Desserts are a vast and diverse world unto themselves. From chocolaty to nutty to fruity, there are so many different types of desserts that sometimes it can become overwhelming to keep track of all of them. That’s why most professional bakers and master chefs prefer to categorise their desserts in some way, and the most convenient and easiest way to categorise desserts is in alphabetical order.
This article will focus on some of the most renowned desserts, starting with the letter J. This is quite a versatile list, and the desserts all originate from various parts of the world. They are also unique in texture and taste, making use of a host of sweets as well as local and imported ingredients. However, no matter where they are from or what they are made of, they are equally delicious and widely beloved.
Check out the six most popular desserts, beginning with the letter 'J'.
Jalebi
Believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, jalebis are delectable spiral-shaped treats that are prepared by deep-frying a flour-based batter. While still hot, they are drenched in a sugar syrup, which gives them a crispy and deliciously velvety melt-in-the-mouth texture. Best savoured hot, jalebis are a fixture during Indian festivals; they are also a popular Indian street food. Their vibrant saffron colour and intoxicating cardamom fragrance have enraptured Indian households since time immemorial.
Joulutorttu
Joulutorttu is a traditional Christmas delicacy from Finland. This pastry-based dessert is composed of a star or a pinwheel-shaped puff pastry that is loaded with prune jam or dried fruits. Resembling a jam biscuit, the edges of the pastry are folded over the centre, which holds the jam filling. This sweet treat is available in a number of scrumptious flavours, including strawberry, mixed fruit, apricot, and more, and it is frequently topped off with powdered sugar to enhance its visual appeal.
Jelly Donut
Thought to be a German invention, jelly donuts take the concept of the traditional donut up a notch. In this dessert, the hole which is typically at the centre of a regular donut is occupied with a rich fruit jelly or a jam that dazzles one’s taste buds with each bite. Some of the most favoured filling choices for this succulent specialty include classics, such as apricot jam, strawberry jelly, and raspberry jelly. Jelly donuts are usually garnished with powdered sugar or a shiny glaze to elevate their sweetness quotient.
Image Credits: iStock
Jerusalem Kugel
The Jerusalem kugel is a baked noodle pudding wherein the noodles are boiled, and then baked with variety of ingredients, including sugar, eggs, sour cream, and cottage cheese. The baking of this sweet dish continues till the noodles become crispy and take on a striking golden brown hue. Like the jelly donut, this sweet dish is believed to be a German creation; it is also a hallmark of Jewish cuisine, and a staple during Jewish festivals, such as Shabbat.
Japanese Cheesecake
What sets Japanese cheesecake apart from regular cheesecake is its inherently airy and fluffy texture. Also known as “jiggly cheesecake,” this baked specialty gets its light and bouncy texture from the introduction of meringue to the batter. Despite being humble in appearance, the cake is lusciously sinful, with each irresistible bite beckoning sugar junkies everywhere to come back for more. The sweet dish, which is as popular as classic cheesecake, is topped off with powdered sugar to pack a dulcet punch.
Image Credits: iStock
Jelly Roll
Although the origins of this sumptuous sweet dish aren’t clear, it is thought to have been created somewhere in Europe, specifically, in Austria. Also referred to as the Swiss roll or sponge roll, the jelly roll’s beauty lies in its simplicity. Essentially, this is a slim and creamy sponge cake, which is moulded into a log-like shape after it has been infused with either jam or jelly. The squishiness of the cake and the freshness of the filling intermingle to produce a refined and a multi-layered dish.