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Desserts are a vast and diverse world unto themselves. From chocolatey to nutty or 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 'A.' 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 seven most popular desserts, beginning with the letter 'A.'
Almond Cake
The almond cake is a decadent European delicacy that is prepared from ground almonds. The moist and thick texture of the cake pairs exceedingly well with the rich almond flavour that runs through it, producing a deeply satisfying and comforting sweet treat. This simple cake is typically relished with a cup of hot tea or coffee and is a go-to for those looking for something light and breezy to end their meal with after having a heavy and filling dinner.
Image Credits: Unsplash
Angel Cake
The angel cake is a quintessential American specialty that has roots in the 1800s in St. Louis, Missouri. This soft and pillowy layered cake is believed to have derived its name from its height as well as its intricate texture, both of which together resemble an angel’s wings. This enriching sponge cake is made from egg whites, flour, and sugar; however, this cake uses no butter, setting it apart from most typical cakes. The cake is garnished with juicy berries or powdered sugar.
Apple Pie
Apple pie is synonymous with the USA, with the phrase “as American as apple pie,” being a fixture in modern-day parlance. Therefore, it may come as a surprise to many that this lip-smacking treat was actually invented in England. A popular Thanksgiving food, apple pie is cherished for its crumbly and buttery crust, which combines seamlessly with the tartness of the apples to form a heartwarming dessert. The dish is typically served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Affogato
Affogato is a delectable Italian coffee-based dessert. Also known as “affogato al caffè” in its native Italy, this sinfully luxuriant and textured sweet treat is, remarkably, quite simple to craft at home. It only requires two primary ingredients; all you have to do is take a scoop of vanilla ice cream and pour a shot of espresso over it. The sweetness of the vanilla beautifully mingles with the bitterness of the coffee to create a texturally rich and complex dessert. The dish is typically topped off with a sweet sauce or glaze.
Image Credits: By Deryck Chan - File:Wikimania_2016_food_Deryck_02.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons
Ambrosia
Ambrosia is a chilled variety of salad that is believed to have originated in the southern US. The primary ingredients of this vibrant and rejuvenating sweet treat are zesty orange, fresh grapefruit, and coconut. Occasionally, marshmallows are also added to the salad to lend it a hint of sweetness. The dish is prepared by assembling layers of orange and grapefruit that are painstakingly separated from the fruit and arranged in a glass bowl. The citrusy parts of the salad are garnished with sweetened, flaked or shredded coconut.
Image Credits: By Marshall Astor - https://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeontheedge/2459311491/, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons
Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits are scrumptious sweet treats that are strongly associated with Australia and New Zealand. The main ingredients of these biscuits are rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, boiling water, and desiccated coconut. They are treasured for their flaky and buttery texture that produces a sublime melt-in-the-mouth sensation when they are bitten. These biscuits also boast a colourful history, having first been invented to feed Australian and New Zealander troops during World War I.
Alfajores
The delightful alfajores are relished throughout South America in countries such as Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia. Essentially, they are traditional confections that resemble cookie sandwiches, with two soft and flaky shortbread pastries enclosing a luscious dulce de leche filling. The pastries are typically prepared from flour, honey, and nuts and can be flavoured with various ingredients, such as chocolate, vanilla, and coconut, helping produce a versatile, indulgent, and creamy bite-sized dessert that is a favourite among kids and adults alike.
