5 Best Irish Desserts That You Must Try
Ireland has a long-standing tradition with food, all kinds of food, especially the best Irish desserts. We are a nation of foodies, whether it be traditional hearty meals or slap-up sweet desserts, we love it all. Renowned for our delectable Irish stews and fresh seafood chowder, our traditional roast dinners are second to none. But when it comes to desserts, we are absolute champions.
(Also read The Top 10 Free Activities to Enjoy in Dublin Today.)
We’ve created some of the most delicious desserts on the planet, if we do say so ourselves, and we want to shout it from the rooftops. But before we do that, let’s share this epic list with all you fellow sweet tooths.
Top Tips for Choosing Your Irish Dessert
- Start with the Classics: Kick-start your experience with classic Irish desserts like Irish apple cake or bread and butter pudding. These timeless treats are sure to delight.
- Go for a Whiskey Infusion: Irish whiskey is world-renowned, and some of the best Irish desserts are infused with this liquid gold. Try whiskey cake or truffles and let us know your verdict.
- Explore Regional Specialties: Depending on where you are in Ireland, you can sample regional specialties. Ask locals at the restaurant for recommendations.
- Try a Dessert Sampler: If you can’t decide, opt for a dessert sampler. This allows you to taste a variety of options and find your favourite.
- Visit Local Bakeries: Local bakeries often serve delicious, sweet delicacies not commonly found on restaurant menus. Don’t miss out on these hidden gems.
The Top Five Best Irish Desserts
1. Baileys Cheesecake
Baileys, what a fantastic invention and stunning liquor, and one of the best Irish desserts. It can be used in coffee, over ice, or, in this case, mixed into an insatiable cheesecake recipe. Who doesn’t love cheesecake, and who doesn’t love Baileys? Together, this is the perfect Irish dessert combination. For all you vegans out there, try making this with the new vegan Baileys and substitute the other ingredients to be vegan too. A dessert everyone will love – well, every adult, that is!
2. Irish Shortbread Toffee Bars
This rich and crumbly cookie-style dessert is something everyone will love. It combines thick Irish chocolate, sticky caramel in the middle, and crumbly shortbread that will get you hooked. The best thing about these little winners is they’re not too difficult to make. The key is to use all Irish ingredients because nothing compares to Irish chocolate, Irish cream, or Irish butter.
3. Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce
Between the hint of nutmeg and vanilla, the sweet ripe apples, and the creamy warm custard drizzled on top, we’re not sure which part makes us drool more. This dessert is as traditional as they come and has been enjoyed at Ireland’s dinner tables for years now. We don’t see it disappearing anytime soon – well, only into our mouths, that is. Don’t forget to be picky with your selection of apples and use Irish products for a winning result.
4. Guinness Cake
Well, we couldn’t have a dessert list without our beloved Guinness cake, which we all love. This decadent chocolate cake with a twist can also be topped with some Baileys frosting to give it that Guinness look and real Irish taste. For anyone not keen on drinking Guinness or beer at all, the Guinness in this cake is more of an aftertaste – a delicious one, not to be compared with drinking it straight. It’s truly delicious.
5. Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
Brioche bread and butter pudding is a delicious treat enjoyed by many Irish people. Homemade vanilla custard and flaky brioche give a classy spin to this old Irish dessert. Considering bread and butter were readily available in Ireland for centuries, this dessert is relatively straightforward to make. With some added flavours to the mix, this dessert will go down a treat with everyone. Remember to be generous with the custard; it’s the perfect match after all.
