Top 93 British Desserts

Clotted cream ice cream is a traditional ice cream that’s associated with Cornwall, although it’s sold in supermarkets throughout the United Kingdom. This ice cream is made with Cornish whole milk, eggs, and clotted cream. The use of Cornish clotted cream gives the ice cream a unique flavor and a velvety consistency. This decadent ice cream can be flavored with various additional ingredients such as vanilla, and it can be found in many bars and cafes across the region. It is also not uncustomary to add a dollop of clotted cream on top of the scoops of Cornish ice cream.Expand

The dainty petticoat tails gained their peculiar name and distinctive shape by resembling the pieces of fabric used to create the elaborate 16th-century petticoats, including that of Mary Queen of Scots, who was reputed to have been particularly fond of these sweet, buttery shortbread biscuits. However, another less romantic theory claims their name could've been derived from petits cotés, the old French term for little biscuits. Regardless of their real origins, petticoat tails remain a Scottish favorite until this day. They are often dusted with icing sugar and are traditionally enjoyed with afternoon tea.Expand

Sticky toffee pudding is a rich, moist sponge cake filled with dates, covered in a sticky toffee sauce. The dessert is traditionally served with custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Its origins are quite murky as some claim it originates from the Sharrow Bay Hotel in the Lake District, some report that it's especially popular in Cartmel, while others say that it was invented at the Udny Arms Hotel in Aberdeenshire. Today, the dessert is also popular in Australia, Ireland, and Scotland.Expand

Banoffee pie is a rich, layered dessert pastry made with a crumbled biscuit base, thick toffee, sliced fresh bananas, and a generous mound of whipped cream, often paired with a strong cup of black coffee or unsweetened tea to balance the extreme sugar levels. It was created in 1971 at The Hungry Monk restaurant in East Sussex, England. The owner, Nigel Mackenzie, and his head chef, Ian Dowding, originally sought to modify an obscure recipe relying on coffee and caramel. After several failed attempts utilizing apples and mandarin oranges, Mackenzie suggested incorporating bananas instead. The resulting combination proved incredibly successful, prompting the invention of the word "Banoffee"—a simple portmanteau of banana and toffee—which eventually secured a spot in the Oxford English Dictionary. Assembling the pie begins by crushing digestive biscuits into fine crumbs and mixing them thoroughly with melted butter. This sandy mixture is firmly pressed into the bottom and up the sides of a fluted tart tin, then briefly baked or refrigerated until it forms a rigid shell. The critical toffee component relies on slowly boiling sealed cans of sweetened condensed milk for several hours until the sugars inside caramelize into a dark, thick paste. Once the biscuit shell has cooled completely, a thick blanket of this caramel is spread across the bottom, followed immediately by a dense layer of freshly cut, ripe bananas. Heavy cream is whisked until soft peaks form and spread high over the fruit. The final aesthetic touch is a light dusting of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate over the white cream. Alterations to this baseline formula often replace the standard biscuit crust with crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookies to adjust the foundational flavor. Other variations mix a small splash of dark rum or instant coffee powder directly into the caramel to introduce a bitter contrast, while certain bakeries scatter toasted pecans or walnuts over the fruit layer for added crunch.Expand

Millionaire's shortbread or caramel shortbread is a classic Scottish dessert and one of the country's favorite treats whose main appeal lies in its different textures: the crumbly shortcake base, soft caramel in the middle, and the crisp chocolate top. For the best millionaires' shortbread, a sprinkle of unrefined sea salt can be added to the sweet caramel as it brings out its creamy richness and at the same time complements the pure, smooth dark chocolate.Expand

Regarded as close cousins of pies, crumbles are simple and hearty baked creations made with sweet or savory ingredients. The sweet varieties usually consist of fruit that is placed on the bottom of the tray and topped with a crumbly mixture of butter, sugar, and flour. The savory variants employ meat or vegetables and use cheese as a replacement for sugar. Ground or chopped nuts and oats are a very common addition to the crumbly topping, which provides a more complex texture of the crispy cover. It is believed that the British crumble originated in the midst of the Second World War when original pie ingredients were hard to come by and were considered a luxury. From its humble beginning, crumble became one of the most popular British dishes, especially in its dessert form. With its rustic appeal, frugal ingredients, and quick preparation, it is one of the most common desserts found on the British Isles. It quickly outgrew the borders of its home location and became a dessert that is commonly eaten in the United States and France. The most common fruits used in a crumble are apples, followed by blueberries, plums, apricots, cherries, peaches, and blackberries. With a scoop of ice cream or warm custard on the side, crumble becomes a decadent, luxurious dish.Expand

