Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, is a time dedicated to worship and reflection. More than that, Muslims (there are 1.5 billion of them, btw) discipline themselves through their strict boycott of food and water from dawn to dusk every day, for 29 to 30 days. The fasting is meant to conjure a sense of sympathy and fraternity with the less privileged.

Ramadan is a month of understanding, forgiveness, and piety.

But, there is a less spiritual benefit to the fasting too. It’s probably the only month in the year when you opt to wear your sweatpants instead of snug jeans to the dinner table. Yes! What makes Ramadan so special is the iftar … its unending supply and variety of food. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it.

Yet, let’s be frank, an iftar isn’t complete without a tray of succulent Ramadan sweets. We’re just going to leave the best of the best for you to drool on:

1. Atayef

These cheese- or nut-stuffed pancakes are a must in every Muslim household for suhoor. Learn how to make them here. Don’t forget to drizzle some sugar syrup over them!

2. Kellaj

Don’t be fooled by the samosa-like exterior. This is probably the sweetest Ramadan dessert you can eat. Don’t believe us? Here’s the recipe.

3. Baklawa

These Levantine delicacies are best served with a cup of coffee. Here’s a recipe.

4. Awamat

These Lebanese doughnut balls are the easiest and quickest to make. Check out the recipe here. For a healthier option we recommend that you coat them with honey instead of sugar syrup.

5. Outhmalleyeh

Mmmmm … crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. We want to learn how to do this ourselves!

6. Znud el-Sitt

a) Make here.
b) Roll these in a small puddle of sugar syrup
c) Cry, because how can something be so good?!

7. Chocolate-Covered Dates

Run to your nearest Arab pastry or sweets shop now, because these are a best-seller! They make a fancy gift if you’re invited to an iftar or suhoor. Better yet, put your cooking skills to the test and makethem yourself.

8. Halawet el-Jebn

This cloudlike dessert is a Lebanese speciality made of cheese dough, ashta cream and rose water. It’s the perfect dessert for that person who really doesn’t like anything that’s “too sweet.” Here’s therecipe.