Canadian desserts can be broadly classified into various categories, including pies, puddings, tarts, fried treats, cakes, and squares.
From classic sugar-based offerings like Flapper Pie, Sugar Pie, and Maple Syrup Pie, to innovative creations featuring bakeapple and Saskatoon berries, the diversity of Canadian desserts is truly impressive.
And despite the country’s historical French influence, creating these sweet treats doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
In fact, this guide will showcase 25 easy-to-make Canadian desserts that are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
Tiger Tail Ice Cream
In Canada, Tiger Tail ice cream is a beloved treat that combines two unexpected flavors: black licorice and orange. To create this unique dessert, you’ll need some creative liberties with gel coloring. Start by whipping heavy cream until it’s smooth, then fold in condensed milk to form the base of your ice cream mixture. Next, divide the mixture into two portions.
One half will get a boost of orange flavoring and a splash of vibrant orange gel coloring, while the other half will be infused with the warmth of star anise and the deep darkness of black gel coloring. Finally, swirl the two mixtures together in a container that’s ready for the freezer.
Timbits
Tidbits, often mistaken for a sweet treat, are actually bite-sized indulgences perfect for casual gatherings, meetings, or social events. These compact donut holes are fried to perfection and then coated in a sweet glaze or powdered sugar, making them an effortless snack to enjoy on-the-go.
Beaver Tails
To craft Beaver Tails, you’ll need to start by creating a soft dough from yeast that’s been allowed to rest in warm water and a pinch of sugar for a few minutes. Next, stir in vanilla extract, eggs, milk, sugar, salt, and flour until well combined, then knead the mixture until it becomes elastic. Allow the dough to rise in a greased bowl before breaking it off into golf ball-sized pieces.
Roll each piece into an oval shape and let it rest for a bit before frying it in hot oil – aim for a temperature of around 385°F. Once fried, stretch each oval into a tail-like shape and cook until a deep brown color is reached. Drain the Beaver Tails on paper towels and toss them in sugar to coat. Shake off any excess sugar and enjoy your treat as you would a pancake, topped with your favorite spreads like jelly or Nutella.
Blueberry Grunt
In the province of Nova Scotia, a sweet treat awaits in the form of Blueberry Grunt – essentially a Blueberry Cobbler. This delightful dessert is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts as it can be easily prepared on a campfire, yielding a few servings at a time. To start, allow the blueberries to reach a jam-like consistency, then create the sour cream dumplings and arrange them on top in a covered pot.
As you simmer until thickened, anticipation builds for the ultimate serving with either a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Date Squares
Indulge in the quintessential Canadian treat, Date Squares, which boasts an old-fashioned charm and scrumptious gooeyness. The crumbly crust is crafted from a medley of rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, butter, and salt, providing a delightful base for the star of the show: a luscious filling made by blending softened pitted dates with vanilla extract into a silky paste. To create this delectable treat, sandwich the crust with the date filling, then bake until golden brown.
Allow it to cool in the refrigerator before cutting into bite-sized squares that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Jos Louis Cake
The Jos Louis Cake shares striking similarities with its American counterpart, the Ding Dong Cake. For Canadians, this treat is courtesy of Vachon, whereas for Americans, it’s equivalent to a Hostess Ding Dong. The simplicity of the Jos Louis Cake lies in its three fundamental components: a rich chocolate cake, a light and airy marshmallow-like filling, and an outer layer of velvety melted chocolate.
Sweet Bannock
In Canada, bannock is a beloved dessert that combines the comforting warmth of dough with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. The process begins by mixing together flour, salt, baking powder, oil, and water to form a pliable dough. Here’s where things get interesting – you can also add a pinch of cinnamon and brown sugar to give the bannock an extra boost of flavor.
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape it into pancakes.
Knead the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency, then cook the pancakes in a pan with oil or butter until they’re golden brown. Once they’re done, remove them from the pan and give them a generous sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon. The result is a sweet and satisfying treat that’s sure to become a favorite.
Grandpères (Quebec-Style Dumplings)
Grandpères, also known as Grands-peres au sirop d’erable, are sweet dumplings that can be enjoyed both warm and cold. These indulgent treats begin with a simple dough made from sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, margarine, and milk. Once formed into dumpling shapes, they’re ready to meet their sweet destiny in a rich maple syrup. To cook them, simply bring the water and maple syrup to a boil, then reduce the heat until the syrup thickens and the dumplings are fully cooked.
Figgy Duff
A beloved holiday tradition from the Canadian province of Newfoundland is Figgy Duff, a sweet steamed pudding that’s surprisingly raisin-rich. Despite its name, figs aren’t part of the recipe – instead, the mixture is packed with plump, juicy raisins. If you’re concocting your own Christmas pudding, this treat will be reminiscent of yours, albeit featuring only one type of dried fruit.
