Have you ever thought about how desserts differ across the world? Pastries are one thing that always brings people together, whether it’s a flaky croissant in France, a sweet and nutty baklava from the Middle East, or a colorful macaron that’s almost too pretty to eat.
They’re not just treats but little moments of history, culture, and creativity wrapped up in something delicious.
From old family recipes passed down through generations to modern spins on beloved classics, the 20 most popular pastries in the world capture the magic of baking in every bite.
Whether crispy, buttery, soft, or creamy, these pastries all share one thing: they bring joy with every bite. Ready to explore? Let’s check out the most delicious pastries, where each has a story and flavor to share!
1. Croissant
The croissant, a renowned French pastry, has a rich history dating back to a period of Viennese influence in France and is one of the most popular pastries.
The origin of the croissant can be traced to the 17th century, during the Ottoman-Habsburg wars, when the Viennese bakers, renowned for their delicious and flaky pastries, used their culinary expertise to create what we now know as the croissant.
In the early 19th century, the croissant made its way to France when Marie Antoinette, a member of the Austrian royal family, married Louis XVI of France. The Kipferl (original name) was adapted and transformed into the now-famous French croissant, gaining popularity in Parisian bakeries.
The croissant’s flaky, buttery texture is a trademark of its Viennese ancestry today, and its enormous appeal has made it an icon of French pastry skill.
2. Macaron
Enter the enchanting world of macarons, a delicate and colorful French confection that has mesmerized dessert enthusiasts across the globe.
The origins of this famous pastry and delightful treats can be traced back to the 8th century, believed to have been introduced by Italian chefs and later refined by the talented French pâtissiers.
The almond-based meringue at the center of the macaron is a crucial component responsible for its trademark airy texture. Making macarons demands accuracy and skill, turning each into a work of beauty.
Macarons are not only a visual feast with their vivid colors, but they also have a seamless balance of tastes. A macaron is suitable for any palette, from basic favorites like vanilla and chocolate to more experimental combinations like lavender and salted caramel.
Bakers are experimenting with novel fillings and aesthetic presentations, and the creative possibilities appear limitless. These small works of art have become a mainstay in patisseries across the world, enticing dessert lovers with their irresistible allure.
Indulging in a macaron is like savoring a moment of pure delight—a perfect balance of texture, taste, and beauty.
3. Baklava
Indulge in the rich and nutty layers of Baklava, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert that has stood the test of time among the most popular pastries in the world.
Originating in the royal kitchens of the Ottoman Empire, this exquisite treat is crafted with precision using delicate filo pastry, which envelopes a generous filling of finely chopped nuts.
What sets Baklava apart is the art of honey-syrup soaking, infusing each layer with a luscious sweetness that perfectly balances the nutty richness. Across the Middle East, different regions put their unique spin on Baklava, showcasing a delightful array of flavors and textures.
Baklava is a treasured delicacy that continues to fascinate dessert enthusiasts worldwide with its delectable combination of flaky pastry and the rich taste of nuts with each bite.
4. Puff Pastry
Puff pastry, known as pâte feuilletée in French, is a culinary wonder that has earned global recognition for its exceptional versatility and mouthwatering flaky texture.
This delicate and airy pastry is crafted through a labor-intensive process of layering butter between thin sheets of dough, resulting in its distinctive puff when baked.
The use of puff pastry in a menu can create a sense of elegance and elevate the perception of value, which is important in menu psychology.
The wonder of puff pastry resides in its capacity to turn recipes into popular sweet and savory pastries. It serves as the foundation for a variety of delectable desserts, ranging from fruit-filled tarts to sumptuous Napoleons.
On the savory side, puff pastry encases savory fillings, creating delectable appetizers like cheese twists and sausage rolls.
Puff pastry is a favorite of chefs and home cooks alike, whether it’s a rich dessert or a savory delicacy. Use puff pastry to unleash your culinary imagination and go on a tasty adventure, producing sweet and savory treats that are sure to be popular pastries.
