Life
11 Hanukkah Desserts That Are Giving Us Plenty To Celebrate Just In Time for the Festival of Lights
Let's be honest — Hanukkah desserts aren't really a "thing" the way Christmas desserts are. When you think Hanukkah, "delicious treats" and "sweet things" usually don't come to mind right away. And gelt, unfortunately, doesn't really count, especially since it tastes like chocolate-flavored plastic. Jewish food is pretty amazing (if I do say so myself), but it is kind of lacking in the dessert department sometimes. While I've been to a few Jewish delis with incredible dessert selections, a Jewish dinner is never really known for its epic selection of homemade sweets.
But that's about to change. Here's a selection of super tasty, innovative desserts you can serve after Hanukkah dinner, and don't worry, there isn't a Star of David-shaped sugar cookie in sight.
Mexican Chocolate Latkes with Cinnamon Whipped Cream
This recipe from What Jew Wanna Eat is all kinds of fun hybrids. Mexican chocolate! Latkes! Cinnamon! Really, this just tastes like a churro, but more Jewish.
Image: What Jew Wanna Eat
Coconut Macaroons
I know macaroons are a go-to when it comes to Jewish desserts, but there is nothing wrong with a classic. Especially if you’ve nailed that classic. This macaroon recipe from Pastry Affair lets you create moist, sweet, and textured macaroons you’ll definitely want more of.
Image: Pastry Affair
Honey Cake
My mom makes this almost every single time my family gathers, so while I’m a little honey cake exhausted, I bet this is something you would enjoy if it’s your first time and not your 200th. Honey cake is sweet (but not too sweet) and spiced, and the perfect light dessert to accompany any yummy Hanukkah meal. Get this recipe from Brown Eyed Baker.
Image: Brown Eyed Baker
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Macaroons
More macaroons? Hell yes. These macaroons are super fun, and the flavors are more complex this time around. Using this recipe from BruCrew Life, you’ll feel like you’re eating a Girl Scout cookie.
Image: BruCrew Life
Jelly Doughnut
Sufganiyah is basically just a jelly doughnut, and it’s the ultimate Hanukkah dessert. It’s essentially your duty as a Jew to have a pile of these around at all times. Just sayin’. Get this doughnut recipe at Deliciously Yum.
Image: Deliciously Yum
Apple and Cherry Strudel
While not exactly “Jewish,” strudel is still delicious — especially this apple and cherry filled recipe from Foodie Crush. You can be noble and make your own Filo dough, or… you could just get it from the store (I won’t tell anyone).
Image: Foodie Crush
Chocolate Cranberry Cake with Gelt Glaze
Just because gelt is kinda the worst, doesn’t mean you can’t just melt it down and turn it into glaze that tops a chocolate cranberry cake. Genius! Find the recipe at What Jew Wanna Eat.
Image: What Jew Wanna Eat
Pumpkin Butter and Caramelized Fig Rugelach
No Jewish party or gathering of any kind is truly complete without a plate of rugelach. If you’ve never tried rugelach, just know that it’s basically just a strudel. But better and infinitely more buttery and kind of in the shape of a croissant. Make this festive pumpkin butter and fig rugelach using this recipe from What Jew Wanna Eat.
Image: What Jew Wanna Eat
White Chocolate Funfetti Macaroons
Alright, last one for macaroons. But I bet you’ve never seen funfetti macaroons, have you? These whimsical macaroons can also work at birthday parties, but if you’re sick of the same old fruit-filled pastries and cakes, this is the recipe for you. Find it on Bru Crew Life.
Image: Bru Crew Life
Manischewitz Red Wine Cupcakes
Yup. You can make cupcakes with Manischewitz. Which is a relief, because I have no idea what to do with the seven bottles gifted (more like…”passed on”) to me from relatives. Baking with Manischewitz is kind of like cooking with Popov vodka. You literally will not taste its nastiness. Find this ingenuity on What Jew Wanna Eat.
Image: What Jew Wanna Eat
Chocolate Toffee Matzo Crunch
Got matzo leftover from Passover? Perfect. Now you can make this tasty, perfectly crunchy treat that can totally double as breakfast. Get the recipe from Torey Avey.
Image: Torey Avey
