Have you heard of “marry me” dishes? They’re the kind of meals so outrageously delicious that serving one might just land you a proposal (or at least a very enthusiastic DTR). The concept blew up thanks to recipes like Marcella Hazan’s roast chicken — aka engagement chicken — a dish so legendary it allegedly sparked multiple proposals.
Maybe you’ve tried dropping hints. Maybe that Sardinia trip came and went with only sunburns and a depleted bank account to show for it. If subtlety (and not-so-subtle ultimatums) haven’t worked, it might be time to let great food do the work.
Because what’s better for sweet, unforgettable moments than… dessert?
You might think your partner is immune to dessert-fueled persuasion. Just in case sugar still holds a little power, we’ve rounded up 11 Jewish “marry me” desserts — each matched to a different kind of sweetheart.
The Nosher celebrates the traditions and recipes that have brought Jews together for centuries. Donate today to keep The Nosher's stories and recipes accessible to all.
Pick the one that fits your partner’s vibe. Bake it. Serve it. See what happens next! Proposals, declarations, love confessions — we’ve seen it all. See you under the chuppah!
Baba Au Rhum
Semi-fluent in Ladino. Has a New Yorker tote bag. Doesn’t own a T.V. but watches Netflix on their laptop.
Blood Orange, Saffron and Semolina Cake
Drinks Fanta through a straw. Exercises in roller blades. Their hall pass is Bad Bunny.
Classic Apple Strudel
Type A. Cuffs their jeans. Wears teeth-whitening strips and journals while flying.
Pull-Apart Rugelach Cake
Finger tattoo. Cuts their own hair. Obsessed with making their own sauerkraut.
Chocolate Tahini Cake
Considering an online Masters degree. Loves The Bachelor. Campaigned for Hillary.
Apple and Honey Ruffle Milk Pie
Orange-tinted sunglasses. Velcro Teva sandals. Spent their whole paycheck at a music festival.
Hungarian Coffee Cake
Smokes menthols at parties. Saw “Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish four times. Wears shoes in the house.
Giant Babka Cinnamon Rolls
Drinks ice coffee. Does the NYT crossword daily. Fran Lebowitz is their role model.
Sephardic Orange Chiffon Cake
Loves a cardigan. Perfect credit score. Read “Hot Rabbi,” twice.
Hungarian Poppy Seed and Chocolate Ganache Cake
Has a signature scent (Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia only). Wears a hamsa necklace. Pescatarian.
Kanafeh Cheesecake
Wears Blundstone boots with shorts. Named their cat Emma Goldman. Knows every Troye Sivan song.
