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 L. 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 'L'.
Laddoo
This Indian melt-in-the-mouth delicacy comes in a range of types and flavours, including motichoor laddoo, coconut laddoo, boondi laddoo, besan laddoo, and more. These delectable treats are prepared by mixing flour, semolina or some other carbohydrate with sugar and ghee. The enticing concoction is then moulded into small balls. A staple during Indian festivals and important events, they are usually garnished with chopped nuts or a silver leaf to add some crunch to their taste and some novelty to their appearance.
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Lava Cake
Also known as molten cake, the luscious lava cake is a classic chocolate-based dessert that is cherished all over the world. The standout feature of this sweet dish is its gooey chocolate filling which oozes out of the cake as you bite into it, creating a thrilling culinary experience. As the name gives away, the dish is served warm; it is also often consumed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a nice balance between the warmth of the cake and the coolness of the ice cream.
Lamingtons
An Australian specialty, lamingtons are basically chocolate-coated sponge cakes that have been desiccated in coconut, and then sliced into bite-sized squares. The creaminess of the chocolate intermingles with the crunch of the coconut and the softness of the cake to form an enchanting dessert that gets better with every bite. Lamingtons are deeply entrenched in Australian culture, with almost every household keeping a stock of these decadent delights. They are also typically served in informal gatherings, such as picnics and other outdoor settings.
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Leche Flan
A type of caramel custard hailing from the Philippines, Leche flan is made by blending eggs, condensed milk, and sugar, resulting in the formation of a pillowy and exquisite sweet dish. The egg, milk, and sugar concoction is steamed until the custard is created; subsequently, it is inverted in such a way that the soft gold-hued caramel glaze lands on the top. The sweetness of the caramel and the creaminess of the custard combine to form an unforgettable dessert that is primarily relished during Filipino parties and get-togethers.
Linzer Torte
An Austrian delicacy, the Linzer torte boasts a buttery crust that is made up of ground almonds or hazelnuts, infusing the base of the dessert with not only a buttery texture but also nutty and flaky undertones. The filling of this torte is typically made from strawberry or blueberry jam, with the tartness of the berries providing a good counterbalance to the sweetness of the crust. The dessert is topped off with a latticed cream that makes it resemble an artist’s masterpiece.
Image Credits: iStock
Lemon Meringue Pie
There is no clear evidence where this citrusy delight originated; however, its birthplace is speculated to be somewhere in Europe. This iconic dessert is treasured the world over because of the masterful way in which it balances contrasting flavours, including the tanginess of the lemon and the sweetness of the filling. This filling is usually made from lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs, and the pie is topped off with a succulent and creamy golden-brown meringue that has been toasted to perfection.