As winter blankets the Great White North, Canada’s kitchens become a hub of activity, churning out treats that are as diverse as its vast landscapes. If you’re looking to try some traditional goodies this holiday season, then consider these classic Canadian desserts to indulge in.

Nanaimo Bars: A Layered Delight

Hailing from the West Coast (and in fact named after the city of Nanaimo), the Nanaimo bar is a no-bake wonder layered with a crumbly, coconutty base, a velvety custard-flavoured butter icing in the middle, and a smooth chocolate ganache on top. This rich and decadent dessert is the perfect treat for those who love to indulge in a little (or a lot of) chocolate after braving the winter chill.

Butter Tarts: A Sweet Slice of Tradition

No Canadian holiday dessert platter is complete without butter tarts. The flaky crust of these bite-sized wonders cradles a gooey, buttery filling that often contains raisins or pecans. Butter tarts are a beloved staple that pairs wonderfully with a post-dinner coffee or tea as you watch the snow fall outside the window.

Shortbread: A Crumbly Classic

Shortbread may have its roots in Scotland, but it has been heartily adopted by Canadians, especially around the holidays. The classic and simple combination of butter, sugar, and flour results in a rich biscuit that can be shaped into festive designs, infused with maple syrup, or simply sprinkled with powdered sugar. Shortbread is a tender, crumbly companion to any holiday gathering.

Tourtière: A Hearty Heritage

While it is not technically a dessert, no discussion of Canadian holiday classics would be complete without a nod to tourtière. This savoury meat pie hails from Quebec and has made its way onto holiday tables all across the country. It is typically filled with minced pork, veal, or beef, and spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and it is often served with a sweet accompaniment like fruit ketchup or maple syrup, blurring the lines between main course and dessert.

Sugar Pie: A Spoonful of Simplicity

Another French-Canadian treat, sugar pie, or tarte au sucre, is simplicity at its sweetest. The main ingredients are brown sugar and cream, and the end result is a thick, caramelized delight often spiked with vanilla or a shot of rum to add complexity to its robust flavour profile. Enjoying a slice is akin to wrapping yourself in a warm blanket by the fire.

Figgy Duff: A Newfoundland Treasure

Lastly, let’s venture to the East Coast for a dessert that has been warming the souls of Newfoundlanders for centuries. Figgy duff is a traditional pudding that’s steamed, not baked, and loaded with dried fruits like raisins (surprisingly, it’s not made with figs). It is then traditionally served with a dollop of rum and butter sauce to complement the pudding’s dense texture and fruitiness.

While Canada may not have a single signature dessert that defines the holiday season, the diversity of options from across the country is perhaps the sweetest treat of all. So go ahead, indulge a little.