The Sweet Side of Morocco: 7 Desserts You Need to Try

Morocco is a land of vibrant flavors, and its desserts are no exception. From honey-soaked pastries to delicate almond treats, Moroccan desserts embody the country’s rich culinary heritage. In this blog, we’ll explore the sweet side of Morocco: 7 desserts you need to try, sharing recipes that bring a taste of North Africa to your home kitchen.

1. Chebakia (Sesame and Honey Pastries)

Serves: 6-8 people
Nutritional Facts (per serving): 250 calories, 5g protein, 8g fat, 40g carbs

Chebakia is a traditional Moroccan sesame cookie, shaped into intricate flower patterns, deep-fried, and dipped in honey. This sticky, sweet treat is commonly enjoyed during Ramadan but is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup orange blossom water
• 1/2 cup honey (for dipping)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, sesame seeds, and cinnamon. Gradually add orange blossom water to form a dough.
2. Roll out the dough and cut into flower shapes.
3. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
4. Dip the fried cookies in warm honey and let cool.

2. Sellou (Moroccan Energy Sweet)

Serves: 8-10 people
Nutritional Facts (per serving): 200 calories, 4g protein, 6g fat, 30g carbs

Sellou is a rich, nutty, and slightly spiced dessert made with toasted flour, almonds, sesame seeds, and honey. It’s a nutrient-packed treat that’s often prepared for celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup almonds, toasted and ground
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup honey

Instructions:

1. Toast the flour until golden and aromatic.
2. Mix with ground almonds, sesame seeds, and cinnamon.
3. Gradually add honey to form a cohesive mixture.
4. Mold into small balls or bars and serve.

3. M’hanncha (The Snake Cake)

Serves: 6-8 people
Nutritional Facts (per serving): 280 calories, 6g protein, 10g fat, 42g carbs

M’hanncha, meaning “snake” in Arabic, is a coiled pastry filled with almond paste and flavored with orange blossom water. Its elegant appearance makes it a showstopper for gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo dough
• 1 cup almond paste
• 1/4 cup orange blossom water
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix almond paste, orange blossom water, and powdered sugar to create the filling.
2. Layer phyllo dough sheets, brushing each with melted butter.
3. Spread the filling and roll into a long log. Coil into a spiral shape.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
5. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

4. Ghoriba (Moroccan Almond Cookies)

Serves: 6-8 people
Nutritional Facts (per cookie): 150 calories, 3g protein, 6g fat, 22g carbs

Ghoriba are simple yet delicious almond cookies with a soft and crumbly texture. Their distinct crackled surface is a hallmark of this Moroccan classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Mix almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon zest into a dough.
2. Shape into small balls and flatten slightly.
3. Bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
4. Let cool before serving.