From Greek loukoumades to American fried Oreos, deep-frying transforms desserts into crispy, indulgent creations. Spanning continents and cultures, these delicacies showcase just how versatile this cooking technique can be. In “22 Best Deep-Fried Desserts,” readers will embark on a global tour to discover over 20 quintessential recipes.
Ranging from Portugal’s bola de berlim to the Philippines’ maruya, each dessert comes to life through mouthwatering images and vivid descriptions. As you read about golden churros, fluffy beignets, and molten chocolate-filled wonuts, you can almost smell the aromas and hear the sizzle of the fryer.
With recipes spanning centuries of tradition and innovation, this article dispels the myth that frying ruins desserts’ delicate flavors. So grab some oil and get ready to fry up some seriously craveable sweet treats from around the world.
Gogoși
Crispy, crunchy, and sinfully delicious, these decadent treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. Among the numerous deep-fried desserts out there, Gogoși is undoubtedly one of the most irresistible ones. For those of you who haven’t tried Gogoși yet, it’s a traditional Romanian pastry that is deep-fried to perfection and sprinkled with sugar.
The dough is made with flour, eggs, sugar, and yeast, and it’s slightly sweet and pillowy soft on the inside with a crispy exterior. Gogoși can be eaten plain or filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as jam, Nutella, or pastry cream, making them even more indulgent.
Znoud el sit
Also known as lady’s arms, this dessert consists of a thin pastry tube filled with sweet cream and then deep-fried until it becomes crispy and golden brown. It is then dipped in a sweet sugar syrup and served hot.
Ever since I returned home, I’ve been obsessed with recreating it in my own kitchen. The recipe may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, you can easily replicate this delicious dessert at home.
To prepare my Znoud el sit, I start by making a simple dough using all-purpose flour, water, and a pinch of salt. I then roll out the dough into thin tubes and fill them with a mixture of whipped cream, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract.
Maruya
This Filipino-style banana fritter is a staple of street food culture in the Philippines, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of ripe bananas, flour, and brown sugar creates a crispy, sweet, and slightly tangy treat that is hard to resist.
What makes maruya unique is its texture. Unlike traditional banana bread or muffins, maruya is fried, creating a crispy, light exterior that contrasts with the soft, sweet banana interior. The key to creating the perfect maruya is using ripe bananas, preferably those that have started to turn brown.
This will ensure that the bananas are sweet enough to balance the flour and brown sugar. Once the batter is prepared, it’s time to fry. Fry the maruya in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the maruya is evenly cooked and crispy on the outside.
Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken
If you’re a fan of sweet and savory flavors, then you have to try Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken. This mouthwatering dish is a classic recipe that originates from the beautiful islands of Hawaii, and it’s a must-try for anyone who loves exotic cuisine. What makes this dish so unique is the combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices that are used to marinate the chicken.

