Fruit is often overlooked as a key ingredient in traditional Swiss desserts, despite being a staple in many sweet treats. While chocolate is indeed a big part of Switzerland’s dessert scene, it’s not the only game-changer when it comes to sweetness. In fact, Swiss chefs are masters at combining rich flavors and textures with an abundance of fresh fruit, resulting in truly show-stopping creations like their iconic bread pudding.
Beyond being scrumptious, Swiss desserts often possess a level of sophistication that makes them stand out from other European treats. The attention to detail and care put into crafting these sweet masterpieces is evident in every layer and garnish. So if you’re on the hunt for something that’s not only delectable but also visually stunning, look no further than this list of my top 10 favorite Swiss desserts, each one a testament to the country’s rich dessert heritage.
Brunsli (Swiss Chocolate Cookies)
Notably, while chocolate is not the only dessert that Swiss chefs are renowned for creating, it is a key ingredient in many of their recipes. As a result, several of the desserts and baked goods featured in this post will incorporate chocolate. One popular use for chocolate among Swiss chefs is Brunsli, or Swiss chocolate cookies, which have captured my heart with their dense, gluten-free texture similar to macaroons.
These easy-to-make treats can be prepared using fewer than ten ingredients, and the combination of rich chocolate flavor and subtle orange zest will leave you in awe once you take a bite.
Swiss Pears and Chocolate
Welcoming the simplicity of Swiss desserts into your home is easier than ever, especially when you’re armed with just two basic kitchen skills: opening and draining a can of pears and melting chocolate. The art of creating this delicious treat lies in its effortless layering process. Begin by arranging your sliced pears, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream, and finally, the rich melted chocolate.
For an added touch, feel free to place a maraschino cherry on top of each dessert for a burst of fruity flavor.
Torta di Pane (Bread Pudding from Ticino)
Since its discovery by home cooks, this bread pudding recipe has been a crowd-pleaser. Not only does it take over an hour to prepare, but the end result is truly worth every minute spent in the kitchen. The combination of dense and soft textures, along with the rich flavors of Dutch cocoa powder, lemon zest, raisins, nuts, and a blend of spices, creates a truly phenomenal taste experience.
As you take each bite, it’s as if your tongue is transported to a culinary paradise, where every flavor works harmoniously together in perfect balance.
Spiced Cookies with Candied Citrus Peels and Almonds (Leckerli)
Wrapped in an array of aromatic spices, spiced cookies (leckerli) become a staple during the holiday season, filling the entire house with a warm and inviting scent while they’re baking. Their unique appearance is almost as captivating as their taste – resembling rich brownies more than traditional cookies, thanks to their stunning white glaze that echoes the look of marble, and the beautifully toasted golden brown centers.
The key to leckerli’s depth lies in the multitude of spices used in their preparation, which creates a complex, multi-layered flavor experience. If you have a taste for cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus notes, then these cookies are sure to become an instant favorite.
Bündner Nusstorte
Visually, Bündner Nusstorte defies categorization, often described as a cross between an old-fashioned pie and a giant cookie. While certain recipes may lean more towards the pie’s traditional roots, others can produce a treat that bears resemblance to an oversized golden Oreo.Yet, despite its unique appearance, Bündner Nusstorte boasts a distinct taste profile that is surprisingly mild for a dessert and delightfully nutty in character.
Carac
Making traditional Swiss pastries is not only rewarding but also relatively easy to accomplish. The preparation time may take around 45 minutes, followed by an additional 30 minutes for cooking, which might seem like a significant amount of time, but the end result will be well worth it. Each pastry consists of multiple layers, starting with a crunchy crust that bears a resemblance to a graham cracker pie crust in texture and consistency.
One of the most appealing aspects of these pastries is that they have a rich, indulgent surprise hidden beneath their visually appealing exterior – a decadent chocolate ganache layer. The final touch is the addition of a sweet and sugary bright green icing on top, adding an extra layer of visual appeal and flavor to the pastry.
Swiss Cherry Pie
Here’s one reason why I’m hooked on Swiss cherry pie – it has the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making it an ideal dessert option. If you’re expecting a classic cherry cream cheese pie, don’t be fooled. Instead, imagine a delightful fusion of flavors between a warm fruit clafoutis and a rich deep-dish pizza, but swap out the cheese and tomato sauce for a generous helping of cherries and creamy goodness.
And despite being loaded with an assortment of ingredients like cream, butter, sugar, and flour, each bite delivers a concentrated cherry flavor that really pops.
Spitzbuben
Known widely in Germany as German Christmas cookies, Spitzbuben have gained immense popularity across different regions during the holiday season. In addition to their native Germany, these delicious treats are also made by the Swiss during this time of year.
When it comes to shaping these festive pastries, tradition dictates that they be molded into star shapes with a smaller star cut out from the center, thereby allowing the sweet jam filling to be showcased between the two layers of almond shortcrust pastry. Nevertheless, feel free to experiment and use your preferred cookie cutters – just remember you’ll need two separate ones for the overall shape and a smaller one for cutting a central design.
Lastly, consider selecting a jam or jelly that offers a slightly tart taste rather than being overly sweet, as this will strike a perfect balance between flavors.
Apple Strudel
Gathering my thoughts about why I adore apple strudel so much reveals just how deep-seated my affection for this dessert truly is. For me, the combination of perfectly flaky pastry and a rich, expertly balanced filling made with tender apples, cinnamon, sugar, almonds, rum, lemon juice, and vanilla extract is absolute perfection.
The moment I take a bite and the powdered sugar on top adds a subtle yet magical touch, it’s all over for me – I’m completely under its spell and will devour every last crumb until my taste buds (and stomach) can take no more. That’s just how much I love apple strudel.
Swiss Chocolate Squares with Icing
Understanding the allure of Swiss chocolate is effortless, given its widespread popularity and rich flavor profile. The decision to begin and conclude this dessert section with a chocolatey delight was a deliberate one, as it sets the tone for what’s to come. These Swiss chocolate squares with icing may require some time and effort to prepare, but they’re not overly complicated – merely time-consuming.
If you or someone in your family is a self-proclaimed chocolate aficionado, this dessert is undoubtedly the perfect fit. It offers a double dose of chocolatey goodness that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. To create these squares, you’ll need to combine unsweetened chocolate, butter, flour, sugar, and a few other key ingredients. Once the squares are ready, they’ll be topped with a rich milk chocolate icing and crunchy pecan halves.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
