Looking for desserts that start with H? This handy alphabet foods guide gathers together cakes, puddings, pastries, frozen desserts and traditional sweet treats from around the world, all beginning with the letter H.

Some are familiar British favourites, such as honey cake and hot cross buns. Others, like haupia, halva and hasty pudding, are brilliant if you fancy trying something a little different without spending a fortune. Use this list for quizzes, themed menus, school projects, dinner party ideas or simply to find your next pudding.

Desserts That Start With H: Quick List

Here is a quick overview before we get into the details.

Classic Desserts Beginning With H

1. Honey Cake

Honey cake is one of the most well-known desserts beginning with H. It is usually soft, fragrant and gently spiced, with honey providing sweetness and moisture. There are many versions, from simple loaf cakes to layered celebration cakes.

Money-saving tip: use runny own-brand honey for baking and save premium local honey for drizzling on top, where the flavour is more noticeable.

2. Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are spiced sweet buns traditionally eaten around Easter, packed with dried fruit and marked with a cross. They are lovely toasted with butter, but they also make excellent budget desserts.

Use reduced-price hot cross buns to make bread and butter pudding, French toast or a simple ice cream sandwich. Slightly stale buns are actually better for soaking up custard.

3. Hasty Pudding

Hasty pudding is an old-fashioned warm pudding made with simple ingredients such as milk, flour, oats, cornmeal or breadcrumbs, depending on the version. It is thick, comforting and inexpensive.

Serve it with jam, golden syrup, stewed apples or a spoonful of leftover custard. It is the sort of dessert that proves you do not need fancy ingredients to make something cosy.

4. Honey Pudding

Honey pudding can refer to a steamed sponge, baked pudding or creamy set dessert flavoured with honey. A steamed honey sponge served with custard is particularly good in colder months.

To keep costs down, add a little lemon zest or mixed spice to boost flavour without needing lots of honey.

5. Honey Tart

A honey tart is a sweet pastry case filled with a honey-based filling, sometimes combined with eggs, cream, nuts or breadcrumbs. It is rich, so small slices go a long way.

If you have leftover pastry trimmings, make mini honey tarts in a bun tin. They bake quickly and are handy for packed lunches or after-dinner treats.

6. Honeycomb

Honeycomb, also known as cinder toffee in some parts of the UK, is a crisp, bubbly sweet made from sugar, golden syrup and bicarbonate of soda. It is not made with actual honey as standard, despite the name.

Crushed honeycomb is brilliant over ice cream, chocolate mousse, brownies or yoghurt. It is also a good edible gift when dipped in melted chocolate.

7. Hazelnut Cake

Hazelnut cake is nutty, rich and often beautifully moist. Ground hazelnuts can replace some or all of the flour, giving the cake a dense texture and deep flavour.

Hazelnuts can be expensive, so look for baking packs, supermarket own brands or reduced seasonal nuts after Christmas. Toasting them briefly makes the flavour stronger, meaning you can use a little less.

8. Hazelnut Torte

A hazelnut torte is usually more elegant than a standard sponge, often made with ground nuts, eggs and chocolate or coffee. It is a lovely choice for a dinner party dessert that feels special without needing complicated decoration.

Serve thin slices with cream, crème fraîche or a few berries.

9. Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird cake is a moist American-style cake made with banana, pineapple, pecans or walnuts, and often finished with cream cheese icing. It is sweet, fruity and excellent for birthdays.

It is also handy for using up overripe bananas. Tinned pineapple works well, and you can often use walnuts instead of pecans to reduce the cost.

10. Hedgehog Slice

Hedgehog slice is an Australian no-bake chocolate fridge cake made with crushed biscuits, cocoa, butter and sometimes coconut or nuts. It is similar in spirit to tiffin, but with its own chunky texture.

This is a good reduced-grub dessert because you can use broken biscuits, leftover cereal, spare dried fruit or chocolate from the cupboard.

International H Desserts Worth Trying

11. Halva

Halva is a dense, sweet confection popular across the Middle East, Mediterranean, South Asia and Eastern Europe. It can be made from sesame paste, semolina, flour, nuts or seeds, depending on the region.

Tahini halva has a crumbly texture and nutty flavour. A small piece is very satisfying, so it is ideal if you want a dessert that lasts several servings.