Eton mess is a popular English dessert made by combining fresh strawberries, meringue, and cream. The dessert was invented in the 1930s at the English Eton College, when it was traditionally served at the school's prize-giving celebration, held annually on June 4th. Originally, it was made with either strawberries or bananas that were mixed with ice cream because meringue is a recent addition to the dish. The word mess refers to the untidy visual appearance of the dish. Today, Eton mess can be made with other fruit, such as raspberries, redcurrants, or even blackberries, and because it is very easy to prepare and flavorful, it is popular throughout the country, especially in the summer.Expand

Griddle-baked Welsh cakes are a traditional delicacy made with a simple base of flour, lard or butter, sugar, and eggs. They come in different regional varieties that often include spices, lemon zest, raisins, currants, and various types of flour. Depending on the type, they can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack or a dessert, preferably paired with afternoon tea and served with butter and jam on the side.Expand

Lemon drizzle cake is a traditional cake and a staple of afternoon tea. Although not much is known about its origin, it is believed that the first lemon drizzle was made by a Jewish woman named Evelyn Rose in 1967. This simple sponge cake is usually made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The ingredients are mixed in a bowl, then placed into a baking tray and baked in an oven. The lemon juice is mixed with icing sugar, and once the cake is done, the icing is drizzled over it in order to give the cake a refreshing, bright, lemony, and slightly sharp flavor. It's recommended to serve this cake with a cup of Early Grey tea on the side.Expand

Treacle tart is a traditional dessert consisting of a shortcrust pastry filled with sugar syrup, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Originally, treacle was the most inexpensive sweetener, so food historians believe that the dish was invented as a way for peasants to use up leftover bread. This classic dish is traditionally served warm, with a dollop of clotted cream, whipped cream, or a few scoops of ice cream on the side. Local variations include Yorkshire's treacle tart with added dried fruit and grated apple, and Suffolk's, which has eggs beaten into it for a custard-like result.Expand

Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread is a traditional producer based in Grasmere in the Lake District, with origins dating back to 1854. The business began when Sarah Nelson started baking gingerbread in her home, Church Cottage, which remains the only production and retail location today. The company operates on a small scale, without expansion into multiple sites, maintaining a highly localized identity. Production is carried out in small batches using largely manual methods, ensuring consistency and control over quality. The recipe has remained closely guarded and largely unchanged, reflecting a strong focus on continuity. The product itself is the central focus, with no significant diversification into other categories. This specialization allows the producer to maintain a clear and recognizable identity. The gingerbread is closely linked to the Lake District, both culturally and gastronomically. It is widely regarded as a regional specialty rather than a mass-market product. The combination of limited production, historical continuity, and strong geographical connection defines its position on the market.Expand

Shortbread House of Edinburgh is a family-run bakery proudly preserving the Scottish tradition of crafting authentic, handmade shortbread. Founded with the vision of turning treasured family recipes into exceptional products, the bakery continues to produce each biscuit by hand, using only the finest ingredients - without additives or shortcuts. Their philosophy, “shortbread without shortcuts”, is reflected in every bite: rich, buttery flavor, perfectly baked texture, and a delicate balance of simplicity and indulgence. The range includes classic shortbread alongside unique varieties infused with chocolate, citrus, tea, or spices, as well as savory cheese biscuits. Beautifully packaged, their products make elegant gifts or refined treats for special moments. Thanks to their unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Shortbread House of Edinburgh’s creations are now enjoyed around the world and featured in prestigious stores. Each box is a testament to family dedication, exceptional flavor, and time-honored tradition.Expand

