For many of us (present company included), dessert is the best part of any meal. Concluding a repast with a sweet treat is simply a ritual many of us are unwilling to give up. But when Passover comes along, finding “approved” sweet recipes can be a bit more challenging.
In case you’re not familiar with the dietary customs people follow when they observe Passover, one cool detail is that every spring, Jewish people around the world trade in their beloved bread for matzo, or unleavened bread that resembles an enormous cracker, as a part of their Passover traditions. As a way to honor the period that the Jewish people fled from Egypt to escape slavery, they gave up leavened food for eight days and eight nights to commemorate the bread that was consumed in the desert when they fled from the Pharaoh.
But the Passover dietary practices don’t stop with just skipping the bun on a burger or foregoing croutons on a salad. During Passover, Jewish people avoid products made from five grains: wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye. And certain sects of Judaism require observers to also avoid corn, rice, legumes, and seeds. So, obvious food choices like pasta and cookies are off-limits. But less obvious sources of these ingredients, like beer (that’s made from barley) and certain sodas made with corn syrup, are no-gos too.
So, where does that leave dessert lovers who are honoring the Passover customs and avoiding leavened items? Traditionally, Passover desserts like coconut-packed macaroons and decadent chocolate-covered matzo are served. Simple desserts like chocolate-covered strawberries or fruit sorbet can be enjoyed as well. There are tons of other amazing Passover-friendly dessert recipes out there, too. We gathered 12 Passover dessert recipes that can help you wow your Bubbie at your Seder this year.