These Spanish desserts offer everyone a sensory journey through Spain’s beautiful regions and vibrant culture! Rich in flavor and history, these traditional treats are a central part of every celebration from Easter to Christmas! Let’s dig in and explore 20 irresistible desserts that locals love.
Delicious Spanish Desserts To Try At Least Once
1. Flan
A staple in many homes, flan is a rich, creamy custard made from simple ingredients like egg yolks, milk, and vanilla.
It’s versatile as it is delicious, with locals giving it various twists by making cheese flan, coconut flan, or chestnut flan. It’s tasty enough on its own, but can also be paired with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit.
2. Crema Catalana
Think of crema catalana as the Spanish version of crème brûlée, but lighter. It’s made with egg yolks, milk, cinnamon, and a hint of orange or lemon zest, topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
Crema catalana is traditionally served during Saint Joseph’s Day in March, but it’s so good that many enjoy it all year long.
3. Churros con Chocolate
Churros con Chocolate are a classic pairing of crispy fried sticks of dough with rich, thick hot chocolate for dipping. It can be enjoyed throughout the day as a breakfast, snack, or post-dinner item, especially during festivals and weekends.
The recipes might vary by region, but churros con chocolate always promise chocolatey goodness and comfort!
4. Arroz con Leche
Arroz con leche (or Spanish rice pudding) is a rice-based dessert flavored with ground cinnamon and citrus flavors (orange or lemon).
It’s a comforting dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold and with or without a caramelized crust. It’s a go-to treat for many during family gatherings and religious holidays.
5. Torrijas
These are similar to French toast, but more decadent and more indulgent. Torrijas are bread slices soaked in ingredients like milk, sugar, and egg yolks, then fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar before serving.
It’s very common during the Easter season, becoming widely available in pastry shops and cafes during the months of March and April.
6. Turrón
A classic Spanish dessert around Christmas, turrón is an almond nougat-like dessert made with honey and egg yolks.
They’re typically made and sold in blocks that are broken down before consumption. While it’s a seasonal treat, some specialty shops may sell it all year round.
7. Polvorones
They are crumbly shortbread cookies made wth flour, sugar, lard, and ground almonds.
The name “polvorones” is based on “polvo” meaning “powder” or “dust”, as these cookies practically crumble in your hands and mouth when you hold them. These are especially popular during Christmas when they’re wrapped and sold in colorful paper.
8. Pionono
Originating from Granada, pionono is a small, rolled sponge cake filled with cream or custard and topped with caramelized sugar.
It’s also named after Pope Pius IX, who’s also known as “Pio Nono”. It’s a regional gem that goes very well with coffee!
9. Natillas
This one is a creamy and sweet Spanish custard that is somewhat similar to flan, but without the caramelized sugar on top.
Instead, it’s dusted with ground cinnamon and served with a cookie. It’s one of the simplest, most commonly served Spanish desserts that locals adore.
10. Leche Frita
Leche Frita translates to “fried milk,” which describes how this sweet treat is made. You thicken sweet milk into a custard-like block, cut it into squares, coat them in flour, then fry them until golden.
The result is a delightfully crisp square dessert with a soft and sweet interior that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.
11. Panellets
These traditional desserts are often eaten during All Saints’ Day on November 1.
These small round balls are typically made of marzipan and coated with pine nuts, making them sweet, rich, and chewy. Panellets are especially popular in Catalonia and Valencia.
12. Huesos de Santo
Another dessert eaten during All Saints’ Day in November is huesos de santo. Translated as “saint’s bones”, these are rolled-up tubes of marzipan with filling (usually a mixture of egg yolks and sugar) meant to mimic the appearance of bones with marrow.
Despite their spooky, even macabre name, they’re a much-loved holiday dessert in Spain.
13. Peras al Vino
This simple yet elegant dish features poached pears simmered in red wine, sugar, and spices such as cloves and cinnamon.
You’ll get a ruby-red colored dessert that’s beautiful and flavorful and is best enjoyed with whipped cream or ice cream on top or the side.
14. Rosquillas
What’s a dessert list without round doughnuts? Rosquillas are fried donuts that can be enjoyed in several ways: glazed, topped with icing, coated with sugar, or flavored with spices like anise and cinnamon, or even lemon zest.
They’re readily available in shops everywhere, especially during Holy Week and Easter.
15. Hojaldres
Hojaldres are delicious, flaky pastries. They are made from puff pastry dough, filled with cream, jam, or custard, and then baked until golden and perfectly cooked.
They are often enjoyed as a tea-time dessert and a great alternative to heavier baked goods.
16. Olive Oil Cake
Also known as “Bizcocho de Aceite” or “Tarta de Aceite,” this cake is made with Spanish olive oil (instead of butter), which gives it a super-moist appearance and delicate richness.
It can be flavored in many ways, such as incorporating citrus zest, vanilla, or fruits into the recipe. It’s a simple yet exquisite dessert that locals enjoy.
17. Tarta de Queso
Creamier and cheesier than your typical cheesecake, tarta de queso has become a global favorite thanks to its rich flavor and soft texture.
It’s made with Spanish cheeses like queso fresco, eggs, cream, and sugar, then poured into a graham cracker crust and baked.
Another well-loved variety is the Basque-style tarta de queso, which skips the crust altogether and is baked until the center is jiggly. Both are delicious and best enjoyed with wines and other beverages.
18. Tarta de Santiago
Tarta de Santiago is also known as “Spanish Almond Cake,” originating from Galicia and distinguished by a cross of Saint James on top.
This is a traditional dessert for pilgrims taking on the Camino de Santiago route and is often enjoyed with a glass of wine.
19. Mantecados
Closely related to polvorones, mantecados are also soft and crumbly cookies, but aren’t made with ground almonds.
Instead, they are flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or lemon. Mantecados originated in Andalusia and are popularly enjoyed during Christmas.
20. Alfajores
Alfajores are similar to sweet sandwich cookies. They are made by pressing two shortbread cookies together with dulce de leche or milky caramel filling in the middle, then rolling the sandwich in powdered sugar, coconut, or chocolate.
Aljajores are a staple holiday treat, offering locals a unique and deeply satisfying dessert.
Comments
No Comments