Top 12 New Zealand Desserts

Delicate as the ballerina it was named after, Pavlova is the quintessential summer dessert. Whipped cream is typically dolloped on top of a snowy meringue, followed by a pop of color in the form of fruit, preferably the tart varieties which contrast the sweetness of the meringue. Research suggests Pavlova is a descendant of the German torte and was invented in the 1920s during Anna Pavlova's tour of Australia and New Zealand, although the exact inventor is still debated. The first recipe for Pavlova appeared in print in 1926, although it was not the dessert we know today, but was instead a multi-colored gelatine dish. The base of the cake is prepared almost identically as any meringue, by beating egg whites stiffly, then incorporating sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch. Traditional toppings include whipped cream or lemon curd, and the dessert is often prepared during Christmastime.Expand

Anzac biscuits are sweet cookies made from a combination of flour, oats, golden syrup, butter, sugar, coconut, and soda bicarbonate. Although the origins of these cookies are not clear, both Australia and New Zealand claim to have invented Anzac biscuits that we know today. The first known recipe for the biscuits is completely different than modern Anzacs, although other similar recipes were found in the cookbooks of the early 1900s. The cookies are linked to Anzac Day, a day of remembrance of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landing at Gallipoli, because some believe that the biscuits were sent to Anzac soldiers during the war. However, the oaty, buttery biscuits were more often prepared at home to sell them at fundraising events, so they got connected to the war, and it led to the use of the name Anzacs. Today, these simple biscuits are usually found in most supermarkets and cafés throughout Australia and New Zealand, ranging from crispy to chewy, making them ideal to dunk into a cup of hot coffee or tea.Expand

Hokey pokey is a New Zealander ice cream variety consisting of vanilla-flavored ice cream with small lumps of honeycomb toffee dispersed throughout it. Although it is produced in New Zealand, this ice cream variety is regularly exported to Japan, where it has achieved a quite popular status over the years. The name hokey pokey refers to the New Zealand term denoting honeycomb toffee.Expand

Why these crispy cookies are named Afghan is uncertain, but the recipe can be found in Edmonds Cookery Book, dating back to 1955. The cookies consist of crushed cornflakes that are combined with butter, cocoa, and sugar to create a firm dough that is usually formed into flattened balls. Baked until firm, each cookie is garnished with a dollop of chocolate icing and halved walnut or almond flakes.Expand

Neenish tart is an Australian and New Zealander delicacy, a sweet treat consisting of pastry shells with a custard-like filling, their tops decorated with a thin layer of icing, with each half colored differently. The usual color combinations are brown and white, pink and white, or brown and pink. The earliest written reference about the tart is found in an Australian newspaper called The Bunbury Herald from 1913, while the oldest recipes for the dish are written under the name Neinich tart, suggesting a possible European origin of the dessert. Today, there are numerous versions of the tart, such as the lemon-flavored version, most commonly found in New Zealand, or versions with an added layer of raspberry jam, found throughout Australia.Expand

This popular treat from New Zealand consists of two crisp, chocolate biscuits sandwiched together with coconut-flavored cream. Produced by Griffin’s Foods, currently owned by the Universal Robina Corporation, the cookies are small in size and come packed in 250 g single packs.Expand

Equally popular in New Zealand and Australia, this colorful dessert consists of a cookie base that is topped with a creamy custard and finished off with a layer of smooth jelly. The custard is typically lemon-flavored and based on condensed milk, while the top is usually prepared with vibrant red-colored jelly or fruit jams. Mainly associated with festive occasions and family gatherings, jelly slices are always served well-chilled.Expand

Lolly cake is a favorite dessert of many New Zealanders, consisting of crushed malt biscuits, colorful marshmallows, butter, and condensed milk. The cake is often topped with grated coconut and is served sliced. Malt biscuits are used because their unique flavor cuts the sweetness of the marshmallows. Lolly cake is a staple at various festive events such as birthdays and similar celebrations.Expand

Krispie is a popular New Zealander toasted biscuit consisting of wheat flour, sugar, and coconut. It is commercially produced by Griffin's Foods, a company that also makes another variety of the biscuits that are coated in chocolate. Krispies have a crunchy texture and are characterized by a toasted coconut flavor. It is recommended to dunk the biscuits into a beverage of choice.Expand

Chocolate fish is a New Zealander confectionery consisting of either white or pink marshmallow that is covered in chocolate and shaped into an elongated fish. It is a favorite of numerous children from New Zealand and also represents a reward for a well-done job. This sweet treat has been around since the 1950s, and today it can be found in groceries and convenience stores throughout the country.Expand