5. Danish Pastry
Indulge in the buttery goodness of Danish pastry, a delightful breakfast favorite that has captured the hearts of pastry enthusiasts worldwide. Hailing from Denmark, these delectable treats trace their origins to Vienna bread, brought to Denmark by Austrian bakers in the 19th century.
The allure of Danish pastries lies in their light, flaky layers, perfect for holding an array of luscious fruit fillings. From raspberry to apricot and everything in between, the variety of flavors is truly a breakfast indulgence.
Cream cheese Danish is another beloved variety, oozing with creamy goodness. As bakers continue to innovate, new Danish pastry varieties emerge, each tempting taste buds in its unique way.
Wake up to the enchanting aroma and taste of fruit-filled Danish delicacies, a timeless breakfast delight among the popular pastries in the world.
6. Cannoli
Experience the iconic Italian pastry, the cannoli, a true delight with its crispy shell and luscious creamy filling. Hailing from Sicily, this beloved dessert has enchanted taste buds for generations and remains a symbol of Italian culinary excellence.
The key to a perfect cannoli lies in its delicate shell, a crispy, fried pastry tube that encases a rich and creamy filling.
Traditionally, the filling includes ricotta cheese, sweetened with sugar and sometimes adorned with chocolate chips or candied fruit.
With its irresistible flavors and textures, cannoli has gained popularity in Italy and among dessert enthusiasts worldwide.
Embrace the Italian spirit and savor the creamy-filled cannoli, a timeless and beloved sweet treat that continues to bring joy to the hearts of dessert lovers around the globe and remains a popular pastry.
7. Éclair
Indulge in the elegance of éclairs, a beloved French dessert known for its elongated shape and delectable combination of choux pastry, creamy filling, and luscious chocolate glaze. Created from pâte à choux, a light and airy dough, the éclair boasts a crisp outer shell that encases a luxurious cream filling.
These delectable pastries are available in a variety of flavors, ranging from vanilla and chocolate to more experimental selections like different types of coffee and pistachio.
Each éclair, topped with a glossy chocolate glaze, is a piece of art that tempts dessert connoisseurs with its superb flavor and presentation.
A symbol of French pastry artistry, éclairs continue to captivate taste buds and bring joy to sweet indulgence. Savor the delightful cream-filled éclairs and let their French charm transport you to a world of pastry perfection.
8. Tiramisu
Delve into the allure of tiramisu, the classic Italian dessert renowned for its heavenly layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and velvety mascarpone cream. This beloved Italian creation has earned a global following and is a culinary excellence symbol.
The delicate ladyfinger biscuits are at the heart of tiramisu, soaked in a rich coffee brew that imparts a deep, aromatic flavor, much like a freshly made drip coffee.
Layered with creamy mascarpone cheese, each spoonful is a blissful combination of textures and tastes, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and the subtle bitterness of coffee.
Tiramisu offers a canvas for creativity, and various adaptations have emerged, incorporating flavors like chocolate, berries, and even liqueurs.
Savor the layers of tiramisu bliss and enjoy the time-honored Italian tradition that has become a beloved favorite and one of the world’s most popular pastries as this delightful delicacy continues to thrill taste buds worldwide.
9. Strudel
Enter the world of strudels, a cherished Austrian pastry known for its thin and flaky dough, filled with an array of delightful fruits. Popular pastries in their own right, strudels showcase the artistry of traditional Austrian baking.
The star of the show is the delicate strudel dough skillfully stretched to paper thinness, creating the perfect canvas for a medley of flavors.
From the classic apple strudel, featuring tender slices of apples infused with cinnamon, to the mouthwatering cherry strudel, each bite unveils a symphony of sweet and tangy notes.
As a timeless treat, strudels have won hearts worldwide, continuing to be a beloved choice for dessert enthusiasts. Savor the fruit-filled strudel treats and immerse yourself in the flavors that have made this Austrian delicacy a true delight among popular pastries.
10. Mille-Feuille
Mille-feuille is a famous French dessert famed for its delicate layers of puff pastry and rich pastry cream. This dish, often known as Napoleon’s pastry, exemplifies French culinary skills.
