Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, intricate spices, and diverse ingredients. While many are familiar with savory dishes like tagine and couscous, Moroccan desserts are equally captivating. These sweet treats are often a blend of spices, fruits, nuts, and honey, offering a balance of sweetness with a touch of exotic flair. If you’re looking to indulge in some delightful Moroccan sweets without a lot of hassle, here are a few Easy Moroccan desserts that will bring the flavors of Morocco straight to your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Toggle1. Moroccan Almond Cookies (Ghriba)
Ghriba, a type of Moroccan almond cookie, is simple to make yet bursting with flavor. These cookies have a crisp exterior with a soft, chewy center. They are often made with ground almonds, which give them a rich and nutty taste, along with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. Here’s how you can make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ground almonds
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the ground almonds, powdered sugar, and baking powder.
- Beat the egg whites and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until soft peaks form.
- Fold the egg whites into the almond mixture until well combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls, then roll them in powdered sugar.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
- Let them cool before serving.
These cookies are perfect with a cup of mint tea, offering a light, nutty flavor with every bite.
2. Moroccan Orange Salad (Salade d’Orange)
Moroccan orange salad is a refreshing dessert often enjoyed after a heavy meal. This dessert highlights the natural sweetness of fresh oranges and is enhanced by a delicate sprinkle of cinnamon and orange blossom water. It’s simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a quick Moroccan-inspired treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 large oranges
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons orange blossom water (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- A handful of fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Peel and slice the oranges into rounds, removing any seeds.
- Arrange the orange slices on a serving platter in a circular pattern.
- Drizzle the honey and orange blossom water (if using) over the oranges.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
This dish is light, fragrant, and packed with citrus goodness, perfect for warm weather or as a refreshing end to any meal.
3. Moroccan Saffron Rice Pudding (Roz Bel Laban)
Rich, creamy, and subtly flavored with saffron, Roz Bel Laban is a popular dessert in Morocco. It is a comforting rice pudding with a silky texture and a delicate sweetness. The addition of saffron gives it a beautiful golden hue and an aromatic flavor that elevates this simple dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice under cold water and drain.
- In a large saucepan, combine the rice, milk, sugar, and saffron. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the pudding thickens (about 25-30 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the pudding into individual bowls and let it cool slightly before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for a decorative touch.
This dessert is wonderfully rich and aromatic, with a perfect balance of creaminess and spice.
4. Moroccan Semolina Cake (Basbousa)
Basbousa, also known as Hareeseh, is a semolina cake soaked in a fragrant syrup made from rose water or orange blossom water. The cake itself is moist and tender, while the syrup adds sweetness and a floral aroma, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- For the syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon rose water or orange blossom water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the semolina, flour, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Stir to form a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the syrup by combining the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the rose water or orange blossom water.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the hot syrup evenly over the cake.
- Let it cool, and cut it into squares or diamond shapes before serving.
This semolina cake is a perfect example of how Moroccan desserts balance sweetness and fragrance, offering a unique and satisfying treat.
5. Moroccan Fig and Walnut Tart
This fig and walnut tart is a simple yet decadent dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of dried figs paired with crunchy walnuts. The tart crust is buttery and crumbly, and the filling is sticky, sweet, and full of flavor, making it a perfect end to any Moroccan meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of tart pastry (or homemade)
- 1 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a tart pan with the pastry dough.
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped figs, walnuts, and honey. Cook over low heat until the figs soften and the mixture becomes sticky.
- Add the orange blossom water if using and stir to combine.
- Spoon the filling into the tart shell and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the tart cool before slicing and serving.
This tart combines rich, nutty flavors with the sweet, chewy texture of figs, offering a delicious taste of Moroccan sweetness.
Conclusion
Moroccan desserts offer an exquisite blend of flavors, from nutty and spiced to fruity and fragrant. The best part is that many of these sweet treats are easy to prepare, allowing you to indulge in the exotic flavors of Morocco without a lot of effort. Whether you’re enjoying a delicate almond cookie, a refreshing citrus salad, or a rich rice pudding, these Moroccan desserts will add a sweet touch to any occasion.