When people think of Australian food culture they instantly imagine BBQs and summer salads. Huge racks of meat and lucious seafood. But what most people don’t know is that Australia has a huge sweet tooth. We are a nation of dessert lovers! We never miss an opportunity to break out the sweet treats and stuff our faces.
Most people aren’t aware of the unique desserts that can be found all over this proud nation. Luckily I have tasted the best of the best when it comes to desserts. And I have put together this definitive ranking of the most popular sweet treats in Australia.
Beetroot Cake
Now I know the name will instantly put a lot of people off this dessert. But trust us when we say it is not to be missed! Beetroot cake was created back during the second world war. Since butter and sugar were being rationed bakers had to find creative new ways to sweeten their cakes. Beetroot cake is a lot like carrot cake. Often made with orange zest, apples, and beetroot. It is a taste sensation that is not to be missed.
Pavlova
The ultimate Aussie dessert. Pavlova has become a worldwide favorite. But it finds its origins here in the land of Oz. It is a meringue filled with soft marshmallows often topped with whipped cream and various sliced fruits. Melbourne arguably has the best Pavlovas in Australia. Due partly to the fact that most nangs in Melbourne are of a superior quality. Producing fluffier and tastier whipped cream.
Tim Tamingtons
Tim Tams are the most popular biscuit in Australia. And a Tim Tamington is a creative twist on a Lamington that is featured across the country. These spongy chocolate covered cakes are filled with flavor. The Tim Tamington variation uses Tim Tams to create the icing that coats the cake. They are then often topped with coconut shavings. But you are free to add whatever you like as garnish. If you are lucky enough to be here during Australia Day you will see Tim Tamingtons all over the place.
Vegemite Brownies
You will either love or hate Vegemite. The iconic Australian spread is a staple of nearly every pantry in the country. But using it in a dessert? It isn’t as odd an idea as you might think. Vegemite already has a certain sweetness to it. Making it an ideal ingredient for bakers to use in creative ways.
Vegemite brownies are made by adding vegemite into the brownie mix to create a unique texture and flavoring. I like to serve mine up with a generous helping of whipped cream and Tim Tam crumbs to really make the flavor pop.
Louise Cake
Heralding from New Zealand, Louise Cake is a delicious shortbread cake that often uses raspberry jam and flavored meringue on top. Coconut is often the flavoring of choice. But you are free to customize the dessert to your taste. This dessert is an extremely popular tea time choice for many. If you really want to enhance the flavor consider adding some fresh raspberries on top.
Cherry Ripe Cheesecake
Cherry Ripe is another popular Australian confectionary. It is one of the oldest chocolate bars in the nation and also the best seller year after year. So it is no surprise that bakers are always finding innovative ways to incorporate it into their desserts.
One of my favorite Cherry Ripe based desserts is a Cheesecake. The smooth texture of the cheesecake compliments the luxurious sweetness of the Cherry Ripe filling. I adore adding a scoop of cherry sorbet to really elevate this into a next level dessert.
Neenish Tart
One of the most iconic sweet treats in both Australia and New Zealand. Neenish Tarts are circular pastries filled with a mixture of gelatine-set cream, lemon, icing sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. All of these ingredients come together to create a dessert that is rich and bursting with flavor.
You will find a huge number of variations on this dessert. Neenish Tarts are often coated in a chocolate glaze. So you will find Tim Tam and Cherry Ripe versions across the country. They are often quite small so make sure you get a few to properly fill yourself up!
