Dining at a Caribbean restaurant is always a delicious experience. But after your order of jerk chicken, pepper pot soup, or mofongo is gone, you may find yourself craving something sweet. If the restaurant has a dessert menu, then it's well worth taking a look. Here are some of the key Caribbean desserts you can expect to see.

Pudin de Pan

"Pudin de pan" means "bread pudding." This is a dessert that's common in the Dominican Republic. It is made from torn or sliced cubes of bread with an evaporated milk mixture poured over them. The mixture is seasoned with cloves, ginger, and sometimes some star anise. This bread pudding is baked until the top is crispy but the center is still soft. It's a great way to sample the sweet spices that are common in Caribbean desserts.

Belizean Fudge

Fudge is the perfect dessert when you want a little something sweet, but you don't have room for a big, heavy dish. In Belize, fudge is made with sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and brown sugar. It has a more crumbly texture than American fudge that you're probably used to. Some versions have raisins or dates interspersed throughout the fudge.

Gizzada

Gizzada is a type of tart that hails from the island of Jamaica. It may remind you of the butter tarts that are so popular in Canada. These tarts are usually just a few inches across. They have a crumbly, slightly sweet crust, and they are filled with a sugary mixture consisting of brown sugar, coconut, butter, and nutmeg. Some versions contain some chopped maraschino cherries, and others simply have a maraschino cherry on top. A single gizzada is enough dessert for one person. You may be able to split one with a dining buddy if you're not too hungry.

Cassava Pone

Cassava pone is a cake that's common throughout the Caribbean. It is made from cassava root, which takes on an almond flour-like texture when ground. Seasoned with cinnamon, ginger, and sometimes coriander, this cake is quite flavorful, and even a small slice is satisfying. Some restaurants may serve cassava pone topped with some whipped cream or even iced cream.

If you have room after your Caribbean dinner, definitely splurge on some dessert. The desserts popular in the Caribbean are not complicated, but they are quite delicious. A little something sweet after your filling meal will satisfy your taste buds and help expand your palate.