10 Colorful and Creative Novelty Desserts from Around the Globe

Maggie McCracken
Mar 14, 2017

When you think of novelty desserts, yummies like Peep dessert recipes or unicorn cakes probably come to mind. Or maybe it’s coffee in a cone that really strikes your fancy. Either way, you should also know that there are *tons* of creative, colorful desserts all over the world. From Germany to Japan, countries spanning the globe have come up with desserts that satisfy both the taste buds and the food artist in us all. Here are 10 of our favorites.

South Korea

1. Cotton Candy: Walk through the streets of Seoul, and you’ll undoubtedly come across all manner of cotton candy vendors. This popular and pretty street food comes in cones, in milkshakes, on top of chocolate — the options are limitless. (PhotoviaTreasures & Travels)

New Zealand

2. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: Next time you stop over in The Land of the Long White Cloud, be sure to pick yourself up some Hokey Pokey. This popular flavor combo features vanilla bean ice cream and delicious clumps of honeycomb toffee. (PhotoviaSugar and Charm)

Japan

3. Cat Cakes: Japanese pastry art is all about the cats. These adorable little guys surrounding a big vat of layered cake and pudding are case in point. (Photo viaCaroline & Laura’s Tea Break)

Brazil

4. Acai Bowls: Acai bowls aren’t JUST eaten as a dessert in Brazil. They can stand in for breakfast, lunch, brunch, a beach snack… you can really eat them whenever you want. Just be sure to get a *real* acai bowl (you know, made with acai), rather than trendy smoothie bowls made from other fruits. (Photo viaDr. Dennis Gross)

France

5. Macarons: Not to be confused with macaroons, macarons are a delicate French treat made with whipped meringue. Pretty and uber-yummy, they also happen to come in all the colors and flavors of the rainbow. (Photo viaAnges de Sucre)

Germany

6. Spaghetti Eis: If you thought this was spaghetti, think again. What appears to be a bed of noodles at first glance is actually a plate of ice cream. Yep. And it’s topped with a strawberry jelly that masquerades as pasta sauce. (Photo viaOctoberfest for Teens)

USA

7. Trix Krispies: If there’s one thing the US is known for introducing to the world, it’s sugary breakfast cereals. And we’re not ashamed. These super-sweet and colorful Trix Krispies are a play on one of our other favorite American desserts… good, old fashioned Rice Krispie Treats. (Photo viaCravings of a Lunatic)

United Kingdom

8. Battenberg Cake: Like many of the items on our list, this *technically* isn’t a novelty dessert if you’re actually across the pond. It’s a pretty traditional dish — but that doesn’t make it any less fun or colorful. (Photo viaMandy Mortimer)

Zimbabwe

9. Candy Cake: Chikenduza, or candy cake, is a favorite in Zimbabwe. These bad boys are essentially sweetened breads topped with a colorful, delicious, candy-like sweet icing. (Photo viaTara’s Multicultural Table)

China

10. Mooncakes: HOW PRETTY are these traditional Chinese desserts? Seriously though, these puffy pastries are often stuffed with sweetened jams and fillings. But every once in a while, you’ll come across a savory version as well. (Photo viaChina Sichuan Food)

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12 Quick & Easy Green Pasta Recipes To Make For St. Patrick's Day

Pasta makes one of the most delicious meals on the planet, and green pasta dishes allow you to skip the excess cheese and butter to indulge without wreaking havoc on your stomach. Stay on track with your health and fitness goals(plus satisfy your cravings) by throwing a ton of vegetables in there! Additionally, these green pasta recipes are a festive way to celebrate St. Patty's Day with food.

Here are 12 of our favorite quick and easy green pasta dishes to chow down on!

Creamy Avocado Pasta

Brit + Co

This hearty green pasta recipe is chock-full of healthy fats, thanks to the addition of avocado. Plus, it just looks gorgeous! (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Green Goddess Pasta

Blissful Basil

When you've got a big bowl o' noodles in front of you, you hardly need animal products for flavor. That's why we love this super-delicious vegan green goddess pasta! Spoiler alert: the secret to making this super cheesy dish is none other than nutritional yeast. (via Blissful Basil)

Creamy Avocado & Spinach Green Noodles

Jo Cooks

If you haven't jumped on board the creamy avocado and spinach pasta train yet, you're missing out. Ripe avos add creaminess and flavor to your noodles in a similar way to olive oil and butter. But, obviously, they're incredibly healthy and full of nutrients. (via Jo Cooks)

BLT Pasta Salad

Life in the Lofthouse

Speaking of pasta salads – why not combine the flavors of everyone's favorite sandwich with this BLT pasta dish? This super yummy version is made with tomatoes, romaine lettuce, bacon, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce for a decidedly un-salady salad. (via Life in the Lofthouse)

Vegan Spinach Pici Pasta

The Edgy Veg

This delicious dish is sneaky when it comes to adding in veggies and nutrients – the sauce is secretly loaded up with spinach, though the flavor is masked excellently by garlic and vegan cheese. (via The Edgy Veg)

