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15+ Traditional Albanian Desserts

Marsel Kalemi • May 2, 2023

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. 


If you’re 
visiting Albania, you shouldn’t miss out on exploring the amazing cuisine, from delicious meat dishes to heavenly desserts. Read on and learn about all the amazing desserts that every foodie should try at least once in their lifetime. 

The Secrets Behind Albanian Desserts

15+ Traditional Albanian Desserts

#1. Bakllava (Layered Filo Pastry)

traditional albanian desserts

#2. Shёndetlie (Walnut Cake)

traditional albanian desserts

#3. Trilece (Milk-Soaked Sponge Cake)

traditional albanian desserts

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)

traditional albanian desserts

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. 


#5. Sheqerpare (Almond Syrup-Soaked Cookie)

rana e hedhun

#6. Kadaif (Shredded Filo Pastry Filled With Nuts)

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#7. Sultjash (Rice Pudding)

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Sultjash is a great snack after a nice meal. It’s a light and healthy dessert made of milk and rice. Adding sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon makes the ultimate flavor combination.


You can also have sultjash for breakfast or as a light meal by itself. We guarantee you are going to enjoy it.


#8. Qumështor (Baked Custard)

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Qumështor is a simple dessert that takes only a few minutes to make. It’s called qumështor, as the main ingredient you need is milk, and the Albanian word for milk is “qumësht”. 


It consists of a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, butter, and flour. The mixture is poured into a pan, and the result is a finger-licking creamy dessert.

#9. Tullumba (Deep fried pastry dough)

traditional albanian desserts

This quirky dessert is among the favorites in Albania. Tullumba are made by deep-frying a mixture of butter, water, sugar, and flour and then dipping them in sherbet. They kind of resemble churros but are arguably more delicious. 


They’re usually bite-sized, so feel free to enjoy as many bites of this sweet treat as you want. We guarantee you’ll love them!

#10. Ashure (Fruit & Grain Pudding)

traditional albanian desserts

Since Albania is a country of many crops, it’s not surprising that a traditional Albanian dessert is made with wheat porridge. 


Ashure is a fruit lover’s paradise, making a healthy and nutritious breakfast. It’s also one of the oldest traditional Albanian desserts. 


#11. Revani (Lemon Cake)

traditional albanian desserts

#12. Kurabie (Powdered Sugar Cookies)

traditional albanian desserts

#13. Tespishte 

traditional albanian desserts

Tespishte is a traditional Albanian dessert often made in Kosovo. It’s prepared by baking a mixture of oil, milk, flour, and eggs, which is then glazed with sherbet while it’s still warm. Some also like to crush walnuts, pistachios, or almonds on top for some extra zing.


It’s typically cut into rhombus-shaped pieces, and it’s served cool. Tespishte is consumed during special events like weddings, get-togethers, or holidays such as Eid.

#14. Pacavure (Filo Layered Cake)

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Paçavure is a special dessert from the city of Korça. It has become a favorite in regions all over the country. Paçavure means "mess" in Albanian, and it’s aptly named as every ingredient is roughly thrown together and mixed to prepare it. 


It’s made with filo layers, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, and nuts. You can also add extra drie
d nuts or cinnamon for more flavor, but you’ll enjoy this unique dessert either way

#15. Petulla (Deep-Fried Dough)

traditional albanian desserts

If you’ve never tried petulla before, you’re definitely missing out. It’s a traditional Albanian breakfast snack made from a mixture of flour, yeast, milk, eggs, and sugar. The dough is left to rest and then deep-fried until golden brown. 


Petullas are universally loved, as they can be eaten with pretty much anything, from cheese to honey or fruit jam.


#16. Hasude (Cornstarch Pudding)

traditional albanian desserts

Hasude is an old traditional dessert recipe that is prepared in many parts of Albania. It’s a cornstarch-type pudding that's very easy to make, and it’s a pretty light dessert, usually served chilled. It has a Turkish origin, although the recipe has been adapted over time. 


It’s made with cornstarch, water, sugar, and butter, which are basically the ingredients most people
have at home at all times. So, whenever you’re craving something sweet, consider making some Hasude.

Don’t Forget!

  • One of the best things to do in Albania is try the traditional desserts, which offer some unique flavor combinations you can only find in this country. 
  • Over the years, the invaders of Albania have deeply influenced the country’s cuisine, bringing new dessert recipes to Albanian households.
  • Some of the mouthwatering traditional Albanian desserts you can enjoy are bakllava, tullumba, trilece, gurabie, ballokume, and many more.


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