Preparing Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is easier than you might think. All you need is a few simple ingredients, such as chicken thighs, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a delightful dish that you simply can’t miss out on. Whether you’re new to Hawaiian cuisine or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the tender and juicy chicken, make this dish a standout.
Struffoli
Struffoli is a classic Neapolitan dessert that has been a part of Italian cuisine for centuries. Made from fried dough that is cut into small bite-sized pieces, Struffoli is traditionally served during Christmas and is a staple dessert in Italian households.
The fried dough is coated in honey syrup and decorated with colorful sprinkles, nuts or candied fruits, making it a visually stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks. If you are looking to prepare this amazing Italian dessert at home, there are a few things to keep in mind. For starters, make sure you have all the ingredients ready- flour, eggs, sugar, honey, lemon zest, and some frying oil
Cascaron
This delicacy is a delicious Mexican deep-fried dessert that is generally made during the festive season, especially at Easter. Cascaron is a unique dessert that will leave you impressed with its crispy texture and sweet flavors.
Apart from being delicious and crunchy, Cascaron is an excellent dessert to make with friends and family, especially during the festive season when you want to celebrate and share good times with loved ones. It is also the perfect dessert to serve at any gathering or party.
So, if you’re looking for a unique and delicious deep-fried dessert, give Cascaron a try, and you won’t be disappointed.
Kokis
This delightful dessert is made from a mixture of rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs, which are blended together to form a smooth batter. The batter is then poured into a Kokis mold, which is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
The process of making Kokis is simple, but requires some experience and patience. As a seasoned cook, I have experimented with various methods in preparation, and have found that the key to making the perfect Kokis is in the consistency of the batter.
The mixture should not be too thin or too thick, as this can affect the overall texture and taste of the dessert. Adding just the right amount of ingredients, and giving the batter enough time to rest, can significantly improve the taste and texture of the Kokis.
Deep-Fried Mars Bar
The Deep-Fried Mars Bar is a Scottish dessert that originated from Stonehaven, near Aberdeen. The dessert involves deep frying a Mars bar in batter until it turns crispy, and the inside is gooey and melted. This is then served with some whipped cream or ice cream on top.
The thought of deep-frying a chocolate bar might sound absurd to some, but as a fan of all things sweet, I find it a perfect guilty pleasure. Cooking a Deep-Fried Mars Bar is easy, and with the right ingredients, you can replicate this dessert at home! You’d need a packet of Mars bars, some self-raising flour, milk, and a deep fryer.
Diples
One of the best deep-fried desserts that I have ever tried is Diples. This legendary sweet treat is immensely popular in the Greek cuisine and is a combination of crispy fried dough rolled up in a spiral shape and drizzled with honey syrup, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.

Diples are perfect for satisfying any dessert cravings that you may have, and trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one! Preparing Diples is quite simple, yet it requires a great deal of patience and precision to get the dough thin and crispy.
Yakgwa
Yakgwa is a traditional Korean dessert that is known for its unique flavor and deep-fried texture. This delicious dessert is made from a combination of honey, sesame oil, and wheat flour, which are mixed together to form a dough. The dough is then cut into small pieces, shaped into small balls, and deep-fried until they turn golden brown.

Yakgwa has a distinct flavor that is both sweet and savory, making it a popular dessert among Koreans. The combination of honey and sesame oil gives the dessert a rich, nutty flavor that is both satisfying and comforting. The deep-fried texture of the dessert adds an extra level of crunch that makes it even more enjoyable.
Sachima
Sachima is a traditional Chinese pastry that’s made from a simple dough of flour, sugar, and egg. The dough is cut into thin, long strips and then deep-fried until it’s puffy and golden brown. The fried sachima is then piled high and drizzled with a sweet syrup made from honey, sugar, and sometimes sesame seeds.
While sachima is a beloved snack throughout China and other parts of Asia, it’s still relatively unknown in the Western world. But once you give it a try, I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with its addictive combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at deep-frying or a newbie looking to try something new, sachima is a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Baursak
Baursak is a traditional deep-fried dough dessert that is popular in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. It is made from a simple dough recipe that is then rolled into small balls or shapes, deep-fried, and served either hot or cold.

