What are the 12 types of desserts?

Generally speaking, desserts are mostly sweet courses, and are served at the end of a meal. Over time, recipes have become more intricate and diverse, increasing in types and styles to now give us 12 types of dessert recipes.  Join us as we explore recipe ideas for puddings, pies, cakes, custards, creams, meringues, crêpes, pancakes, waffles, popovers and frozen desserts.

Puddings

Pies

Recipe suggestion: A rustic apple pie on a wooden table, with a lattice crust and a slice served on a plate with melting ice cream  

Few desserts can rival the homely appeal of pies. A golden, flaky crust encasing a symphony of sweet fillings - think of a spiced apple pie, it's warm, cinnamon-infused aroma wafting through the air. Then there’s the luscious silky chocolate cream pie, or the tart, tangy burst of lemon meringue. Served à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed solo, pies offer a timeless, versatile dessert experience.  

Cakes

Recipe suggestion: A tiered cake with intricate frosting alongside a slice on a plate revealing the layers  

Cakes are the ultimate symbol of celebration and joy. Imagine the layers of a Black Forest gateau - moist chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and cherries -delivering a symphony of flavours in every forkful. Or the classic Victoria sponge, with its light, buttery layers sandwiched with fresh strawberry jam and cream. From opulent wedding cakes to a humble tea loaf, there’s a cake for every moment of life worth celebrating.  

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Sponge (makes 3 layers per tier)

(Double the recipe if making two tiers)

• 375g plain flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 300g caster sugar

• 225g unsalted butter, softened

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 350ml whole milk, room temperature

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 500g unsalted butter, softened

• 1kg icing sugar, sifted

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 4–6 tbsp milk or double cream

• Gel food colouring (optional, for intricate piping)

For the Filling

• Additional buttercream, or

• Raspberry jam / lemon curd (optional)

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).

2. Grease and line three round cake tins (either 6-inch or 8-inch depending on your tier size).

3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.

4. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

6. Mix in vanilla extract.

7. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined.

8. Divide batter evenly between the tins and smooth the tops.

9. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

10. Cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Buttercream

1. Beat the softened butter for 3 minutes until creamy and pale.

2. Add icing sugar gradually, mixing on low until incorporated.

3. Add vanilla and 4 tbsp milk/cream, then beat on high for 3–5 minutes until fluffy.

4. If piping intricate designs, divide into bowls and colour as desired.

3. Assemble the Cake

1. Level each cake layer with a knife.

2. Place the first layer on a board. Spread with buttercream (or jam/curd + a thin buttercream dam).

3. Add the second layer, then repeat.

4. Add the third layer and press gently to secure.

5. Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting), then chill 20 minutes.

6. Apply a smooth final layer of buttercream.

4. Create the Intricate Frosting Design

1. Use piping bags fitted with small star, leaf, and petal tips.

2. Pipe rosettes, borders, scallops, tiny pearls, or lace-like patterns.

3. For a tiered cake, insert dowels into the bottom tier and place the upper tier carefully on top.

4. Decorate both tiers to match.

5. Serve and Reveal the Layers

Cut a generous slice from the bottom tier and place on a plate.
You’ll see the beautiful alternating layers of soft vanilla sponge and creamy filling.

Optional Variations

• Swap vanilla for lemon zest for a bright, zesty sponge.

• Add fresh berries between the layers.

• Tint sponge layers in pastels for a rainbow interior.

Custards

Recipe suggestion: A close-up of crème brûlée with a spoon cracking the caramelised top

Smooth, creamy, and utterly indulgent, custards are an exercise in simplicity done right. The velvety texture of crème brûlée, its delicate caramelised sugar crust cracking under the spoon, offers a theatrical and sensory delight. Flans, with their caramel topping, melt in your mouth, delivering a sweet, silky experience. Whether baked or stirred, custards elevate any meal to a gourmet experience.  

Creams

Recipe suggestion: A glass of panna cotta topped with fresh berries, presented on a white tablecloth  

There’s a lightness to cream-based desserts that belies their indulgence. Panna cotta, often infused with vanilla or coffee, wiggles tantalisingly on the plate, inviting you to dive in. Chocolate mousse offers an airy yet intensely rich experience, with its cloud-like texture and deep cocoa notes. These are desserts that linger in your memory long after the last bite.  

Meringues

Recipe suggestion: A pavlova topped with strawberries, kiwi, and passionfruit drizzles  

The magic of meringues lies in their airy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Picture a pavlova, its crisp shell giving way to a marshmallow-like centre, adorned with whipped cream and a vibrant array of fresh berries. For a rustic twist, Eton mess combines crushed meringue, cream, and strawberries for a dessert that’s as effortless as it is delightful.  

Crêpes

Recipe suggestion: A stack of crêpes folded into triangles, topped with powdered sugar and lemon wedges  

Delicate, versatile, and oh-so-French, crêpes are the canvas upon which culinary masterpieces are painted. A simple drizzle of lemon juice and a dusting of sugar turns a plain crêpe into a classic. For an indulgent treat, try crêpes Suzette, flambéed with orange liqueur and butter. Whether you prefer them sweet or savoury, crêpes are a universal favourite.  

Pancakes

Recipe suggestion: A stack of pancakes with syrup cascading down the sides, topped with fresh berries and whipped cream  

Thicker than crêpes but just as versatile, pancakes are a dessert that warms the heart. Stacked high, drizzled with golden syrup, and topped with berries and cream, they’re the star of any brunch or dessert table. The comforting fluffiness of pancakes makes them an irresistible treat.    

Waffles

Recipe suggestion: A Belgian waffle topped with ice cream, chocolate drizzle, and strawberries

Waffles bring texture to the dessert table with their crispy exterior and soft, airy interior. Perfectly paired with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream, they’re as fun to eat as they are delicious. The grid pattern isn’t just aesthetic—it holds every bit of syrup, fruit, or chocolate sauce in place for maximum flavour with every bite.  

Cream Puffs

Recipe suggestion: A pyramid of cream puffs drizzled with chocolate sauce on a silver platter  

Cream puffs, or profiteroles, are little parcels of joy. Imagine biting into the crisp, golden choux pastry, only to discover a luscious filling of cream or custard inside. Drizzle them with chocolate sauce, and you have an elegant dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion.  

Popovers

Recipe suggestion: A close-up of a basket of golden popovers with jam and cream on the side  

Though often enjoyed savoury, popovers transform effortlessly into a sweet delight with a bit of creativity. Serve them warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by fruit preserves or a dollop of whipped cream. Their light and airy texture is a wonderful contrast to richer desserts.  

Frozen desserts

Recipe suggestion: A colourful trio of ice cream scoops served in a waffle cone with sprinkles  

Frozen treats like ice cream, sorbet, and gelato are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. A scoop of creamy gelato on a warm summer day, a tart sorbet cleansing the palate, or a layered ice cream cake for a festive occasion - frozen desserts bring joy in all seasons. The endless variety of flavours ensures there’s something for everyone.