To top off the delicious Moroccan delicacies with even tastier deserts is a thing we do in Morocco. Safe to say, the main course never fails to amaze and the yummy desserts just serve as a cherry on top (literally!) nevertheless, food in Morocco is incomplete if you don’t order a dessert afterwards. Ask any local and we are not wrong!
From local desserts to fusion and traditional desserts, Morocco has a wide range of street food to fine dining options that are suitable for the diverse palate. People from all over the world come to this part of the world and amaze their taste buds. From the basic chocolate cake to delicious apple pies, chocolate eclairs to sunset parfaits and the very own local Sfenj, there is a lot to explore, so let’s get started!
The Popular Moroccan Desserts – Traditional Moroccan Delicacies
Sfenj
Starting with the most unique and popular one. This desert in Morocco is also an Algerian delicacy which is a fritter-shaped donut. It is baked from a sticky thick dough thus the dense texture. The fritters can be baked for low-calorie products or even deep-fried as the original dish recipe. It is golden in colour, crispy on the outside and very moist on the inside. People love it as an on-the-go snack. Sfenj is also served with different variations of chocolate, cream, strawberry or other kinds of sauces.
Baghrir
Pancakes? Not really! People visiting Morocco for the first time might confuse it with an iHop pancake but the story is the opposite. This Moroccan delicacy is a pancake-shaped dessert or a breakfast meal made with semolina flour. It has tiny holes which may look like a failed pancake but that’s the specialty of the dish. It is cooked on one side only and served with butter, jams and other food toppings.
Kaab el Ghazal
These crescent-shaped cookies are commonly linked to Morocco, though they can also be found in Algeria and Tunisia, where they may vary slightly in shape and name. Known as “gazelle ankles” in translation, they are more widely recognized as gazelle horns.
The cookies feature a delicate pastry shell wrapped around a sweet, cinnamon-infused almond filling. Both the filling and dough are often enhanced with orange blossom water. They can be coated in crushed nuts or optionally dipped in orange blossom water and dusted with sugar, in which case they are typically referred to as kaab el ghazal m’fenned.
Chebakia
As a personal opinion, this dessert might not look very appealing but it has a crunchy, chewy texture and a very attractive fragrance which is a specialty of Moroccan puff pastry. The whole dish is arranged in a large flower shape and is topped with sesame seeds. It is deep-fried and then coated in honey. The dish is a tradition during the month of Ramzan but you will find it on the menu on regular days too. Chebakia is also one of the toughest Moroccan desserts to prepare but the local women are too pro at it!
Fekkas
Twice baked for the extra crunch. This special Moroccan dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and savoury Moroccan cuisine. It resides both in the categories of top Moroccan foods and deserts. The dough is fermented to give a special rise and has a flavour of citrus zest and tangy orange. It is also toasted with nuts which make it even more delicious and is eaten as a special tea-time delicacy.
Jawhara
Jawhara is a layered Moroccan dessert made with paper-thin sheets of fried warqa pastry. The filling between the crispy layers typically consists of a mix of toasted ground or roughly chopped almonds and sugar, all topped with a custard cream infused with orange blossom water.
Ktefa, or jawhara, usually features five to six layers and can be garnished with slivers of almond, cinnamon, powdered sugar, mint, or fresh fruit. This dessert is also popular in France, where it’s known as pastilla au lait.
Seffa
Seffa is a traditional dish often served during celebrations and special occasions. It features either vermicelli noodles or couscous mixed with a savory-sweet onion sauce, topped with icing sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and ground almonds.
Chicken is sometimes added, as there are various versions of seffa. That way the dish can also be served as one of the main courses during a family meal. The dish is simple to prepare and is typically enjoyed as a side dish. It is commonly paired with a glass of warm milk for a comforting meal.
Popular Moroccan Desserts – Fusion Sweets
Marrakech Sunset Parfait
To view the sunset with a cup of sunset parfait in hand is the best assortment of a memorable vacation plan. and that is where the idea came from. Named after the beautiful sunsets of Morocco, the sunset parfait has all the colors of the sky during the golden hour. It has layers of orange blossom infused with plain yoghurt, topped with blueberries and nuts. The crunchy almond crumble is a cherry on the top.
Decadent Moroccan Chocolate Tart
This indulgent Spice Market Chocolate Tart blends rich dark chocolate with the intricate flavors of Ras el Hanout, a Moroccan spice mix. It offers a contemporary take on classic flavors, perfect for those craving bold Marrakech-inspired desserts.
Djemaa el-Fna Mille-Feuille
To look at a dessert this divine, showcase the talent and hard work of the local Moroccan chefs and the too much thought that goes into the baking process. The Djemaa el-Fna Mille-Feuille is a Moroccan twist on the traditional French dessert, filled with fragrant rose water cream and sprinkled with chopped pistachios. This creative pastry beautifully captures the spirit of Moroccan fusion, blending classic techniques with modern flavors. With each layer offering a delightful crunch and aromatic richness, it’s a unique indulgence that brings a taste of Morocco to a beloved French classic.
M’hanncha
The confusion about putting this desert in either the traditional or the fusion Moroccan desserts shows its perfect balance of culture and modern art. This dessert is mouth-watering just by the looks and once you try it, every bite just gets better. Also known as the snake cake due to its arrangement style in the dish, the dessert is made up of puff pastry filled with almond paste.
By now you must have understood the importance of almonds in Moroccan cuisine. The dish is prepared with almonds, sugar, butter, nuts, cinnamon and rose petals on the top. It also has a flavor of orange water in it.
Exploring the Best Desserts in Morocco
In Moroccan culture, sweets and pastries have a special role as symbols of celebration and hospitality. As a reflection of the nation’s rich culinary tradition and enjoyment of flavor, they are frequently served at parties, festivals, and significant events.
To find the best desserts in Morocco, start by exploring the Medina, where hidden gems offer traditional Moroccan sweets with a modern twist. Consider joining cooking classes with local experts to learn how to prepare these delicious treats yourself. Attending food festivals is another great way to experience the best of Marrakech’s culinary scene and sample a variety of fusion desserts.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations—they often know the best-kept secrets when it comes to both modern desserts and traditional Moroccan sweets.