Baursak is commonly enjoyed during festive occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and family gatherings, but it can also be found in bakeries and restaurants throughout the region. Baursak is commonly enjoyed during festive occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and family gatherings, but it can also be found in bakeries and restaurants throughout the region.
Beaver Tail Recipe
This deep-fried pastry is named after the tail of a beaver, as it resembles the shape of the animal’s tail. Don’t worry, though, there are no actual beaver tails in the recipe! Instead, it’s made with a simple dough recipe that is enriched with butter and yeast to create a fluffy and crispy texture.
Beaver Tails are typically drizzled with a variety of toppings, including chocolate, cinnamon, sugar, and even maple syrup. The great thing about Beaver Tails is that they can be customized to suit any taste preference.
You can make them sweet or savory and add any toppings that take your fancy, making them an excellent choice for dessert, lunch or snack.
Filhós
This indulgent dessert is made by deep-frying a dough that is typically made from wheat flour, yeast, and water. The result is a crispy and fragrant treat that is perfect for any occasion. Filhós is a unique dessert that is not commonly found outside of Portugal, making it a must-try if you are ever lucky enough to visit this beautiful country.
The pieces are then deep-fried in oil until they are golden brown and crispy. It is important to allow the filhós to cool briefly before dusting them with powdered sugar and serving them up. While filhós may seem like a daunting dessert to prepare, it is actually quite easy to make.
Munkki
One of the most popular and delicious deep-fried desserts is Munkki, a traditional Finnish treat that can be enjoyed all year round. Munkki is simply doughnuts that are deep-fried and coated in a sugary glaze. They are light, fluffy, and sweet, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Making Munkki is relatively simple; all you need is some flour, yeast, sugar, and milk, and you’ve got the basis of a delicious batch of doughnuts. The dough is kneaded until it’s smooth and elastic, before being cut into rounds and left to rise. Once the dough has risen, it’s time to deep-fry the doughnuts until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Cronut
It’s a perfect combination of croissant and doughnut that’s crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy inside. This tasty creation was invented by Dominique Ansel, a pastry chef in New York City, in 2013, and it quickly became an international sensation.
Then, you have to laminate the dough with a layer of butter and fold it several times to create those flaky layers. After that, you cut it into doughnut shapes, fry them in hot oil until golden brown, and glaze them with your favorite toppings.
Chebakia
This authentic Moroccan sweet treat is a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and slightly savory flavors that come together in a beautiful and intricate honey-soaked pastry. The best part? It’s deep-fried, giving it a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy texture inside.
You’ll need a distinctive blend of spices that includes sesame seeds, aniseed, and cinnamon, which gives this dessert its authentic Moroccan flavor. These spices are mixed with flour, semolina, and yeast, then bound together with a mixture of honey, butter, and orange blossom water.
Bola de Berlim
Bola de Berlim, or Berlin Ball in English, is a Portuguese deep-fried pastry that is incredibly popular among locals and tourists alike. This sugary treat can be found all over the country, particularly in beach towns during the summer season.
Bite into one of these balls, and you’ll experience a warm, creamy, and satisfying treat that will leave you craving for more. When it comes to making Bola de Berlim, everyone has their own approach and recipe. Some people prefer to add a little bit of extra sugar to the dough, while others like to use a special type of flour to make their dough fluffier.
Oliebol
Oliebol is a traditional Dutch deep-fried pastry that is typically consumed during the festive season of New Year’s Eve. It is essentially a deep-fried doughnut that is filled with raisins and coated with sugar.
Despite its humble origins, Oliebol has become a beloved dessert across the world due to its delicious flavor and unique texture. Serving Oliebol alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea is the perfect way to enjoy this deep-fried dessert. It also makes for a great party snack or sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family.
Vdolky
Vdolky, also known as Czech donuts, are made using yeasted dough and sometimes flavored with lemon zest for an extra zing. They are typically round in shape with a small indentation on top to hold the filling.
Although Vdolky can be baked in the oven, they taste best when fried until golden and crispy. Traditionally, Vdolky is served warm, filled with jam and garnished with whipped cream or crumbled tvaroh cottage cheese.
However, you can also experiment with different types of fillings like Nutella, peanut butter or fresh fruits. The sweet aroma and flavor of Vdolky will leave you coming back for more.
Qottab
Qottab pastries are made using soft wheat dough filled with almonds or walnuts, which are generously seasoned with cinnamon, rose water, cardamom, and orange blossom. These flavors, along with the sweet, nutty filling, make for a mouthwatering dessert that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Despite their origins in Yazd, Iran, Qottab pastries are now enjoyed and prepared all across the country. They are a staple at various Iranian festivities and celebrations, and it’s easy to see why. These small, powdered sugar-dusted treats are not only delicious but also easy to make.
Leche frita
Leche frita, or “fried milk,” is a dessert that’s been enjoyed in Spain for generations. Legend has it that it was created by nuns who used to sell the treats to help support their convents. The dish consists of a creamy milk pudding that’s coated in a batter of eggs, flour, and cinnamon before being deep-fried until golden brown. The results are truly irresistible. The crispy shell gives way to a warm and creamy center that’s perfectly sweet and decadent.
What’s great about leche frita is that it’s incredibly versatile. It can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature, making it a great dessert for any occasion. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. So, if you’re looking for a new dessert to impress your friends and family with, give leche frita a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

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