12. Haupia

Haupia is a Hawaiian coconut pudding made with coconut milk and usually thickened with starch. It sets into soft squares and is often served at gatherings.

It is naturally dairy-free when made with coconut milk, making it useful for mixed dietary needs. Serve chilled with mango, pineapple or toasted coconut.

13. Halo-Halo

Halo-halo is a colourful Filipino shaved ice dessert layered with sweet beans, jellies, fruit, evaporated milk and often ube ice cream. The name means mix-mix, which is exactly how it is eaten.

For a thrifty version at home, use crushed ice, tinned fruit, jelly cubes and a small scoop of ice cream. It is a fun dessert for hot days.

14. Hamantaschen

Hamantaschen are triangular filled biscuits traditionally associated with the Jewish festival of Purim. Common fillings include poppy seed, prune, apricot, chocolate and jam.

They are great for using the last few spoonfuls from a jam jar. The dough can often be made ahead and chilled before shaping.

15. Harissa Dessert Cake

In some Middle Eastern and North African contexts, harissa can refer to a sweet semolina cake rather than the chilli paste many UK shoppers know. It is often soaked in syrup and flavoured with coconut, yoghurt or nuts.

If you see harissa cake on a dessert menu, expect something closer to basbousa than a spicy pudding.

16. Heong Peng

Heong peng are Malaysian pastries with a flaky outer layer and sticky malt or sweet filling. They are often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

They can be bought in Asian supermarkets and make a useful cupboard treat, as individually wrapped pastries tend to keep well before opening.

17. Hwachae

Hwachae is a Korean fruit punch dessert made with fruit, sweet liquid and sometimes edible flowers or omija berry tea. Modern versions may include fizzy drinks or milk.

It is refreshing, light and easy to adapt to whatever fruit is on offer. Watermelon hwachae is especially popular in summer.

18. Hotteok

Hotteok are Korean sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts or seeds. When cooked, the filling turns syrupy and warm.

They are best eaten fresh, straight from the pan. If making them at home, sunflower seeds can be a cheaper alternative to chopped nuts.

19. Helva

Helva is the Turkish spelling often used for halva-style sweets. It may be sesame-based, flour-based or semolina-based, with butter, sugar and nuts.

Semolina helva is particularly budget-friendly because it uses inexpensive pantry ingredients and can be served warm.

20. Hong Kong Egg Tart

Hong Kong egg tarts are small pastries filled with smooth egg custard. The pastry may be shortcrust or flaky, and the filling is lighter than many British custard tarts.

They are best eaten fresh, but if you buy a box, warm them gently before serving for a better texture.

Frozen Desserts That Start With H

21. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

Hokey pokey ice cream is a New Zealand favourite made with vanilla ice cream and crunchy honeycomb toffee pieces. It is simple, sweet and very easy to recreate at home.

Fold crushed honeycomb through softened vanilla ice cream, then refreeze until firm. Keep it covered in the freezer to prevent ice crystals and freezer smells.

22. Hazelnut Gelato

Hazelnut gelato is smooth, nutty and less airy than many standard ice creams. It is a classic Italian flavour and pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts.

A small scoop alongside a warm brownie or poached pear makes a simple dessert feel much more polished.

23. Honey Ice Cream

Honey ice cream has a mellow floral sweetness and works well with roasted fruit, flapjacks and crumbles. Some versions include yoghurt for a tangier finish.

Because honey is the main flavour, this is one case where using a nicer honey can make a difference.

24. Horchata Ice Cream

Horchata ice cream is inspired by the cinnamon-scented drink found in different forms across Spain, Mexico and Latin America. It may be made with rice, almonds, tiger nuts or milk depending on the style.

Its creamy cinnamon flavour is lovely with caramel sauce or baked apples.

25. Hot Fudge Sundae

A hot fudge sundae is a classic ice cream dessert topped with warm chocolate fudge sauce, cream, nuts and sometimes a cherry. It is simple but always popular.

At home, stretch a tub of ice cream by serving it sundae-style with sliced bananas, crushed biscuits and a quick cocoa sauce.

Pastries, Biscuits and Bakes Starting With H

26. Hand Pies

Hand pies are small individual pies that can be sweet or savoury. Sweet hand pies are often filled with apple, cherry, blueberry, chocolate or jam.

They are excellent for using leftover pastry and odd bits of fruit. Seal the edges well so the filling does not leak during baking.

