Top 10 Beach Desserts Worldwide and How to Make Them

When you're by the ocean, there's nothing like indulging in a delicious dessert that captures the essence of the beach. From tropical fruits to light and creamy delights, here’s a list of the top 10 beach desserts from around the world, how to make them, and some fun, tasty alternatives to keep the vibe fresh!

1. Mango Sticky Rice (Thailand)
Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Two ripe mangoes (sliced)
• Pinch of salt
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Steam until tender.
2. Heat coconut milk with sugar and salt until dissolved. Mix half of it with the cooked rice and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Serve the rice with mango slices and drizzle with the remaining coconut sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Alternative: Substitute mango with fresh pineapple or papaya for a different tropical twist.

2. Key Lime Pie (USA, Florida)
Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• Three egg yolks
• One can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
2. Whisk egg yolks, condensed milk, and lime juice. Pour into the crust and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Chill for 2 hours, then top with whipped cream.

Alternative: Try a lemon or passion fruit pie for a zesty change.

3. Churros with Chocolate Sauce (Spain)
Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (try olive or avocado oil as a healthier alt!)
• 1 cup flour
• Cinnamon sugar for coating
• Chocolate sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Boil water, sugar, salt, and oil. Add flour and mix until a ball forms. Cool slightly and pipe into the hot oil. Fry until golden.
2. Roll churros in cinnamon sugar and serve with chocolate sauce.

Alternative: Swap the chocolate sauce for dulce de leche or fruit purees like strawberry or mango.

4. Coconut Ice Cream (Hawaii)
Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Toasted coconut for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Chill for 2 hours.
2. Churn in an ice cream maker. Freeze until firm.
3. Top with toasted coconut before serving.

Alternative: Blend in pineapple chunks or swirl in chocolate for added flavour.

5. Pavlova (Australia/New Zealand)
Ingredients:

• Four egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruits (kiwi, passion fruit, berries)

Instructions:

1. Whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar, then vinegar and vanilla.
2. Shape into a disk on parchment paper and bake at 250°F for 1 hour. Let cool.
3. Top with whipped cream and fruits.

Alternative: Use tropical fruits like mango and papaya or drizzle with caramel sauce.

6. Piña Colada Trifle (Caribbean)
Ingredients:

• One sponge cake
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1 cup whipped cream
• Shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Layer sponge cake, pineapple chunks, coconut cream, and whipped cream in a trifle dish.
2. Repeat layers and finish with shredded coconut on top. Chill before serving.

Alternative: Add rum for an adult twist or swap pineapple for mango.

7. Gelato (Italy)
Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• Four egg yolks
• Your choice of flavouring (vanilla, pistachio, or fruit puree)

Instructions:

1. Heat milk and cream. Whisk egg yolks and sugar, then combine with the milk mixture.
2. Heat until thickened. Add your flavouring and churn in an ice cream maker. Freeze.

Alternative: Try coconut, chocolate, or berry gelato for variety.

8. Bibingka (Philippines)
Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Two eggs
• Banana leaves (optional)
• Grated coconut and salted eggs for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and eggs. Pour into banana leaf-lined moulds.
2. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Top with grated coconut and salted eggs.

Alternative: Replace salted eggs with cheese or sweet toppings like caramel.

9. Coconut Macaroons (Tropical Islands)
Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Melted chocolate for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla. Form into balls.
2. Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes. Dip in melted chocolate if desired.

Alternative: Add chopped nuts or dried fruits for texture.

10. Banoffee Pie (UK)
Ingredients:

• One graham cracker crust
• One can dulce de leche
• Three bananas (sliced)
• 1 cup whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions:

1. Spread dulce de leche over the crust. Layer with banana slices.
2. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Chill before serving.

Alternative: Swap bananas for strawberries or add a hint of espresso to the dulce de leche for a mocha twist.

These desserts capture the spirit of beaches from around the world, blending vibrant flavours and textures. With fun alternatives for each, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—whether you're lounging by the sea or recreating the magic at home! Which one will you try first? 🌴

Bonus Dessert: BeaverTails (Canada)
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Two eggs
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying

Toppings: cinnamon sugar, Nutella, chocolate, or maple syrup (There are many others to pick from!)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Add yeast and let sit until bubbly (about 5 minutes).
2. Mix milk, melted butter, vanilla, eggs, and flour to form a soft dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
3. Divide dough into pieces and roll into flat, oval shapes resembling a "beaver tail."
4. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the dough until golden. Drain on paper towels.
5. Coat with cinnamon sugar spread with Nutella, or drizzle with maple syrup.

Alternative: For a lighter version, try topping with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

This Canadian treat is beloved for its versatility and indulgent flavour. Whether you're savouring it at the beach or on a chilly boardwalk, it’s a dessert that always hits the sweet spot! 🍁