Food
26 May 2025New-generation desserts appeal not only to the palate and the eye but also to social media feeds. Because eating dessert is no longer just a small moment of joy—it’s an experience, a plan, a piece of content.
Have you discovered the latest desserts that blend traditional inspirations with modern twists, or bring flavors from global kitchens right into the heart of Istanbul?
1. Ice Cream Profiterole Toast
You could say the classic Istanbul profiterole has found new life between slices of brioche bread. The cream-filled pastry balls are lightly toasted until crisp on the outside, then topped with a scoop of pistachio or caramel ice cream and finished with a rich chocolate sauce—creating a warm-meets-cold contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Sounds bold, right? Paired with a cold brew coffee, this dessert feels more like a full course than just a sweet bite.
Where to find it: Dessert bars and café-lab style spots around Moda and Karaköy known for their creative menus.
2. Sütlaç Crème Brûlée
The base layer appeals to those who can’t give up on tradition, while the top speaks to anyone craving something new. A perfectly cooked, cinnamon-scented rice pudding now comes topped with a thin layer of caramelized sugar. That first crack of the spoon breaking through the top? It’s practically the dessert’s signature sound.
This is a simple yet powerful example of blending two cultures. Ideal for those who love light, milky desserts but still want to try something new.
Where to find it: You’ll spot it on modern Turkish menus at next-gen meyhanes and kitchen-café hybrids in Galata, Tomtom, and Nişantaşı.
3. Kunefe Meets Lotus
With its warm shredded pastry and melted cheese filling, künefe is already a rich, iconic dessert on its own—but in its modern version, it’s topped with a layer of Lotus cream, taking it to a whole new level in both taste and presentation. The caramelized depth of Lotus blends perfectly with the warmth of künefe, creating a sweet sandwich-like sensation.
The spoon cutting through the pastry, the melting ice cream on top, the crispy edges—all of it makes this dessert a dream for social media content. In short, it's not just made for your taste buds—it's made to be shared.
Where to find it: You’ll come across this twist on a classic at updated versions of traditional dessert shops in Bağdat Avenue, Ataşehir, and Çengelköy.
4. Spoonful
This dessert, quite popular on social media, gets its name from how it's meant to be enjoyed: grab a spoon, give it a stir, and simply savor it. The three-layer treat features biscuit crumbles on the bottom, rich vanilla pudding in the middle, and a smooth chocolate sauce on top.
So why has Spoonful become such a hit? One of the main reasons is how accessible it is. It’s easy to make at home, and it’s also served in boutique cafés in a “ready but customizable” format. Especially popular among young people, it’s often seen as the go-to “single-serve dessert.”
Where to find it: Look for it on the menu at dessert bars in Kadıköy, Bomonti, and Galata. Some homemade dessert businesses on Instagram also offer a variety of Spoonful options.
5. Chocolate Lokma – A New Spin on a Street Classic
Lokma, a beloved dessert in Turkish culture for years, is now one of the sweets that’s undergone the biggest transformation. No longer just syrup-soaked dough balls, the modern versions are filled with chocolate, topped with sauces, and decorated with colorful bits—perfectly balancing indulgence and aesthetics. Especially among younger dessert lovers, they meet both the “sweet craving” and the “visual appeal” expectations. Plus, they’re usually served buffet-style, where you choose your own sauces and toppings—making the experience even more fun and personalized.
Where to find it: You’ll find many “lokma shops” in Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, and Şişli. Pioneers like Lokmata and Lokmades paved the way, but more and more dessert spots are joining the trend. Be prepared for long lines, especially in the evenings.
6. Tiramisu Bar
Tiramisu has always been a classic, but in bar form, it's now more portable, minimal, and quick to enjoy. The balance of cocoa cake and coffee cream remains intact, but the new presentation makes it perfect for on-the-go indulgence. Paired with a cup of hot filter coffee, it becomes a delightful “grab-and-walk” dessert.
Wrapped in paper and carried in hand, it’s a format that fits perfectly with social media content. No need for props, plates, or setups—just the flavor and you.
Where to find it: You’ll spot it in boutique, coffee-focused neighborhoods like Cihangir, Tomtom, and Galata.
7. Trileçe Revani
Combining a milky dessert like trileçe with a syrup-soaked one like revani may seem unlikely, but this modern version strikes a beautiful balance. The slightly grainy texture of semolina paired with the soft, milky richness of trileçe creates a satisfyingly layered result. When topped not with classic caramel but with lemon syrup or fruit sauce, it becomes surprisingly refreshing.
Perfect for those who want something lighter yet flavorful. The lemon version, in particular, is a summer favorite.
Where to find it: Boutique bakeries in neighborhoods like Kurtuluş, Balat, and Şişli are offering creative takes on this hybrid dessert.
8. Tahini & Banana Waffle
Waffles have been on menus for years, but the combination of tahini and banana brings them closer to the “healthy dessert” category. When tahini, molasses, banana, walnuts, and dark chocolate come together, the result is a dessert that’s both satisfying and energizing.
A thin waffle base is usually preferred for serving, topped generously but thoughtfully with fruits. It’s a great option for those looking for something light yet rich in texture.
Where to find it: Try it in neighborhoods like Yeldeğirmeni, Feriköy, and Arnavutköy, where cafés with creative concepts are thriving.
Final Note: More Than Just Dessert—A Story to Tell
These new-generation desserts found along Istanbul’s streets invite you to go beyond the ordinary and add new pages to your taste memory. Some feel familiar, others are completely new, but each one leaves an impression.
Whether you share it with someone or savor it alone, don’t pass them by without trying.
