Share
Canada offers a lot more than just bacon and maple syrup. Did you know Canada’s desserts can give classic American desserts a run for their money? Some of the most famous Canadian sweet treats which are found across bakeries or local fairs are meant to be served hot and are made with fresh seasonal produce. Needless to say, some of the most popular desserts across Canada are warm dishes which are meant to offer heat during chilly winters.
But there are some other desserts as well, which have a balance of flavours and textures. The popular flapper pie, for instance, is a classic custard pie topped with pie and was named so because it came up in the ‘flapper girl’ era. Here are some other Canadian desserts you need to explore when you head up north.
Butter Tarts
This Ontario speciality is a beloved Canadian classic. These decadent pastries consist of a flaky pastry shell filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, syrup (often corn syrup or maple syrup), and eggs. Some variations include the addition of raisins, nuts, or even chocolate. Butter tarts strike the perfect balance between sweet and buttery richness, making them a cherished breakfast treat.
Nanaimo Bar
Nanaimo Bars hail from the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia and are a quintessential Canadian dessert. This no-bake confection features three distinct layers: a crumbly base made of graham cracker crumbs, cocoa, coconut, and nuts; a creamy custard-flavoured butter icing middle layer; and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. The combination of textures and flavours makes Nanaimo bars an irresistible indulgence.
BeaverTails
Named after the iconic flat tail of the beaver, BeaverTails are a popular Canadian dessert that originated in Ottawa, Ontario. These indulgent pastries are made from stretched-out circles of sweet dough, deep-fried until golden and crispy, and then topped with an array of sweet toppings such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate hazelnut spread, fruit compote, or maple butter. BeaverTails are a favourite treat at winter festivals and fairs across Canada.
Pouding Chômeur
Originating from Quebec, pouding chômeur, which translates to "unemployed person's pudding," is a comforting and economical dessert with humble origins. This dessert consists of a simple cake batter poured over a layer of maple syrup or brown sugar sauce before baking. As it bakes, the cake rises, and the sauce creates a luscious caramelized layer on the bottom. Pouding chômeur is typically served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Maple Taffy
Maple taffy, also known as tire d'érable, is a traditional Canadian treat enjoyed during the winter months, particularly during maple syrup season. To make maple taffy, hot maple syrup is poured onto packed snow or ice, where it quickly cools and solidifies into a chewy, sticky candy. Maple taffy is typically served on a stick or rolled up onto a popsicle stick, and it offers a terrific balance of the sweet maple flavour and icy freshness.
Blueberry Grunt
Hailing from the Maritime provinces, particularly Nova Scotia, blueberry grunt is a comforting dessert that combines plump, juicy blueberries with tender dumplings cooked in a sweetened sauce. The name "grunt" refers to the sound the berries make as they cook and release their juices. Blueberry grunt is traditionally served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Sugar Pie
Sugar pie, or tarte au sucre, is a traditional dessert from Quebec that showcases the province's deep love for maple syrup and rich, indulgent sweets. This pie features a flaky pastry crust filled with a sweet, custardy filling made from a combination of maple syrup, cream, butter, and brown sugar. Sugar pie is typically baked until the filling sets and develops a caramelized top, resulting in a decadent and satisfying dessert.
Saskatoon Berry Pie
Indigenous to the Canadian prairies, Saskatoon berries are a flavourful and nutritious fruit that bears a resemblance to blueberries. Saskatoon berry pie is a popular dessert in Western Canada, particularly in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. This pie features a buttery pastry crust filled with sweet-tart Saskatoon berries, often enhanced with a touch of sugar, lemon juice, and spices.
