The Secrets Behind Albanian Desserts

One unfortunate fact about Albania is that it has a long history of invasion. Since prehistoric times, it has been attacked by many empires, like the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. One upside of that is that all these invading cultures have greatly influenced the cuisine of Albania, which includes the desserts. 

Many traditional Albanian dessert recipes may have been created in times of invasion, like that of bakllava. That is why traditional Albanian desserts still reflect the influences of neighboring countries, like Greece or Turkey.

Let’s explore these in more detail.

15+ Traditional Albanian Desserts

#1. Bakllava (Layered Filo Pastry)

Despite having Turkish roots, bakllava is a highly-adored dish in Albania. Made of many layers of filo pastry, nuts, and sherbet (a mixture of melted sugar, lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt), it makes for the perfect snack if you’re craving something extra sweet and crunchy. 

It’s a dessert that’s mainly prepared during the New Year's holidays, symbolizing happiness and blessings. Many Albanians have grown up eating bakllava, and that’s what makes it such a comforting and widely loved dish. 

#2. Shёndetlie (Walnut Cake)

Shëndetlie is one of the best traditional Albanian desserts; it is simple but delicious. This juicy and fluffy dessert consists of a biscuit-like texture but is soaked in honey syrup, giving it a rich, sweet taste. Crunchy, ground-up walnuts are responsible for its brown color.

The name means "health" in Albanian, and it’s often served during family gatherings and celebrations, which makes it a symbol of well-being and joy in Albanian families. It’s definitely a favorite at every table.

#3. Trilece (Milk-Soaked Sponge Cake)

Trileçe is a special dessert made with three types of milk: condensed, whole, and heavy milk, which is also where its name comes from—tres leches means three kinds of milk in Spanish. It’s basically a vanilla sponge cake soaked in three types of milk and glazed with a sweet caramel sauce, completing the flavor profile. 

In the past, this dessert was made with goat, cow, and buffalo milk. But that changed over time, along with people’s preferences when it came to certain foods

#4. Ballokume (Butter Cookie)

Originating in the city of Elbasan, ballokume is a traditional delight now famous throughout the whole country. It’s mainly consumed during Summer Day in Albania, on March 14, when people from all over the country flock to Elbasan to try the original ballokume.

It’s made from a sweet mixture of butter, sugar, and cornflour, and it has an amazing taste and instantly melts in your mouth.

According to a local legend, its name comes from an old sultan of Elbasan. After he tried ballokume for the first time, he shouted: "Është ba si llokum!", which means "it tastes like llokume", a well-known Turkish delight. 

#5. Sheqerpare (Almond Syrup-Soaked Cookie)

Moving on to another cookie, sheqerpare is an almond-based dessert covered in sherbet, a rich lemon-flavored sugar syrup. It has been prepared by Albanians for quite some time, passing down the recipe from generation to generation.

These buttery cookies are best served cold, and they pair perfectly with hot coffee, enhancing their amazing flavor. 

#6. Kadaif (Shredded Filo Pastry Filled With Nuts)

Kadaif is a very unique dessert made from thinly shredded filo pastry and filled with a mixture of walnuts and sherbet. Some people also prefer to get creative and add pistachios. 

It has a soft texture, and all the flavors complement each other perfectly. As the holidays approach, more and more Albanians start to enjoy Kadaif. 

#7. Sultjash (Rice Pudding)

Sultjash is a great snack after a nice meal. It’s a light and healthy dessert made of milk and rice. Adding sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon makes the ultimate flavor combination.

You can also have sultjash for breakfast or as a light meal by itself. We guarantee you are going to enjoy it.

#8. Qumështor (Baked Custard)

Qumështor is a simple dessert that takes only a few minutes to make. It’s called qumështor, as the main ingredient you need is milk, and the Albanian word for milk is “qumësht”. 

It consists of a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, butter, and flour. The mixture is poured into a pan, and the result is a finger-licking creamy dessert.

#9. Tullumba (Deep fried pastry dough)

This quirky dessert is among the favorites in Albania. Tullumba are made by deep-frying a mixture of butter, water, sugar, and flour and then dipping them in sherbet. They kind of resemble churros but are arguably more delicious. 

They’re usually bite-sized, so feel free to enjoy as many bites of this sweet treat as you want. We guarantee you’ll love them!

#10. Ashure (Fruit & Grain Pudding)

Since Albania is a country of many crops, it’s not surprising that a traditional Albanian dessert is made with wheat porridge. 

Ashure is a fruit lover’s paradise, making a healthy and nutritious breakfast. It’s also one of the oldest traditional Albanian desserts. 

#11. Revani (Lemon Cake)

Originating in the south of Albania, revani is a traditional Albanian dessert that consists of flour cake soaked in sweet lemon syrup. Revani is mainly prepared for family occasions and celebrations, which Albanians have an abundance of. 

Although it has a slight lemon flavor, revani still remains a sweet and delicate dessert, pairing perfectly with tea or coffee.

#12. Kurabie (Powdered Sugar Cookies)

Kurabie is another traditional Albanian cookie made with flour, sugar, butter, and yogurt. The yogurt gives them a creamy flavor, but keep in mind that they crumble easily, so make sure to eat them carefully. 

Kurabie are usually covered in powdered sugar, and you can also enjoy them with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

#13. Tespishte 

Tespishte is a traditional Albanian dessert often made in Kosovo. It’s prepared by baking a mixture of oil, milk, flour, and eggs, which is then glazed with sherbet while it’s still warm. Some also like to crush walnuts, pistachios, or almonds on top for some extra zing.

It’s typically cut into rhombus-shaped pieces, and it’s served cool. Tespishte is consumed during special events like weddings, get-togethers, or holidays such as Eid.

#14. Pacavure (Filo Layered Cake)

Paçavure is a special dessert from the city of Korça. It has become a favorite in regions all over the country. Paçavure means "mess" in Albanian, and it’s aptly named as every ingredient is roughly thrown together and mixed to prepare it. 

It’s made with filo layers, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, and nuts. You can also add extra dried nuts or cinnamon for more flavor, but you’ll enjoy this unique dessert either way

#15. Petulla (Deep-Fried Dough)

If you’ve never tried petulla before, you’re definitely missing out. It’s a traditional Albanian breakfast snack made from a mixture of flour, yeast, milk, eggs, and sugar. The dough is left to rest and then deep-fried until golden brown. 

Petullas are universally loved, as they can be eaten with pretty much anything, from cheese to honey or fruit jam.

#16. Hasude (Cornstarch Pudding)

Hasude is an old traditional dessert recipe that is prepared in many parts of Albania. It’s a cornstarch-type pudding that's very easy to make, and it’s a pretty light dessert, usually served chilled. It has a Turkish origin, although the recipe has been adapted over time. 

It’s made with cornstarch, water, sugar, and butter, which are basically the ingredients most people have at home at all times. So, whenever you’re craving something sweet, consider making some Hasude.

Don’t Forget!

• One of the best things to do in Albania is try the traditional desserts, which offer some unique flavor combinations you can only find in this country. 
• Over the years, the invaders of Albania have deeply influenced the country’s cuisine, bringing new dessert recipes to Albanian households.
• Some of the mouthwatering traditional Albanian desserts you can enjoy are bakllava, tullumba, trilece, gurabie, ballokume, and many more.