15+ Traditional Albanian Desserts

15+ Traditional Albanian Desserts

Nothing can sweeten your day quite like traditional Albanian desserts, and anyone who’s ever tried one will agree. Like their home country, Albanian desserts are known to be unique and enchanting. They offer diversity in taste and preparation, merging together the cultures and traditions of many countries. 

Read on and learn about all the amazing desserts that every foodie should try at least once in their lifetime. Ready to experience Albania’s rich culinary heritage?

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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.

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