Green Goddess Zucchini Pasta with Fried Halloumi

Half Baked Harvest

Halloumi is a delicious, hearty cheese that makes for a fantastic meat substitute… especially in green pasta dishes. This tasty recipe requires only a few steps: Cook your pasta, fry your cheese, sauté your veggies, and then combine for ultimate yumminess. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Broccoli Tahini Pasta Salad

Love & Lemons

Broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables out there, boasting large amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin E, manganese, vitamin B1, potassium, and vitamin A. Pro tip: to ensure your broccoli doesn't lose nutrients in the cooking process, be sure to steam it rather than boil it. (via Love & Lemons)

Green Pesto Vegetable Soup

Well and Full

Bowtie pasta is a delightful addition to this healthful, pesto-based soup. Flavorful and herbaceous, this concoction is flavored with a ton of herbs and spices, including cilantro, basil, parsley, and coriander. (via Well and Full)

Pasta with Green Beans & Pesto

Skinny Ms.

This hearty green pasta dish is full of plant-based protein from green beans. Yep, they're actually a very high-protein vegetable and perfect for adding into pastas! Pro tip: to make sure you don't overcook your penne, pour cold water over the pasta after it's done cooking. This will prevent further cooking due to steam. (via Skinny Ms.)

Green Goddess Pasta

The Endless Meal

Top this hearty dish with whatever protein you please. Salmon is a super-healthy choice, but vegans can eat this completely as-is. Bonus health points if you make it with whole-wheat noodles! (via The Endless Meal)

Green Goddess Mac & Cheese

Simply Recipes

Mac and cheese is a perennial guilty pleasure, but there's no need to feel guilty about indulging every once in a while, especially when you're simultaneously indulging in baby spinach and parsley! (via Simply Recipes)

The Best Avocado Pasta

Gimme Delicious

Here's another avocado pasta sauce for you to try out! Be sure to select extra-ripe avocados when you're making this kind of green pasta sauce. If they're not ripe, you won't end up with the creamy consistency that makes it absolutely ahh-mazing. (via Gimme Delicious)

If you enjoy these green pasta dishes, make sure to follow us on Pinterest and join our newsletterfor more mouthwatering recipes!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
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13 Easy Spring Recipes To Freshen Up Your Meal Rotation

Spring is the perfect time to brighten up your meals with fresh flavors – but when it comes to cooking, we tend to rely on only easy, breezy recipes. Whether you’re craving vibrant salads, light pastas, or seasonal desserts, these 13 dishes make the most of the season’s best ingredients and come together in a total pinch.

If your meal routine needs a little refresh, these 13 easy spring recipes are just what you need!

Brit + Co

Strawberry Arugula Walnut Salad

This vibrant spring salad is packed with seasonal ingredients and requires minimal effort (no oven needed, baby!), making it perfect for easy, breezy springtime cooking. Whether you serve it as a side or the main event, you'll enjoy the medley of both sweet and savory components like strawberries and feta. (via Brit + Co)

Kurt Andre

Spring Galette

This galette recipe is basically the epitome of spring with its rustic, no-fuss crust and fresh fillings. Its folded edges look oh-so elegant for any occasion! Plus, you could easily swap the fillings based on your cravings or preferences. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Crispy Baked Cod & Lemon-Garlic Aioli

While this dish is loaded up with protein and a deliciously crispy crust, it's still very light, fresh, and requires minimal prep for your springtime feasts. Adding lemon juice and capers brightens up each bite in no time! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Crowded Kitchen

Vegan Spring Vegetable Pasta

What better way to use the best seasonal veggies than to chop 'em up and throw 'em into a light pasta?! This easy spring recipe is also vegan-friendly! (via Crowded Kitchen)

The Endless Meal

Dill Carrots

Dill is an elemental part of spring recipes, and it tastes so good when you toss some fresh carrots in it alongside the lemon dill dressing and feta cheese this pick calls for. This would make a stunning side dish! (via The Endless Meal)

Averie Cooks

Fresh Spring Rolls & Peanut Sauce

Is it even spring if you don't make spring rolls? Requiring no heat whatsoever, feel free to pack yours full of carrots, cucumber, cabbage, basil, tofu, shrimp, and more – just don't skip the peanut sauce for dipping! (via Averie Cooks)

Half Baked Harvest

Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls

For a heartier spring recipe, these gyro bowls pull inspiration from Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and totally feel takeout-worthy. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The First Mess

Extra Veggie Vegan Gochujang Noodles

These vegan gochujang noodles with *extra* veggies make a great, reliable meal for spring. You'll get some spice, some crunch, and insane freshness from all the seasonal ingredients! (via The First Mess)

Bowl of Delicious

Veggie Wraps

Get even more of a veggie fix with these wraps that includes tons of different ingredients. If you want to bulk 'em up with protein, slather the wraps in hummus and stack some steak or chicken into each one. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Barley & Sage

Creamy Summer Pasta with Fresh Corn, Zucchini, & Burrata

Dreaming of summer already? Us, too. This creamy pasta includes a medley of summery components like corn and zucchini for an ultra-satisfying bite. (via Barley & Sage)

