Introduction: Belgian desserts
Belgium is known for its delicious chocolates and beers, but it also boasts a rich culinary heritage when it comes to desserts. Belgian cuisine is famous for its sweet treats, such as waffles, speculoos, chocolate, Liège-style pancakes, confectionery, creamy delights, and fruit-based desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for something crunchy, gooey, creamy or fruity, Belgian desserts have something to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Waffles: the quintessential Belgian treat
Waffles are a must-try if you’re visiting Belgium. They are a staple of Belgian street food and come in two varieties: Brussels and Liège. The Brussels waffle is light and crisp, while the Liège waffle is denser and chewier. Both types of waffles are typically served with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fruit, but you can also find them covered in chocolate, Nutella, or caramel sauce. Belgian waffles are so famous that they have even inspired other countries to create their versions.
Speculoos: spiced biscuits with a crunchy texture
Speculoos are a type of spiced biscuits that originated in Belgium. They are made with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, giving them a distinct flavor. Speculoos are often served with coffee or tea and can also be enjoyed on their own as a crunchy snack. They are also used in desserts such as cheesecakes, ice creams, and spreads. The most famous brand of speculoos in Belgium is Lotus Bakeries, which has been making the biscuits since 1932.
Chocolate: a national treasure and dessert ingredient
Belgian chocolate is famous all over the world and is considered a national treasure. The country is home to some of the best chocolatiers, who use traditional techniques to create high-quality chocolates in a variety of flavors and textures. Belgian chocolate is not just for snacking; it is also a popular ingredient in many desserts, such as cakes, truffles, and mousses. Some of the most renowned chocolate brands in Belgium are Godiva, Leonidas, and Neuhaus.
Liège-style pancakes: a sweet and chewy indulgence
Liège-style pancakes are a popular dessert in Belgium and are made using a yeast dough enriched with sugar and butter. The result is a sweet and chewy pancake that is typically served with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fruit. You can also find them topped with chocolate, Nutella, or caramel sauce. Liège-style pancakes are an excellent alternative to waffles if you’re looking for something different.
Confectionery: traditional Belgian sweets and candies
Belgium is also famous for its traditional confectionery, such as cuberdons, nougat, and pralines. Cuberdons are cone-shaped candies that have a sweet and fruity flavor and a chewy texture. Nougat is a sweet made from sugar, honey, and nuts and is often served as a snack or dessert. Pralines are filled chocolates that come in a variety of flavors and shapes. Belgian pralines are considered some of the best in the world.
Creamy delights: mousses, custards, and crème brûlée
Belgian cuisine is also known for its creamy desserts, such as mousses, custards, and crème brûlée. Mousses are light and fluffy desserts made by folding whipped cream or egg whites into different flavors of mousse, such as chocolate or fruit. Custards are a creamy dessert made from eggs, sugar, and milk and can be flavored with vanilla, caramel, or chocolate. Crème brûlée is a dessert made from baked custard that is topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.
Fruit-based desserts: tarts, compotes, and jams
Finally, Belgian cuisine also offers a variety of fruit-based desserts, such as tarts, compotes, and jams. Belgian tarts are typically made with shortcrust pastry and filled with fruits such as apples, pears, and berries. Compotes are a type of fruit sauce that can be served as a dessert or a topping to other desserts, such as ice cream. Jams are a popular breakfast spread in Belgium and come in a variety of flavors, such as strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry.
In conclusion, Belgian cuisine has a lot to offer when it comes to desserts. From waffles to chocolate and everything in between, Belgian desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