Furniss of Cornwall is a traditional biscuit producer based in Cornwall, with origins dating back to 1886 when John Cooper Furniss opened a tea room in Truro. From the beginning, the business focused on freshly baked goods, particularly gingerbread and spiced biscuits known as Cornish Fairings, which quickly became popular across the region. Their commitment to quality ingredients and consistent baking methods allowed the brand to expand beyond local markets by the end of the 19th century. Today, Furniss remains the only licensed producer of Original Cornish Fairings, reinforcing its strong link to regional heritage and authenticity. Over time, the company has maintained its identity by preserving traditional recipes while gradually expanding its range to include shortbread, oat biscuits, and more contemporary variations. The products are characterized by simple formulations and a balanced flavor profile, especially in their ginger-based biscuits, which remain central to the portfolio. Although the company has undergone ownership changes and operational shifts, including integration into larger food groups, production continues in Cornwall, preserving the connection to its place of origin. Furniss stands as a representative example of a heritage brand that successfully combines scaled production with a distinct regional identity rooted in British baking tradition.Expand

Biscuiteers is a British producer of luxury hand-iced biscuits founded in London in 2007 by Harriet Hastings and Stevie Congdon. The brand was created with the idea of offering an original alternative to traditional gifts through carefully decorated biscuits that combine confectionery craftsmanship, design, and personalization. Biscuiteers is widely regarded as a pioneer of the premium hand-iced biscuit concept in the United Kingdom and has become one of the most recognizable brands in this category. All biscuits are handmade and individually decorated at the company’s production facility in London, where a team of skilled decorators ices each piece by hand. The brand is known for its collections inspired by holidays, fashion, art, literature, and special occasions, as well as for its personalized gifting options. In addition to its online store, Biscuiteers operates popular Icing Cafés in London, where visitors can take part in biscuit decorating workshops. Its products are frequently chosen for corporate gifts, special events, and collaborations with luxury brands and hotels. Through its commitment to craftsmanship, high-quality ingredients, and distinctive design, Biscuiteers has established a strong reputation in the premium gifting and artisanal confectionery market.Expand

Island Bakery is a small but exceptional bakery from the Isle of Mull, Scotland, known for its premium organic biscuits that blend traditional craftsmanship, carefully selected ingredients, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Founded with a passion for nature and authentic baking, this family-run company uses only organic ingredients and bakes all of its products using renewable energy from wind and water. Their range includes biscuits with true character: buttery shortbreads, refreshing Lemon and Orange Melts coated in white chocolate, and savory varieties made with local cheese and fragrant herbs. Each product is crafted with care and in small batches to preserve freshness and flavor. Island Bakery is more than just a biscuit maker—it is a story of sustainability, family dedication, and the simple joy of exceptionally made treats.Expand

Cartwright & Butler is a British food brand rooted in a family baking tradition that began in Yorkshire in the early twentieth century. According to the company’s history, the story started with sisters Jennie and Kathrine Adam, who began baking and selling cakes from a terraced house after their father died, later expanding into a family bakery known for breads, pies, cakes, biscuits, puddings and preserves in Hull. Over the following decades, the business developed through the Arnett family, moving from local bakeries and cafés into a wider range of baked goods, preserves and gift products. The Cartwright & Butler name became central in the 2000s, when the Arnett family acquired a small preserves business and kept its name because it reflected the style and heritage they wanted to continue. Today, the brand is best known for premium teatime products, including biscuits, shortbread, fudge, toffee, chocolates, preserves, chutneys, teas, coffees and luxury hampers. Its identity is strongly connected with British gifting culture, especially through decorative tins, wicker hampers and carefully packaged selections designed for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and corporate gifts. Although the company uses modern formats and international delivery, its positioning still relies on traditional British flavours, rich textures and a focus on indulgent rather than light or diet-oriented products. The official site also highlights sustainability and environmental initiatives, including cooperation with Ecologi and regular tree planting. Cartwright & Butler can therefore be understood as a contemporary Yorkshire-based brand that has built its image around family baking heritage, British teatime traditions and premium food gifting.Expand

Figgy's is a Christmas pudding producer. The company handmakes its traditional puddings using family recipes. Figgy's sources high-quality ingredients for their products. They aim to provide a rich, authentic taste. Their puddings are available for purchase online.Expand