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 K. 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 'K'.
Kulfi
The delectable Kulfi is India’s version of ice cream. This rich and creamy delight is prepared by simmering milk till it becomes thick, adding sugar to the mixture, and infusing it with the preferred flavour. Subsequently, the concoction is put into moulds and frozen until it is ready for serving. Held together by a wooden stick, the Kulfi comes in a plethora of Indian-inspired savoury flavours, including cardamom, saffron, and pistachio, striking a lovely balance between the sweet and savoury taste profiles.
Kaiserschmarrn
The Kaiserschmarrn is an Austrian delicacy that derives its unique name from a former Austrian emperor, Franz Joseph I, who was thought to be an ardent admirer of this dish. This sweet dish is essentially a slightly sweetened shredded pancake that can be savoured as both a snack and a dessert. Like a regular pancake, this dish is prepared by frying the batter on a pan and shredding it into tiny slices. The dish is then garnished with a host of fun toppings, such as berry compote, powdered sugar, or berries, creating an explosive medley of flavours.
Key Lime Pie
A US-based classic, the Key Lime Pie is cherished for its strong citrusy flavour, which packs the dessert with a refreshing quality. The velvety filling intermingles with the butter-infused crust of the pie to form an exhilarating assortment of flavours in one’s mouth. The filling’s sweetness also provides a fascinating counterbalance to the lime’s tartness, suffusing the dish with undertones of elegance and complexity. Typically garnished with whipped cream and zest shavings, each bite of the Key Lime Pie is deliciously sublime and fulfilling.
Image Credits: iStock
Koulourakia
Reminiscent of butter cookies, Koulourakia is a traditional Greek dessert that serves as a holiday specialty, being predominantly made during Easter and other local Greek festivals. The pastry is prepared from a buttery dough that has been steeped with vanilla and citrus zest. The dough is subsequently moulded into artful twists or braids by hand, making the finished dish appear beautiful and dainty. The little biscuit-like treats are baked till they assume a golden brown colour, following which they are drenched in an egg or honey glaze to enhance their sweetness.
Kunafeh
Kunafeh is a crispy pastry-based dessert that is treasured across the Middle East. This culinary masterpiece is created by drenching the special noodle-like pastry, known as “kataifi,” in a sweet sugar syrup called attar. The pastry is then layered with a range of sweet ingredients, including cream and nuts, which help contribute to its flaky and melt-in-the-mouth texture. The combination of the noodle in the pastry and the moist toppings adds an extraordinary fragrance to the dish and helps elevate it to the next level.
Image Credits: By elif ayse - originally posted to Flickr as künefe..., CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons
Kirschenmichel Bread Pudding
Kirschenmichel is a quintessential German dessert that is made primarily from bread. Resembling a bread pudding, this sweet dish is created by making a dough out of stale bread and mixing it with butter, eggs, milk, and sugar. Before the dough is baked, it is also enriched with the addition of juicy berries to give its flavours an extra dimension. Typically served with vanilla sauce, the dish is usually garnished with vanilla, cinnamon, almonds, or cloves.