From the crispiness of the puff pastry to the silky smoothness of the pastry cream, each mouthful of mille-feuille reveals a symphony of textures. The mille-feuille has become a symbol of French pastry artistry with its artistic presentation.
As bakers experiment with delightful variations, adding fruit, chocolate, or caramel to the layers, the mille-feuille continues to enchant dessert enthusiasts worldwide. Savor the layered delicacy and discover why mille-feuille remains a timeless favorite in the world of French pastries.
11. Donuts
Donuts, also known as doughnuts, are among the most popular pastries worldwide. They are loved for their soft, sweet dough and wide range of fillings and toppings. The pastry’s roots go back to the 19th century when Dutch settlers brought their donut recipe to America.
The hole in the middle, which allowed more even frying, became a defining feature of the donut. Over time, donuts became a beloved treat, with endless variations such as jelly-filled versions and classic glazed rings.
Donuts are often enjoyed as a breakfast item or snack paired with coffee, making them a popular breakfast treat in many cultures. With various toppings, from powdered sugar to colorful sprinkles and chocolate, donuts continue to be considered one of the best pastries in the world.
12. Eccles Cake
Eccles cake, a small yet delightful pastry from England, is a beloved regional treat in popular pastries. It comes from Eccles, a town in Greater Manchester, and has been an iconic treat in English bakeries since the 18th century.
Made from flaky puff pastry and filled with currants, sugar, and butter, it offers a sweet, buttery flavor, perfect for a snack.
Eccles cakes are typically served with tea, making for a delightful and flavorful bite that represents the best of traditional British baking.
Though not as internationally known as some other pastries, the Eccles cake has secured its place among the top pastries in England. Its simple yet delicious ingredients make it a favorite for many.
13. Ensaymadas
Ensaymadas are a soft, spiral-shaped pastry from Spain’s Balearic Islands that combine rich history and sweet flavor. They originated during the Moorish influence in Spain, mixing ingredients like lard and sugar to form a sweet dough.
Over time, Ensaymadas have developed into different regional varieties, with fillings like chocolate or pumpkin.
Traditionally, Ensaymadas are enjoyed as a breakfast or snack and are commonly paired with coffee or hot chocolate. Their light, airy texture, and sweet flavor make them one of the top pastries in Spain, and they are becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
14. Katmer
Katmer is a rich, flaky Turkish pastry with a unique, nutty flavor. It is a must-try for those interested in global desserts.
Originating from Gaziantep, Turkey, Katmer is made by layering thin dough filled with pistachios and sugar and topping it with clotted cream (kaymak) for a creamy, indulgent finish. The combination of crispy pastry, crunchy pistachios, and rich cream creates a delightful texture and sweet, satisfying taste.
Traditionally served for breakfast or special occasions, Katmer represents the craftsmanship of Turkish baking. The layers and contrasting flavors show the skill involved in making this pastry.
Today, Katmer is among the best pastries from around the world, and locals and visitors love it. Each bite provides a taste of Turkish culinary culture, creating an unforgettable experience for anyone who tries it.
15. Palmier
The Palmier, also known as the “elephant ear,” is a beloved French pastry that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s made from buttery puff pastry and sugar, and its name comes from its shape, which resembles an elephant’s large, elegant ears.
The Palmier has become a favorite in French bakeries because of its sweet, addictive flavor. Its crispy, delicate layers offer a satisfying crunch, making it one of the most popular pastries worldwide.
Palmier’s simplicity is part of its appeal. It is usually enjoyed with coffee or tea. The rich, buttery dough and sugary coating balance perfectly, making it an ideal snack or dessert.
Whether it’s enjoyed as a quick afternoon bite or added to a breakfast spread, the Palmier remains a favorite in France and many other countries. Its timeless charm and delicious texture have earned it a special place in pastry lovers’ hearts around the globe.
16. Paris-Brest
The Paris-Brest is a luxurious French pastry with a fascinating origin. First created in 1910, it is shaped like a wheel to honor the Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race. Made from delicate choux pastry and rich praline cream, it’s topped with crunchy almonds to add texture and enhance the nutty flavor.
