10 English Desserts You Need To Try (2024)

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

Tweaked from a recipe two Canadian air force officers left a hotelier during WWII, Sticky Toffee Pudding has now staked its claim as a British classic.

The pudding is a very moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates and covered in a decadent toffee sauce.

Served with a vanilla custard or ice cream, this dish will melt in your mouth.

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British Food Guide

Eton Mess

Ironically named after the pomp and proper Eton College in Windsor, the Eton Mess is a super easy desert that can be whipped up in less than 5 minutes.

Strawberries, pieces of meringue and cream are mixed together proudly and purposefully into a great big mess.

Bread and Butter Pudding

Dating all the way back to the 11th century, bread and butter pudding began as a way for the poor to use up leftover bread.

This ultimate comfort food is made with a layer of buttered bread covered in egg, milk and raisins and then topped with nutmeg and vanilla.

Spotted Dick

Yes, the Brits do have a way of naming their food. Spotted Dick is simply a sponge pudding with raisins. The pudding part is the "dick" and the raisins are the "spots".

As with other hot English desserts, spotted dick is usually served with a creamy hot custard.

Bakewell Tart

As with many great desserts, the Bakewell Tart was concocted by pure accident.

This jammy custardy tart is made with a shortcrust pastry topped with jam and an egg and almond mixture.

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Trifle

Undoubtedly the most famous English dessert of them all, trifle is layer upon layer of mouth watering joy.

Trifle is made from sponge cake, custard, whip cream, jelly and fresh fruits all layered one on top of another.

Chelsea Buns

These cinnamon rolls with a twist were invented at the Chelsea Bun House in the 18th century.

The dough is stuffed with butter, brown sugar and dried fruit and then served hot out of the oven drizzled in icing.

Be sure to pick up one of these traditional square shaped buns on your next visit.

Mince Pie

A favorite at Christmas time, the Mince pie has been around since the ancient times.

Although the name hearkens back to a time when the pies were filled with actual minced meat, nowadays the fillings are a mixture of minced fruits, candied citrus peels and spices.

Scones

Usually served with afternoon tea, a scone is small bread similar to a crumpet or muffin.

They are simply made from wheat, barley, or oatmeal and sometimes have raisins, cheese or dates rolled inside.

You can find these at most coffee shops and, of course, at afternoon tea.

Pound Cake

Originating in the early 1700s, the Pound Cake derives its name from its simple recipe. A pound of each of flour, butter, eggs and sugar are whisked together and baked in a loaf pan.

Once it comes piping hot out of the oven, the Pound Cake is then lightly glazed with icing and dusted with powdered sugar.

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