14 Best British Desserts You Can’t Resist

British desserts offer a delightful taste of tradition. From rock cakes to mince pie, these treats showcase rich flavors. Some even include fruits, adding a subtle fiber boost to each bite. So, join me to discover these amazing British desserts.

Rock cake

The first traditional British dessert is Rock Cakes. Don’t let the name fool you! These crumbly, golden little treats are anything but rock-hard. They’re crisp on the outside and soft inside. If you love simple, homey flavors with a touch of nostalgia, this old-school British favorite is for you.

Here’s the Rock Cake recipe.

Bakewell tart

Meet the Bakewell Tart, a star in the lineup of traditional British desserts. This sweet, buttery tart is layered with fruity jam, rich almond frangipane, and a crisp pastry base. These treats have the perfect balance of nutty, fruity, and buttery goodness.

Here’s the Bakewell Tart recipe.

Mini Bakewell tarts are perfect romantic gifts

Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie is one of the most popular British desserts of all time. This dreamy dessert layers a crunchy biscuit base with silky toffee, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s sweet, creamy, and downright irresistible. No baking is needed—just assemble and enjoy!

Here’s the easy chocolate banoffee pie recipe.

Chocolate banoffee pie is topped with banana slices and chocolate

Drop scone

Let’s talk about Drop Scones, aka Scotch pancakes or Griddle Cakes. They’re the fluffy, bite-sized cousins of pancakes! These soft and golden pancakes are perfect for breakfast or teatime. You can serve them with jam, butter, or even a drizzle of honey. They’re quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Here’s the Drop Scones recipe.

Drop scones are drizzled with syrup

Parkin

Parkin is one of the most favorite British desserts. This sticky, spiced ginger cake is a true taste of Yorkshire! It’s a moist and slightly sticky cake made with oatmeal, ginger, and treacle. The rich, deep flavor is perfect for chilly evenings with a cup of tea.

Here’s the simple pear parkin recipe.

A slice of pear parkin is on the plate
Easy pear parkin recipe

Bread and Butter Pudding

Up next is Bread and Butter Pudding—a timeless classic of British. This old-school British dessert layers buttery bread slices with custard, sugar, and dried fruit. It’s the ultimate cozy treat—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor!

Here’s the original British pudding recipe. This is still the best for me.

Bread and butter pudding is on the baking dish
Bread and butter pudding using old-fashioned technique

Cranachan

Cranachan is a popular Scottish dessert. It combines layers of creamy whisky-soaked oats, sweet honey, and fresh raspberries. It’s like a party in your mouth with the perfect balance of smooth, crunchy, and fruity. This dessert is perfect for hot days.

Here’s the easy Cranachan recipe.

The best Cranachan recipe for summer

Mince Pie

The next traditional British dessert is Mince Pies. These desserts are filled with a delightful mixture of dried fruits, warming spices, and brandy. They are the ultimate holiday treat. Crispy on the outside, sweet and rich on the inside.

This is the recipe for mince pies with cranberry and almond.

Easy almond mince pies are traditional Christmas desserts

Treacle tart

Have you ever tried a Treacle Tart? This popular British dessert is packed with golden syrup, a buttery shortcrust pastry, and just the right amount of lemon zest. It’s like caramel heaven, but lighter and brighter. Each slice is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and irresistible. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again…and again!

This is the yummy Treacke Tart recipe.

A slice of treacle tart is topped with whipped cream

Apple pie

The Apple Pie is from the British. The Brits have been mastering the art of apple pie for centuries. Freshly baked, with juicy apples, cinnamon, and a buttery, flaky crust—it’s the ultimate comfort dessert.

Here are the traditional English apple pies with gluten-free pastry.

Simple recipe for apple pie
My homemade apple pie in the traditional British way

Simnel cake

Simnel cake isn’t your everyday treat. It’s a special something, often reserved for Easter celebrations. It’s a moist, fruity cake, spiced just right, with layers of marzipan both inside and on top. But what makes Simnel cake truly unique is the 11 marzipan balls adorning the top. These balls symbolize the 11 disciples of Jesus.

Here’s the easy Simnel cake recipe.

Chocolate Simnel cake
Mini Simnel cake

Crumbles

Crumbles are the ultimate British comfort food. A warm, juicy filling of seasonal fruits (think apples, berries, or rhubarb) is topped with a crispy, buttery crumble topping. It’s crunchy, gooey, and utterly comforting. Whether you enjoy it with custard or ice cream, it’s the dessert that makes any day feel like a treat.

Here’s my plum and blackberry crumble recipe.

A bowl of plum and blackberry crumble

Espresso Martini Cheesecake

This creamy, dreamy dessert combines rich espresso, velvety cream cheese, and a hint of vodka for a boozy kick. It’s the perfect treat for coffee lovers and partygoers alike.

Here’s the Espresso Martini Cheesecake recipe

A slice of Espresso Martini cheesecake is topped with whipped cream

Amaretto Pound Cake

This pound cake is rich yet light, with a soft crumb and a golden crust that’ll have you sneaking for extra slices. A drizzle of Amaretto glaze takes it over the top. This makes it the ultimate cozy treat for tea time, brunch, or whenever your sweet tooth calls.

Here’s my simple Amaretto Pound Cake recipe.

Amaretto pound cake recipe with Bundt pan

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