the addition of crunchy walnuts and a drizzle of sweet honey glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Honey glaze: 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Stir until smooth.
4. Add vanilla extract and chopped walnuts to the banana mixture; stir to combine.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Drizzle with honey glaze (mix honey and heavy cream in a small bowl) while still warm.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Lemon Myrtle Panna Cotta with Berry Compote
This Australian-inspired dessert combines the bright flavors of lemon myrtle and fresh berries, perfect for a warm evening or special occasion. Lemon myrtle adds a unique, citrusy flavor to the creamy panna cotta, while the berry compote provides a sweet and tangy contrast.
Ingredients:
For the Panna Cotta:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp lemon myrtle powder (or to taste)
For the Berry Compote:
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and lemon myrtle powder. Let cool to room temperature.
3. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. To make the compote, combine berries and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries release their juice and mixture thickens slightly.
5. Serve chilled panna cotta with warm berry compote spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (prep), 4+ hours (chill)
Macadamia Nut Tart with Caramel Filling
A sweet and nutty twist on the classic tart, this recipe combines crunchy macadamia nuts with a rich caramel filling for a delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup caramel filling (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts and granulated sugar evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Drizzle melted butter and sprinkle salt over the nut mixture.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow tart to cool before filling with caramel filling.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peach Melba with Vanilla Ice Cream
Peach Melba with Vanilla Ice Cream: A Classic Dessert Revival!
This classic dessert is a timeless combination of sweet and succulent peaches, tangy raspberry sauce, and creamy vanilla ice cream. Perfect for warm weather or any time you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup raspberry preserves
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Add the granulated sugar and whip until combined.
3. Arrange the peach slices on serving dishes or glasses.
4. Drizzle the whipped cream over the peaches.
5. Spoon the raspberry preserves over the whipped cream in a zigzag pattern.
6. Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the fruit.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this indulgent self-saucing pudding, featuring a velvety chocolate cake topped with a gooey chocolate sauce. Perfect for a special treat or dessert gathering!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into 6 individual ramekins or small cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pans for 1 minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Ginger Nut Biscuits with a Spicy Kick
Elevate your snack game with these aromatic and spicy ginger nut biscuits that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in chopped crystallized ginger.
5. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between each biscuit.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pumpkin Scones with Jam and Cream
As the seasons change, there’s nothing like a warm and flaky scone to brighten up your day. These pumpkin scones are infused with the warmth of spices and topped with a sweet and tangy jam and whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
– Jam and whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead for 1 minute.
6. Roll out the dough to 1-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out scones.
7. Place scones on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with: Jam and whipped cream
White Chocolate and Raspberry Mousse
Elevate your dessert game with this light-as-air mousse that combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries. This simple yet impressive dessert is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz (225g) white chocolate chips
– 1 cup (200ml) heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (30g) fresh raspberries, pureed
– 1 tablespoon raspberry jam
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the white chocolate chips.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Fold in the pureed raspberries and raspberry jam until well combined.
4. Spoon into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Fig and Almond Tart with Honey Drizzle
This elegant tart combines the sweetness of caramelized figs with the crunch of almonds, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. The honey drizzle adds a touch of warmth and depth to this show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh figs
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and figs. Spread evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle almonds over the fig mixture.
5. Fold edges of pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat from Down Under! This collection of Australian dessert recipes features 19 mouthwatering treats that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From classic pavlova with fresh berries to sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce, and from lamington cake with coconut coating to white chocolate and raspberry mousse, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fruity or rich and decadent, these Australian desserts are sure to impress. So go ahead, treat yourself, and indulge in a taste of Australia!
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