24 Delicious Canadian Desserts to Make for Canada Day

If you need a delicious Canadian dessert to make for Canada Day, a backyard BBQ, or you’re just craving a little nostalgic Canadiana, this list of iconic and traditional Canadian recipes has you covered! From old-school Prairie favourites to some sweet Maritime staples, I’m digging into the Canadian baking recipes that deserve a spot in your get-togethers this summer.

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1. Butter Tart Squares

Butter tarts are one of the most iconic Canadian desserts. But wrangling sticky filling out of muffin tins or rolling and re-rolling pastry crust? None of that is my idea of a good time, to be honest. These easy butter tart squares deliver all the butter tart flavour without any of the stress.

2. Schmoo Torte

Schmoo Torte is a Prairie favourite that’s loaded with whipped cream, caramel sauce, fluffy cake, and toasted pecans. I first heard about it on an episode of The Great Canadian Baking Show where it was the technical challenge. I had to try making one myself, and let me tell you…it’s every bit as good as it sounds. 10/10 would definitely schmoo some torte again.

3. Saskatoon Berry Pie

Saskatoon berries are like Canada’s answer to blueberries, but with some almond-y flavour. This make-ahead filling promises to be thick, rich, and never runny. It’s perfect for pie of course, but equally good over yogurt or ice cream. A Prairie classic that deserves more fame!

4. Toutons

Newfoundland toutons are fluffy rounds of bread dough fried until golden usually served with molasses or sugar and a pat of butter.

5. Vinarterta (Icelandic Celebration Cake)

Vinarterta has Icelandic roots, but it’s become a tradition for many Icelandic-Canadian families, especially in Manitoba. It features a spiced prune filling that’s layered between tender cookies. I think it’s a delicious reminder of how multicultural Canadian baking really is.

6. Butter Tarts

You can’t do a Canadian desserts roundup without some traditional butter tarts baked in muffin tins. These classic treats have a buttery shell filled with a gooey, buttery, caramel-y filling. And whether you’re team raisin or not is entirely your business.

7. Moon Mist Ice Cream

If you grew up in or ever visited Atlantic Canada in the summer, you already know: Moon Mist is a cult-favourite swirl of banana, bubblegum, and grape ice cream. Since it’s tough to find outside the region, this recipe for homemade Moon Mist means anyone, anywhere can enjoy its magical chaos.

8. Blueberry Grunt

This Nova Scotian classic is basically summer in a bowl. Blueberries are simmered into a thick, jammy sauce and topped with fluffy dumplings that steam right on top! If you really want to make this extra-delicious, use blueberries grown in the Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia—the best blueberries in the world (in my opinion) are grown there! Regardless of where your blueberries came from, this is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

9. Maple Syrup Pie

Maple syrup pie is a Quebec staple that leans into Canada’s favourite natural sweetener. This version is promises to be rich but not overly sweet, with a silky texture and balanced maple flavour. Chill it, slice it, top with cream—done!

10. Matrimonial Cake (Date Squares)

Matrimonial Cake (AKA date squares) is an old-school Canadian dessert made with a sweet, sticky date filling layered between buttery oat crumble. A buttery oat crumble sandwiching a sticky-sweet date filling—it’s humble, hearty, and very comforting. No wedding required!

11. Sugar Pie (Tarte au Sucre)

Quebec sugar pie (AKA tarte au sucre) is a traditional French Canadian dessert that’s made with brown sugar ad maple syrup baked in a flaky crust. It’s a staple at sugar shacks, but there’s no need to wait for the next maple syrup festival to enjoy it. It’s surprisingly easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand!

12. Flapper Pie

Flapper pie is a Prairie favourite you might not know unless you grew up with it, with a graham cracker crust, creamy custard filling, and a cloud of dreamy meringue on top. It’s retro and ridiculously good!

13. Nanaimo Bars

Three no-bake layers (chocolate-coconut base, buttery custard centre, and a glossy chocolate top) combine to make Nanaimo Bars, a very recognizable Canadian treat. They show up at every potluck, bake sale, and barbecue, and this recipe for Nanaimo bars includes some pro tips to make them extra polished.

14. Figgy Duff

Figgy Duff is a traditional Newfoundland steamed pudding that, despite the name, contains no actual figs. Raisins were once commonly called “figs” on the island, and this dessert is full of them. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s often served alongside Sunday dinner or holiday meals.

15. Jam Jams

Jam Jams are one of those East Coast treats that instantly take you back. These soft molasses cookies are filled with jam, just like the ones you’d pick up at a roadside bakery in Newfoundland. This version is a great excuse to use up that half jar of homemade jam hiding in your fridge (you know you have one).

16. Partridgeberry Squares

Partridgeberry Crumble Squares are an iconic Newfoundland Christmas treat (though there’s no reason not to make them for any holiday!) They have a sweet and buttery cookie base, topped with tart partridgeberry jam and a crunchy crumble. If you grew up in Newfoundland, chances are these were waiting in the freezer come December, ready to be savoured with a cup of tea. If you can’t get fresh partridgeberries, any good-quality jam will do the trick.

17. Oatcakes

Nova Scotia oatcakes are rustic, buttery cookies with just a touch of sweetness. They’re made with oats, brown sugar, and butter. They might look humble, but oatcakes like these have been a staple in Nova Scotian kitchens for generations!

18. Maple Cream Pie

Maple cream pie is kind of like pancakes with maple syrup in pie form. Made with pure maple syrup and a buttery custard filling, it has roots in both Quebec and New England. Definitely a sweet way to celebrate Canada Day!

19. Beaver Tails

Sourdough adds a lovely tang and crispiness to these mini Beaver Tails, keeping them light and tender inside. Just like original Beaver Tails, they’re egg- and dairy-free. Consider these a sweet deep-fried dessert pizza, because they’re super customizable with your favourite toppings!

20. Maple Pudding Cake (Chômeur à L’érable)

Pouding chômeur (the literal translation of which is “unemployed pudding,” or poor man’s pudding) is French Canada’s answer to sticky toffee pudding, except it’s soaked in hot maple syrup. Serve it warm with ice cream!

21. Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookies

Inspired by the store-bought cookies most Canadian kids loved growing up, these homemade maple leaf sandwich cookies are flaky, buttery, and filled with a sweet maple cream.

22. Pets de Sœur

Yes, these are actually called “nun’s farts.” And yes, they’re actually delicious! Pie dough rolled with cinnamon sugar and baked into flaky spirals—these Quebec treats are simple and nostalgic. They definitely don’t taste like what they’re named after!

23. Newfoundland Snowballs

Newfoundland Snowballs are a Christmas staple in many East Coast kitchens. These soft, fudgy chocolate balls are rolled in coconut with a bit of oatmeal added for chew. Perfect for making ahead and tucking into your freezer, so they’re ready to snack on any time. Usually saved for Christmas, but why not make them any time of year?

24. Maple Fudge (Sucre à la Crème)

Maple fudge (AKA sucre à la crème) is a classic French Canadian treat that is a bit like fudge and caramel had a baby. Traditionally made with maple syrup or brown sugar, and usually served around Christmas. The only thing standing between you and these sugary melt-in-your-mouth squares are a few basic ingredients and a little time, so what are you waiting for?

Tried any of these? Let me know!

If you tried any of these treats, or I missed anything I should have included let me know in the comments!