Today I want to bring you A Lady in London’s top picks for classic English desserts. Since I’ve already shared lists of English drinks and traditional English dishes, I thought it would be fun to cover the sweeter side of things.
Classic English Desserts
These traditional English desserts will take your taste buds on a tour of England from the comfort of your kitchen. They’ll give you insights into British culinary culture and flavors, and delight your palate in the process.
From light treats perfect for summer days to rich puddings that will keep you comforted on winter nights, there’s a variety of classic English desserts for you to enjoy.
Cookbooks for Classic English Desserts
If you want a cookbook to help you make these desserts at home, I recommend The Great British Bake Off Big Book of Baking. If you’re in the UK, you can get it here. If you’re in the US, you can get it here.
It has lots of recipes for all kinds of British desserts, and it will get you baking a range of delicious sweet endings in no time.
1. Eton Mess
I have to start my list of classic English desserts with my favorite, Eton Mess. It’s made by mixing fresh strawberries with crushed meringue and whipped cream.
Light as air and delicious as heaven, the result is summer in a glass. It’s the perfect way to end a meal on a hot day. The fact that it’s simple to make is a bonus, too.
Eton Mess has a great back story. It’s said to have been invented in the 19th century at the prestigious Eton College near Windsor Castle. Even today it’s served at the annual cricket match between Eton and Harrow, its rival school.
2. Banoffee Pie
Next on my list of classic English desserts is Banoffee pie. This British dessert is made from bananas, cream, and toffee (hence the name).
It’s usually served on a biscuit crust, and some creative takes on Banoffee pie include chocolate, coffee, and other ingredients. There are cake and cupcake versions, too.
I first came across this English dessert in the movie Love Actually. Keira Knightley’s character offers a slice of it to Andrew Lincoln’s character as a way of tempting him to show her the video he took at her wedding.
I’d never heard of it before, and I wondered what it was. When I moved to the UK, I found Banoffee pie and tried a slice. It’s a delicious blend of fruit and toffee, and it makes for a great English treat.
3. Bakewell Tart
The famous Bakewell tart is another of my favorite classic English desserts. This dish consists of a pastry shell filled with layers of jam and almond cream filling, all topped with a candied cherry.
This traditional English dessert hails from the market town of Bakewell in Derbyshire, which lies on the River Wye. It’s famous for Bakewell tarts and Bakewell pudding, and it’s a beautiful place besides.
4. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Next on my list of classic English desserts is sticky toffee pudding. This one confused me when I first moved to London, as it’s not what Americans would call a pudding.
But since all desserts are called puddings in the UK, it makes sense here. Sticky toffee pudding is a warm, rich sponge cake drenched in toffee sauce.
It’s usually served with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream. Rich and comforting, it’s absolutely perfect at the end of a Sunday roast on a cold winter day.
5. Victoria Sponge
Next on my list of classic English desserts is Victoria sponge. Often associated with afternoon tea, this one consists of jam and buttercream sandwiched between layers of sponge cake.
Officially called a Royal Victoria Sponge Cake, the name of this English dessert comes from Queen Victoria. She’s said to have enjoyed a slice of it with her afternoon tea.
Victoria sponge is still found on many afternoon tea menus in England today.
6. Christmas Pudding
When it comes to seasonal sweet endings, Christmas pudding is one of the best classic English desserts. There are loads of variations on this steamed suet pudding, but it’s a festive staple in British households at the end of the year.
Christmas pudding is often served with alcohol poured on top and lit on fire. It lends a theatrical element to its presentation when it arrives at the table.
I used to make Christmas pudding with my Scottish grandmother when I was growing up. It’s one of my favorite British Christmas recipes.
7. Mince Pies
Another seasonal sweet treat is the mince pie. It’s one of my favorite traditional British Christmas foods.
Despite the name, mince pies aren’t made of mince meat (although they once were, which is why they’re called mince pies).
They’re tiny pastries filled with a preserve made from dried and candied fruit, apple, suet, and spices steeped in rum or brandy. They’re just the things to warm up with during the festive season in England.
Best Classic English Desserts
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of classic English desserts and that making them at home whisks your taste buds off on a tour of Britain.
Better yet, I hope you can enjoy them at one of the best restaurants in London in the future. Happy baking!
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