15 Desserts in Lebanon You Need to Try!
Sweet, syrupy, creamy, nutty, and everything in between — Lebanon’s dessert scene is a sugar lover’s dream.
Lebanon doesn’t play around when it comes to sweets.
Whether you’re being handed a freshly baked Maamoul on Easter morning, lining up for Kunefeh from a street cart, or dipping a warm Kaake into chai on a Sunday drive — desserts are serious business here. They’re not just delicious, they’re nostalgic, celebratory, and totally addictive.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth (or even if you don’t), here’s a list of 15 iconic Lebanese desserts you need to taste at least once — and likely crave forever.
1. The Kunafeh
Golden, crunchy, and oozing with sweet cheese — Kunafeh is a Lebanese staple.
This iconic dessert is made with semolina dough or shredded kataifi pastry, layered with melted cheese or cream, and drenched in rose-scented syrup. It’s usually served warm, sometimes stuffed in a sesame bun like a sandwich. One bite = instant obsession.
🍴 Where to find: Sea Sweet, L’Abeille D’Or, Hallab and so much more places.
2. The Baklava
Flaky, nutty, and sticky in the best way — Baklava is as classic as it gets.
Layered phyllo dough, pistachios or walnuts, and orange blossom syrup make this a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. There are countless versions, but all are dangerously addictive.
💡Tip: Best enjoyed with Turkish coffee or a small Arabic espresso.
3. The Halawet El Jibn
This creamy dream is made of sweet cheese dough rolled around Ashta (clotted cream) and topped with syrup and pistachios.
It’s delicate, slightly chewy, and totally unique. One of Lebanon’s most refined desserts — and a must-try for cream lovers.
📍Where: Hallab, Al Baba Sweets, Al Daouk, or homemade in every Lebanese teta’s kitchen.
4. The Chai and Kaake
Okay, technically not just a dessert, but the combo is too iconic not to mention.
A sesame Kaake bread (often shaped like a purse) filled with chocolate spread or halawa, dipped into a steaming glass of spiced tea or mateh. It’s sweet, comforting, and deeply nostalgic.
💛 Morning vibes, anyone?
5. The Maamoul Pistachio
A festive favorite with a crumbly texture and rich pistachio filling.
These buttery semolina cookies are usually shaped with traditional molds and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect with a strong Lebanese coffee and especially loved during Eid or Easter.
🎉 Crumbles like heaven in your mouth.
6. The Ghazel Al Banet
Cotton candy, Lebanese style — but so much better.
Also known as “Bride’s Hair”, this sweet is made of thin strands of sugar and flour, wrapped around clotted cream and topped with pistachios. Airy, fun, and totally Insta-worthy.
🍬 Childhood in every bite.
7. The Maamoul Maad Bil Ashta
A modern twist on the traditional Maamoul — this version is filled with Ashta cream instead of nuts.
It’s soft, fresh, lightly sweet, and often served cold. Especially popular in bakeries like Des Choux et Des Idées or boutique sweet shops.
🌿 Bonus: often infused with orange blossom or rosewater.
8. The Maamoul Dates
For the lovers of natural sweetness, the date-filled Maamoul is perfect.
Sticky, sweet Medjool dates encased in buttery dough — it’s the definition of simple perfection. A must-have during Ramadan and every morning with a cup of arak el sett.
🌙 Sweetness with soul.
9. The Znoud El Sit
Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside.
These filo pastry rolls are filled with Ashta, deep-fried, then soaked in syrup. The name translates to “Lady’s Arms”, and they’re as indulgent as they sound.
🔥 Pro tip: Eat them warm. Trust us.
10. The Sfoof
Golden-yellow turmeric cake that’s lightly sweet and beautifully spiced.
Made with semolina, turmeric, anise, and pine nuts, it’s one of the healthier desserts out there — and incredibly flavorful. Often served at religious events and big family gatherings.
🍰 Pair with mint tea or Lebanese coffee for the full effect.
11. The Bouza Ashta Ma Foustok
Lebanese ice cream — but not like your average scoop.
Bouza is made with sahlab (a flour from orchid roots) which gives it a stretchy, chewy texture. Flavored with Ashta, rosewater, and topped with crushed pistachios — it’s the Middle Eastern answer to gelato.
❄️ Head to Bachir or L’Abeille D’Or **for a great sticky ice cream experience.
12. The Mafroukeh
A rich dessert made from semolina, ghee, sugar, and stuffed with a thick layer of Ashta.
It’s usually topped with crushed pistachios and syrup. Dense, sweet, and creamy — it’s often served on special occasions, but honestly, every day could use some Mafroukeh.
💚 It’s luxury on a plate.
13. The Karabij
A crunchy cookie made with semolina and filled with a spiced nut mixture, typically served with a side of Natef — a fluffy white meringue made from soapwort root.
Karabij are festive, showstopping, and found at the best dessert tables during holidays and weddings.
🥄 Best eaten by dipping each bite in the Natef for that ultimate creamy crunch.
14. The Atayef
Tiny stuffed pancakes, folded and filled with Ashta, nuts, or even chocolate, then fried or served fresh.
Atayef are especially popular during Ramadan and come in multiple styles — from crispy to soft. One isn’t enough.
✨ Sweet, nostalgic, and addictive.
15. The Naamoura
Semolina cake soaked in sugar syrup and topped with an almond or shredded coconut.
It’s golden, sticky, soft, and incredibly satisfying. A crowd-pleaser at every bakery and home kitchen alike.
🍯 Simplicity never tasted so good.
Conclusion
Lebanon’s desserts are more than just sugar rushes — they’re part of our story.
From ancient recipes passed down through generations to modern twists in Beirut’s trendiest patisseries, these 15 desserts showcase the depth, richness, and joy of Lebanese culinary culture. Whether you’re visiting Lebanon or searching for the flavors of home abroad, every bite will tell you: this country knows how to do sweet.
🇱🇧 Ready to try them all? Sweet dreams and even sweeter bites await.
