What is a Dessert Spoon?
A dessert spoon is a medium-sized spoon designed mainly for eating dessert. It's slightly larger than a teaspoon but smaller than a tablespoon, making it suitable for savoring desserts like pudding and mousse.
Dessert Spoon Size
Standard Dimensions
Dessert spoons are usually about 7 inches long (18 cm). Their bowls hold around 10 milliliters and are great for portioning and eating desserts.
Variations in Size Across Regions
Sizes can vary significantly across countries. In some regions, smaller dessert spoons are preferred for specific sweets or formal occasions.
Dessert Spoon vs Teaspoon
Key Differences
The biggest difference is in size. Dessert spoons are bigger than teaspoons. Dessert spoons are twice the size of a teaspoon, which is about 5 inches (12 cm) long and holds 5 milliliters.
Common Uses for Each
Teaspoons are commonly used for stirring beverages or eating lighter desserts. Dessert spoons, on the other hand, are suited for richer meals like custard and ice cream.
Dessert Spoon vs Tablespoon
How They Differ
Tablespoons are larger, measuring 8.5 inches (22 cm) in length and holding about 15 milliliters. Dessert spoons, however, are for eating rather than serving or cooking.
Which One to Use?
Dessert spoons are perfect for serving desserts. For bigger quantities or mixing components, use a tablespoon.
Dessert Spoon Measurement
Volume Equivalence
A dessert spoon holds 10 milliliters, which is equivalent to two teaspoons. This makes it a useful tool for measuring small amounts in recipes.
Usage in Recipes
Dessert spoons are mostly used in European recipes for ensuring accurate ingredient measurements.
Dessert Spoon Conversions
These conversions are useful for adjusting recipes, especially when changing between spoon sizes or when you don't have the right tools.
Dessert Spoon to Teaspoon
1 dessert spoon equals 2 teaspoons. This is an appropriate unit for recipes that require slightly bigger quantities.
Dessert Spoon to Tablespoon
1 dessert spoon equals 2/3 tablespoon. Because a tablespoon contains 15 milliliters, this conversion is required for precise recipe measurements.
Quick Reference Chart:


Different Types of Spoons and Their Uses
Let us take a moment to discuss the different types of spoons that can be found in a kitchen or dining set. Each spoon serves a certain purpose, and knowing which one to use will help you enjoy your food more.
Dinner Spoon
The dinner spoon is possibly the most common one used on a dining table. It is slightly larger than other spoons and is used for eating main dishes such as rice, pasta, and curry. Its bowl shape makes it great for scooping up both solid food and some gravy. This is your go-to spoon for meals.
What it’s for: Eating main dishes like rice, pasta, or side dishes.
Size: About 7 to 8 inches long.
Dessert Spoon
The dessert spoon is slightly smaller than the dinner spoon and is specifically designed for eating desserts. It's perfect for scooping ice cream, custard, and puddings.
What it’s for: Eating desserts like ice cream, mousse, or pudding.
Size: Around 6 to 7 inches long.
Soup Spoon
The soup spoon has a deep, round bowl that’s perfect for scooping up broth or chunky soup. It’s larger than a dessert spoon but smaller than a tablespoon. Whether you’re having a clear soup or a thick stew, this is the spoon that makes it easy to enjoy every drop.
What it’s for: Eating soups, broths, or stews.
Size: Usually 5 to 7 inches long.
Coffee Spoon
A coffee spoon is small and dainty, perfect for stirring sugar or cream into your coffee or tea. It’s handy and stylish, making your tea or coffee moment a little more special.
What it’s for: Stirring tea or coffee in smaller cups.
Size: About 4 to 5 inches long.
Demitasse Spoon
This one is even smaller than a coffee spoon and is mainly used with tiny espresso cups or Turkish coffee. It’s all about elegance and is perfect for those quick, small sips.
What it’s for: Stirring espresso or Turkish coffee.
Size: Around 3 to 4 inches long.
Iced Tea Spoon
Ever tried to stir sugar in a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade and found it hard to reach the bottom? That’s where the iced tea spoon shines. It has a long handle to make mixing tall drinks easy.
What it’s for: Stirring tall drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or milkshakes.
Size: Typically 7 to 8 inches long.
Spork
A spork is a mix of a spoon and a fork. It’s super handy, especially for casual meals like salads, pasta, or picnics. Think of it as an all-in-one tool for foods that need both scooping and stabbing.
What it’s for: Great for things like salads or noodles.
Size: Usually 5 to 7 inches long.
Each of these spoons is designed for a specific purpose, and knowing which one to use can make a big difference in how you enjoy your food. It’s like having the right tool for the job, which just makes everything easier and more enjoyable!
Your Go-To Guide For:
Teaspoon vs Tablespoon: Key Differences & How to Measure ↗
Teaspoon vs Tablespoon: Differences, Sizes & Cooking Tips ↗
FAQs
What Are the Three Sizes of Spoons?
Spoons are commonly available in three standard sizes:
Teaspoon
Tablespoon
Dessert Spoon
What is the Smallest Spoon?
The demitasse spoon, measuring 3–4 inches, is the smallest.
How Much Is a Dessert Spoon?
In Cooking: A dessert spoon equals two teaspoons, making it helpful for measuring liquids and dry ingredients.
In Baking: It's an accurate tool for measuring sugar, butter, and other similar ingredients in recipes.
Which Spoon is Normally Used for Eating?
The dinner spoon is the go-to for most meals.
What’s the standard size of a dessert spoon?
It’s typically around 7 inches and holds about 10 milliliters.
Can dessert spoons measure ingredients?
Absolutely, they are equivalent to 2 teaspoons.
What’s the difference between a dessert spoon and a tablespoon?
Dessert spoons are smaller and meant for eating, while tablespoons are for serving.