Culinary Hill

Veggie Kabobs

If the weather's nice enough, you should definitely get your grill goin' for these healthy kabobs! They make a great option for eaters of all kinds, especially if you're throwing a patio party. (via Culinary Hill)

Live Eat Learn

Easy Passion Fruit Mousse

Now, onto the sweet stuff! Fruity desserts are bound to be big this spring – start with this insanely easy mousse that's tinged with passion fruit. Put the dish inside cute little cocktail glasses for extra flair! (via Live Eat Learn)

Takes Two Eggs

Strawberry Matcha Sago

Sago is a show-stopping sweet pudding dessert that's typically loaded up with tapioca pearls, fruits, coconut milk, and more. This recipie takes it to the next level with a blend of seasonal strawberry and caffeinated matcha. Yummm. (via Takes Two Eggs)

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25 Crazy Good St. Patrick's Day Desserts That Will Be Your Lucky Charm

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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Liz Moore's 'The God Of The Woods' Is An Instant Book Club Fave — & It's Coming To TV

This must be the week of astonishing book news because Liz Moore's The God of the Woodsis getting a TV adaptation! Published last year, the true crime-inspired novel received nods from the New York Times, NPR and PEOPLE. It also landed on our personal book club list, earning a 5-star rating from us.

If you stop everything to watch every "missing person" case that appears on TV, you'll love getting acquainted with The God of the Woods!

Here's everything to know about The God of the Woods series and why you should read the book before it comes out!

What is 'The God of the Woods' about? 

The God of the Woods starts off camp counselor Louise's realization that a prominent camper named Barbara Van Laar is missing. The young girl's disappearance has a trickle down effect that immediately reminds everyone of the similar situation that happened to her brother Bear years ago. It's ironic because everyone remembers how devastating the events surrounding Bear was, but everything isn't as it seems.

Not only are the Van Laars wealthy, they're also well-connected to resources that have helped them spin certain narratives that had damning effects on people unfortunate enough to be in their vicinity. What's worse is there are some people in Shattuck who know more than the family thinks they do.

Why should I read it?

If you binge watched the Ruby Franke documentary, you'll love reading about the mysterious connection between the Van Laar children's disappearance and the effect it had everyone. It's told from various POVs, but the dots connect in such a way that'll leave your mouth hanging open.

Who's developing the series? 

According to Deadline, Sony TV's so impressed with working with Liz Moore that it's greenlit The God of the Woods and The Unseen World "for series development."

Who's producing it?

Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty will be executive producers for The God of the Woods TV series! Deadline also reports they're behind the Long Bright River series that's currently streaming on Peacock!

Has a cast been announced? 

Not yet! But we have a few ideas about who should play a few of the key characters! We'd love to see the following:

  • Sophie Thatcher as Louise
  • Alexander Skarsgård as Peter Van Lar III
  • Stellan Skarsgård as Peter Van Lar II
  • Jessica Chastain or Naomi Watts as Alice Van Laar

When will it premiere on TV?

A TV premiere date hasn't been announced yet, but we'll let you know as soon as it is!

Read 'The God of the Woods' Before The Series Premieres

Amazon

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

We can't wait to see how The God of the Woods series pans out!

In the meantime, learn more about Margaret Atwood's novel The Testamentsand it's upcoming TV adaptation!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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The First 'The Odyssey' Set Leaks Are Here & Tom Holland Looks GOOD

I'm still reeling over the fact that Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Lupita Nyong'o. Like WHAT! This is going to be the most beautiful movie of 2026 — especially since some of the first leaks from set show Tom Holland "out on the open sea without a single green screen in sight," according to X user @zoerosebryant. And y'all, not only is the scenery gorgeous, but so is Tom Holland. (To no one's surprise).

Keep reading to see the first The Odyssey set leaks of Tom Holland.

Tom Holland sets out on a hero's journey.

The first leaks we got of Tom Holland filming The Odyssey feature the Spider-Man 4 actor on a boat in Greece — and according to an extra who was on set, Tom was filming scenes of his character arriving in Sparta.

I'm a big fan of the curly hair (even though I remember Tom said he hated his long hair in Avengers: Infinity War because he felt like Prince Charming), but more than one person on the internet has compared Tom's look in The Odyssey to Elijah Woods' Frodo from The Lord of the Rings, and I can't help but laugh.

We also recently got a look at Tom Holland alongside Jon Bernthal as they hung out in a tent off camera (and without their capes) and again I say: the curly hair is doing wonders for me!

Christopher Nolan and Universal haven't confirmed who our favorite stars are playing (aside from the announcement that Matt Damon is leading the story as Odysseus), but rumors have started circulating that Tom Holland will play Odysseus' son Telemachus, who sets out to find his father and is protected by Athena, rumored to be played by Zendaya. This means my favorite couple could get plenty of screen time together, which is literally all I care about.

The rumors also say we could see Anne Hathaway as Odysseus' wife Penelope, Charlize Theron as sorceress Circe, Benny Safdie as Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, and Lupita Nyong'o as Agamemnon's wife Clytemnestra. Stay tuned to find out! Until then, I'll be daydreaming about Tom Holland as Telemachus.

What do you think about the first The Odyssey set leaks? Tag us on Instagram with all your hot takes.

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