The dough is carefully wrapped in a damp, heavy cotton bag designed for puddings or pudding steamers and then boiled or steamed for approximately 90 minutes.
Sucre À La Crème
While Sucre à la Crème is often associated with holiday celebrations, you can actually make a batch at any time of the year. The recipe requires only four basic ingredients: simply combine the sugars and heavy cream in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil between 235°F and 240°F. Once the mixture has reached this temperature, let it cool down to around 110°F before whisking in butter and pouring the resulting mixture into a pan to chill in the refrigerator.
Nanaimo Bars
Satisfyingly sweet and indulgently rich, Nanaimo Bars are a beloved Canadian dessert staple. To whip up a no-bake treat, begin by combining melted butter, cocoa powder, sugar, and a beaten egg to form the base layer. Stir in chopped almonds, shredded coconut, and graham cracker crumbs for added texture. Press this mixture into a prepared pan and let it chill while you prepare the second layer.
For the creamy filling, mix together heavy cream, vanilla pudding mix, powdered sugar, and softened butter until smooth. Spread this velvety mixture evenly across the base. Finally, top it all off with melted butter and chocolate for a decadent finish.
Nanaimo Balls
Turns out, Nanaimo Bars can be just as delightful when served in a ball shape! This creative spin on the classic Canadian dessert still features those iconic layers, but with a fun twist. Begin by preparing a mixture of graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, pecans, cocoa powder, and melted butter – this will be the foundation for your Nanaimo Bar balls.
In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla pudding mix to create a dough-like consistency perfect for forming into balls. Once you’ve got your balls ready, roll them in the graham cracker crumb mixture, then pop them in the freezer for about half an hour to firm up. Finally, coat those frozen balls in melted chocolate and any remaining crumbs, and you’re left with a unique and tantalizing treat that’s sure to impress.
Maple Cupcakes
Indulge in the rich flavors of maple syrup by whipping up cupcakes that boast an impressive cup of this sweet nectar. The velvety frosting, infused with the subtle nuances of maple, complements the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and salt perfectly, making it a perfect treat for any gathering or spontaneous indulgence.
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies
When it comes to versatile ingredients, maple syrup is often at the top of the list. One of its many uses is as a sweet and sticky glaze for Shortbread Cookies. To make these cookies, start by combining sugar, butter, and maple extract until smooth. Next, add in flour to form a dough that can be rolled out and cut into shapes. Bake the cookies until they’re lightly golden brown before moving on to the glaze.
Simply mix together equal parts maple syrup and powdered sugar until well combined, then spread it over the cooled cookies for a delicious finish.
Pubnico Molasses Cookies
Nestled at the southernmost tip of Nova Scotia is the charming village of Pubnico, where a sweet tradition meets the senses. The village’s signature cookies are infused with molasses, which imbues them with a rich, deeply-flavored aroma that’s perfectly balanced by baking soda to produce a light and airy texture. The aromatic warmth of ground cloves, ginger, and cinnamon adds a delightful depth to each bite, making it impossible to resist the urge to indulge in one – or two!
– accompanied by a refreshing cup of milk.
Puffed Wheat Squares
Indulge in the nostalgic delight of Puffed Wheat Squares, a wholesome treat reminiscent of Rice Krispies Squares, with a unique texture that’s sure to please. The journey begins by melting butter in a pan and whisking in the richness of vanilla extract, the deep notes of brown sugar, the sweetness of corn syrup, and the earthy undertones of cocoa powder. This velvety coating is then poured into a greased pan, where it cools and sets before being transformed into bite-sized squares.
Confetti Squares
Imagine sinking your teeth into a sweet and satisfying treat that’s both playful and indulgent. Enter Confetti Squares, a delightful creation consisting of peanut butter-infused marshmallow goodness. For an added textural twist, you can incorporate Rice Krispies for a satisfying crunch.
The recipe is as easy as it gets: simply melt together butter, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips until smooth, then let the mixture cool before stirring in vanilla extract and mini marshmallows (plus Rice Krispies if you’re feeling extra playful). Pour the concoction into a pan, refrigerate until firm, and voila! You’ve got yourself a batch of Confetti Squares to enjoy.
Newfoundland Snowballs
A Newfoundland tradition that’s sure to bring a touch of winter wonderland to your taste buds is the humble snowball treat. To make these bite-sized morsels, start by melting together butter, sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 225-230°F. Once the mixture has reached its golden brown hue, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Next, stir in some rolled oats, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder to create a rich and indulgent flavor profile.
The key is to chill this mixture in the refrigerator until it’s firm enough to shape into bite-sized balls. Roll each ball in additional shredded coconut for an extra layer of crunch, then pop them in the freezer for a quick chill before serving. And the best part? You can enjoy these snowballs at any time – just thaw them out when you’re ready! Simply roll them in more shredded coconut and they’re good as new.