27. Honey Buns

Honey buns are sweet, sticky buns flavoured or glazed with honey. Some are spiral-shaped, while others are more like enriched bread rolls.

They freeze well once baked. Defrost and warm gently for a quick pudding with custard or cream.

28. Hazelnut Biscotti

Hazelnut biscotti are twice-baked Italian biscuits. They are crisp, long-lasting and ideal for dunking in coffee, hot chocolate or dessert wine.

Because they keep well in an airtight tin, they are a sensible bake when you want something sweet that will not go stale overnight.

29. Honey Biscuits

Honey biscuits are simple cookies sweetened with honey. They can be crisp, chewy or spiced, depending on the recipe.

Add cinnamon, ginger or orange zest to make a basic biscuit dough taste more special without spending much.

30. Hermit Cookies

Hermit cookies are old-fashioned spiced biscuits or bars, often made with raisins, molasses or brown sugar. They have a soft, chewy texture and keep well.

They are a good choice for using dried fruit at the back of the cupboard.

31. Hungarian Dobos-Style H Desserts

Not every famous Hungarian dessert starts with H, but Hungarian honey slices and layered honey cakes are often included in H dessert lists. These bakes usually involve thin cake layers and cream or custard-style filling.

They take patience, but the ingredients are usually modest: flour, eggs, sugar, honey and milk-based filling.

32. Hot Milk Cake

Hot milk cake is a soft sponge made by adding hot milk and butter to the batter. It has a fine crumb and works well with fruit, cream, jam or icing.

It is a practical, low-cost cake because it uses basic ingredients and does not need expensive decoration.

33. Honey Madeleines

Honey madeleines are small shell-shaped French sponge cakes flavoured with honey. They are delicate, buttery and perfect with a cup of tea.

You do need a madeleine tin for the classic shape, but the batter can be baked in mini muffin tins if you are not fussed about tradition.

34. Hazelnut Brownies

Hazelnut brownies are fudgy chocolate brownies with chopped hazelnuts or hazelnut spread. They are rich, so you can cut them into small squares.

For a cheaper version, swirl a little chocolate-hazelnut spread through a basic brownie batter rather than using lots of whole nuts.

35. Honey Doughnuts

Honey doughnuts are fried or baked doughnuts finished with honey glaze or honey syrup. Greek-style loukoumades are often served with honey, though the name itself does not start with H.

If buying doughnuts reduced at the end of the day, revive them briefly in the microwave and drizzle with a little warm honey.

Creamy, Fruity and No-Bake H Desserts

36. Honey Yoghurt Parfait

A honey yoghurt parfait is a layered dessert made with yoghurt, honey, fruit and granola or biscuit crumbs. It is quick, cheap and easy to scale up.

Use frozen berries or tinned peaches to keep costs sensible. Add the crunchy layer just before serving so it does not go soggy.

37. Hazelnut Mousse

Hazelnut mousse is a creamy dessert flavoured with hazelnut paste, chocolate-hazelnut spread or praline. It feels luxurious but can be served in small glasses.

If making mousse with cream, keep it chilled and eat within the recommended time for the ingredients used.

38. Honeyed Figs

Honeyed figs are fresh or baked figs served with honey, yoghurt, cream or cheese. They are simple and elegant.

Figs can be pricey, so look for yellow-sticker fruit and use them the same day if they are very ripe.

39. Honeyed Pears

Honeyed pears are pears poached, roasted or pan-cooked with honey and spices. They are lovely with custard, ice cream or Greek-style yoghurt.

This dessert is ideal for pears that are slightly firm, as cooking softens them and brings out their sweetness.

40. Hawaiian Fruit Salad

Hawaiian fruit salad usually includes tropical fruit such as pineapple, banana, coconut and sometimes marshmallows or cream. Versions vary widely.

Use tinned pineapple, mandarins and desiccated coconut for a low-cost pudding that still feels bright and cheerful.

41. Honey Panna Cotta

Honey panna cotta is a set cream dessert sweetened with honey. It is smooth, simple and works well with sharp fruit compote.

Make it in small ramekins or glasses to control portions and reduce waste.

42. Hazelnut Praline

Hazelnut praline is made by coating hazelnuts in caramelised sugar, then leaving them whole, crushing them or grinding them into paste. It is used in cakes, mousses, chocolate fillings and ice cream.

