When most people imagine Swiss desserts, they immediately scream chocolate. Chocolate is definitely a huge part of the sweet scene there.
But it is certainly not the only treat on the menu. Swiss chefs actually use fruit just as often as cocoa.
They also make a truly incredible bread pudding. These desserts are usually stunning to look at too.
The chefs put serious effort into making every plate a highlight. I have gathered a list of my 10 favorite Swiss desserts that taste delicious and look gorgeous.
1. Carac
These traditional Swiss pastries are total lookers. They taste amazing too.
You might spend about 45 minutes prepping and 30 minutes cooking. Don’t worry though.
They are actually quite simple. The base is a crunchy crust similar to graham crackers.
A rich chocolate ganache hides in the middle. You finish it off with sweet bright green icing.
2. Swiss Pears and Chocolate
Can you open a can? Can you melt chocolate?
Then you can make this tasty dessert with almost zero effort. It is all about layering.
Start with your sliced pears. Add whipped cream and chocolate next.
Top it with a maraschino cherry if you want.
3. Bündner Nusstorte
You might know this as Swiss walnut cake or nut pastry. It looks like a cross between a vintage pie and a massive cookie.
This version leans into the pie vibes. Other recipes might remind you of a huge golden Oreo.
The flavor is very distinct. It is pleasantly nutty and mild.
4. Apple Strudel
I absolutely adore apple strudel. I could eat this daily forever without getting bored.
The dough is perfectly flaky. Inside you get apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar plus almonds.
It also has lemon juice and vanilla extract and rum. A dusting of powdered sugar seals the deal.
I will eat this until I get sick.
5. Brunsli (Swiss Chocolate Cookies)
Swiss chefs cook with chocolate a lot even if it isn’t their only trick. Several recipes on this list use it.
These cookies are one of my favorite ways to use cocoa. They are thick and completely gluten-free.
The texture is actually similar to macaroons. You need fewer than 10 ingredients to make them.
The flavor combines rich chocolate with orange zest.
6. Torta di Pane (Bread Pudding from Ticino)
You will need over an hour for this bread pudding. Every second is worth it though.
The result is unbelievably good. It is soft and dense at the same time.
The ingredients work so well together. You have Dutch cocoa powder mixed with lemon zest and raisins.
Nuts and spices round it out. Every bite tastes like heaven.
7. Spitzbuben
These are huge in Germany during Christmas. The Swiss love making them too.
They traditionally look like stars with a smaller star cut from the middle. Jam sits between two layers of almond shortcrust pastry.
You can use any cookie cutters you want. Just make sure you have a main shape and a smaller center cutter.
Pick a tart jam for the filling.
8. Swiss Chocolate Squares with Icing
Switzerland is famous for decadent chocolate. So I decided to end on a chocolate note.
These squares take some time to make. They are not complicated though.
It is perfect for the chocolate fanatic in your life. You get a double dose of goodness.
The base uses unsweetened chocolate and butter plus flour and sugar. You cover that with milk chocolate icing and pecan halves.
9. Swiss Cherry Pie
I love how tart and tangy this pie is. It is still sweet enough for dessert.
Do not expect a cherry cream cheese pie. This looks more like a mix between a fruit clafoutis and a deep-dish pizza.
It is packed with cream and cherries instead of cheese and sauce. Every bite delivers a massive burst of cherry flavor.
10. Spiced Cookies with Candied Citrus Peels and Almonds (Leckerli)
You can eat these spiced cookies anytime. I prefer them during the holidays.
The aromatic spices make my house smell amazing while baking. They look incredible too.
Think unique brownies rather than cookies. A white glaze looks like marble on top.
The inside is golden brown. Cinnamon and nutmeg join citrus flavors for a complex taste.