Pancakes And Maple Syrup
This delectable dessert, perfect for breakfast or any moment of the day, puts the spotlight on the rich flavor of pure maple syrup. As you savor each bite, imagine the sweetness of the syrup melding with crispy bacon and the fluffy pancakes, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Maple Syrup Snow Candy
Indulge in a sweet winter treat by crafting Maple Taffy, also known as Maple Candy. This delightful dessert is perfect for those with a fresh supply of maple syrup during the colder months. To begin, prepare a baking sheet with a layer of freshly fallen snow. Next, pour boiling maple syrup that has reached a temperature between 235°F and 240°F over the snowy surface.
Flapper Pie
In the heart of Canada, a rich and indulgent dessert awaits – Flapper Pie. Its humble beginnings with a crunchy graham cracker crust belie its decadent filling, which is a masterclass in textures and flavors. The prairies may be its stronghold, but this showstopper deserves to be savored across the country.
The foundation of this masterpiece is a carefully crafted filling comprising egg yolks, vanilla extract, salt, cornstarch, white sugar, and milk.
As it simmers until boiling and thickening, the aroma alone is enough to tantalize the taste buds. Once cooled, the velvety mixture is poured into the crust, awaiting its crowning glory: a blanket of stiff meringue peaks, finished with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs and a golden-brown hue from the oven.
Saskatoon Berry Pie
To truly appreciate this scrumptious Saskatoon berry pie, it’s essential to have some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on standby. Begin by mixing the berries with white sugar and cornstarch, then carefully place them into a pre-made pie crust. Next, cover the filling with a top crust, followed by an egg wash and a light dusting of sugar. Before baking, create a few strategic vents to allow any excess steam to escape.
Finally, pop the pie into the oven and bake until the filling starts to bubble and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
Sugar Pie
While Sugar Pie – also known as Brown Sugar Pie – may not be as well-known as some other sweet treats, it’s definitely worth trying. The key to making this pie is creating a flaky crust using a combination of shortening, salt, flour, and sugar that’s been formed into crumbs and then rehydrated with water, egg, and vinegar. The filling is equally straightforward to prepare.
Simply whisk together flour and brown sugar in a pan with butter, cinnamon, sugar, and evaporated milk until the mixture begins to thicken and boil. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in some vanilla extract for added depth of flavor. Finally, pour the filling into the pie crust and bake until golden brown.
Bakeapple Pies
In Canada’s Labrador and Newfoundland regions, a sweet tradition unfolds in the form of Bakeapple Pies. Also known as cloudberry pies, these sweet treats are crafted with the freshest cloudberries available during their in-season peak. To begin, create or procure a flaky pastry crust and dust it lightly with tapioca starch for an added crunch. Next, combine sugar and cloudberries, then spoon the mixture into the crust.
Top with another layer of crust, add a few strategic slashes to allow steam to escape, and finally, bake to perfection.
Butter Tarts
Indulge in the quintessential Canadian treat, Butter Tarts, with their sumptuous buttery centers and crumbly pastry crusts. To experience the delight of these indulgent desserts for yourself, start by preparing the tart shells – either make them from scratch or pick up a pack from your local store. Next, combine rich butter and sugar in a bowl until creamy, followed by the addition of milk, eggs, and a hint of vanilla extract.
As you stir in plump raisins, the aroma of sweet indulgence begins to waft through the air. Spoon the luscious filling into the prepared tart shells and bake until they emerge golden brown, ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. Experience the delight for yourself by trying this simple recipe.
Pouding Chômeur
Indulge in the quintessential Quebecoise dessert experience by preparing Pouding Chômeur, a delectable vanilla cake smothered in its own signature maple sauce. Begin by crafting the rich maple sauce by combining pure maple syrup, light brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, and a hint of vanilla extract with salt, heating until the sugar has dissolved. Next, whisk together granulated sugar and softened butter until smooth, then incorporate eggs one at a time, beating until airy and fluffy.
Meanwhile, prepare separate bowls for the dry ingredients – flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt – and the wet components – vanilla extract mixed with buttermilk. Gradually combine the dry mix to the creamy mixture in thirds, followed by the buttermilk, before transferring it to a baking dish. Pour additional maple syrup over the batter and bake until set.
Final Thoughts
When venturing into the world of Canadian desserts, you’ll find that many recipes rely on staple pantry ingredients. However, some unique and iconic treats require specific ingredients only found in Canada, such as cloudberries and Saskatoon berries.
Among these, maple syrup stands out for its exceptional quality and versatility, frequently serving as a key component in many beloved Canadian desserts.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.