A small amount adds a lot of flavour and crunch, so it is useful for making plain desserts look more impressive.

43. Honey Trifle

Honey trifle is not a strict classic, but it works beautifully as an H-themed dessert. Layer sponge, honey-spiked custard or cream, fruit and perhaps a sprinkle of toasted nuts.

It is also a clever way to use cake offcuts, leftover buns or slightly stale sponge.

44. Hot Chocolate Pudding

Hot chocolate pudding can mean a self-saucing sponge, a steamed chocolate pudding or a baked chocolate dessert served warm. It is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make from store cupboard basics.

Serve with custard, cream, yoghurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

45. Honey Rice Pudding

Honey rice pudding is a comforting twist on classic rice pudding, using honey as part or all of the sweetener. It can be baked or cooked on the hob.

Short-grain pudding rice is usually inexpensive, and a little nutmeg or cinnamon makes it taste homely.

Budget Ideas for H-Themed Desserts

If you are planning a letter H food night, school activity or themed party, you do not need to buy lots of specialist ingredients. Try these easy combinations:

• Hot cross bun pudding: slice buns, cover with custard and bake until golden.
• Honey yoghurt bowls: yoghurt, honey, oats and reduced fruit.
• Hokey pokey sundaes: vanilla ice cream, crushed honeycomb and chocolate sauce.
• Hazelnut brownie bites: small brownie squares topped with chopped hazelnuts.
• Honeyed pear bowls: cooked pears with cinnamon and a spoonful of cream.
• Hedgehog fridge slice: crushed biscuits, cocoa and melted chocolate, chilled until firm.

How to Choose the Best H Dessert

Picking from a long list of desserts that start with H is easier when you know what you need it for.

• For a cheap family pudding: hasty pudding, honey rice pudding or hot cross bun bread pudding.
• For a party table: honey cake, hummingbird cake, hand pies or hedgehog slice.
• For hot weather: halo-halo, haupia, honey parfaits or hokey pokey ice cream.
• For gifting: honeycomb, hazelnut biscotti, honey biscuits or hamantaschen.
• For something different: halva, hotteok, hwachae or heong peng.

Storage and Food Safety Tips

Most desserts are straightforward to store, but a few simple habits help reduce waste and keep food safe.

• Keep cream-filled, custard-based and mousse-style desserts chilled.
• Store biscuits, biscotti and honeycomb in airtight containers to keep them crisp.
• Freeze suitable cakes, buns and brownies in portions so you can defrost only what you need.
• Use very ripe reduced fruit quickly, especially soft berries and figs.
• Follow the storage instructions on shop-bought pastry, dairy, cream and ready-made desserts.

FAQs About Desserts That Start With H

What are some popular desserts that start with H?

Popular desserts that start with H include honey cake, hot cross buns, halva, haupia, hasty pudding, hummingbird cake, honeycomb, hazelnut torte and hot fudge sundaes.

What is a British dessert beginning with H?

Hot cross buns are a very familiar British sweet bake beginning with H, especially around Easter. Hasty pudding and honey pudding also fit well into traditional British-style comfort food.

What is an easy dessert that starts with H?

Honey yoghurt parfait is one of the easiest. Layer yoghurt, honey, fruit and granola or biscuit crumbs in a glass. Honeyed pears and hot cross bun pudding are also simple and budget-friendly.

What chocolate dessert starts with H?

Hot chocolate pudding, hazelnut brownies, hazelnut mousse, hedgehog slice and hot fudge sundaes are all chocolate desserts starting with H or strongly linked to H ingredients.

Are there any dairy-free desserts that start with H?

Yes. Haupia is usually made with coconut milk, and many versions are dairy-free. Halva is often dairy-free too, though you should always check ingredients. Honeyed fruit can also be served without dairy.

What H dessert is good for using leftovers?

Hot cross bun bread pudding is excellent for using stale buns. Hedgehog slice uses broken biscuits, honey trifle uses cake scraps, and hand pies can use leftover pastry and fruit.

What is the best H dessert for a party?

Hummingbird cake, honey cake, hedgehog slice, hand pies and hazelnut brownies are all good party choices because they can be sliced or portioned for sharing.

What international desserts start with H?

International H desserts include halva, haupia, halo-halo, hamantaschen, hotteok, hwachae, heong peng, helva and Hong Kong egg tarts.