This pastry, designed to celebrate the speed and energy of the race, has since become a favorite in French patisseries and beyond.
It is often enjoyed as a special dessert, perfect when paired with coffee or dessert wine. The crispy choux pastry, rich praline cream filling, and almond topping create a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it an indulgent treat.
It’s no wonder that Paris-Brest is considered one of the best pastries in the world. Revered by pastry enthusiasts and experts alike, its rich history and decadent taste have secured its place among the top pastries in French cuisine.
17. Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata, also known as Portuguese custard tarts, are famous worldwide for their rich, creamy filling and light, flaky pastry shell. These tarts originated in Lisbon and have a fascinating history.
In the 18th century, monks at the Jerónimos Monastery first made them using egg yolks and sugar, ingredients that were also used to starch the monks’ robes. When the monastery closed, the recipe was sold to a local bakery, and the tarts quickly became a beloved part of Portuguese cuisine.
Usually served warm and fresh from the oven, Pastel de Nata is often enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. The smooth custard filling pairs beautifully with the crisp pastry shell, offering a delicious combination of textures.
Whether you find them in a bakery in Portugal or anywhere else, these tarts are one of the most beloved pastries in the world. Their global popularity has earned them a special place in pastry culture.
18. Petit Four
Petit Four is a small, delicate French pastry that brings elegance to any special occasion, like weddings or afternoon teas. These little pastries come in sweet and savory options and are often beautifully decorated with intricate icing, fondant, or fruit. They showcase the precision and artistry that French pâtissiers are famous for.
Petit Fours typically offer a burst of flavor and texture in a single bite, making them a popular choice for dessert platters. Whether filled with cream, fruit, or chocolate, these pastries provide a variety of tastes, making them a favorite among dessert lovers.
Their ability to offer a range of flavors and stunning appearance has made them a cherished part of French culinary tradition, loved by people worldwide.
19. Sfogliatelle
Sfogliatelle is a well-loved Italian pastry from Naples known for its thin, layered dough and sweet filling of ricotta cheese, semolina, and candied fruit. The name “sfogliatella” comes from the Italian word for “leaves,” referring to the many layers of the pastry’s distinct texture.
Once baked, the outer shell becomes crisp and golden, creating a pleasing contrast with the creamy, soft filling inside.
Often enjoyed as a breakfast or dessert, Sfogliatelle pairs perfectly with espresso or creamy gelato, making it popular among pastry enthusiasts in Italy and worldwide. Its unique shape and blend of flavors have earned it a place among the best pastries globally.
With each bite offering a satisfying crunch from the outer shell and a rich, flavorful filling, Sfogliatelle offers an authentic taste of Naples, rich in Italian tradition. As it gains international fame, this popular pastry continues to represent the excellence of Italian baking.
20. Turnover
Turnovers are a popular and versatile pastry enjoyed worldwide. They are made by folding a flaky dough around sweet or savory fillings and baking until golden and crisp.
Originating in Europe, turnovers can be filled with sweet fruits like apples, cherries, and peaches or savory ingredients like cheese, meat, and vegetables. The result is a light, crunchy exterior with a rich, flavorful filling inside.
These pastries are often eaten as snacks, breakfast items, or desserts. When enjoyed warm, turnovers offer delightful tasting notes. The sweetness of fruit or the savory richness of cheese creates a comforting balance.
Turnovers are simple to make and can be filled with various flavors. Whether sweet or savory, they are satisfying and popular in bakeries worldwide.
Conclusion
These 20 beloved pastries from around the globe offer a variety of flavors, textures, and cultural backgrounds. From the flaky croissants of France to the indulgent tiramisu of Italy, each pastry reflects the traditions and skills behind it.
At the Pastry Trade Show, bakers and experts worldwide showcase these iconic treats, such as donuts, sfogliatelle from Naples, and pastel de nata from Portugal, which have become global favorites.
Whether it’s the crisp baklava, the creamy Paris-Brest, or the decadent éclairs, each brings a special charm to dessert tables. Together, these pastries highlight the expertise of pastry chefs, ensuring their lasting popularity for years to come.