Indulge in the rich flavors of Cuba with our carefully curated collection of 25 authentic Cuban desserts! These sweet treats boast a unique blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, yielding a distinct taste that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. As you peruse these recipes, you’ll notice that many share similar ingredients, but clever combinations and cooking techniques set them apart from their familiar counterparts.
For instance, a classic cheesecake might be recognizable, while a Mini Lime and Guava Cheesecake will introduce you to new heights of flavor! To ensure success with any recipe, especially those requiring extended resting times, it’s crucial to read through each carefully before diving in. With everything from comforting classics to innovative twists, there’s something for everyone in this diverse lineup. Let yourself be tempted by the likes of #24, a portable and indulgent apple-filled treat.
Marta’s Homemade Pastelitos de Guayaba
Natilla Cubana Recipe
One of the most iconic and delectable Cuban desserts is a custard made with eggs, boasting a rich and indulgent flavor profile. This traditional treat yields six servings that can be easily chilled in any type of serving cup or shot glass, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. However, please note that this dessert does require a minimum of four hours to chill, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
Cuban Mojito Shortbread Bars
Indulge in the trifecta of flavors and textures that define these Cuban-inspired bars. A foundation of crumbly shortbread is elevated by a creamy custard layer, which in turn is capped with a tangy topping infused with the brightness of lime juice, the freshness of mint, and the depth of rum extract. It’s an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
Mini Lime and Guava Cheesecake
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of no-bake Cuban desserts that can be prepared in just thirty minutes. The excitement is palpable as we dive into these authentic recipes that are sure to impress with their stunning presentation and delightful flavor combinations. Mini lime and guava cheesecakes, for instance, are a masterclass in layering and taste, earning a perfect score of ten on the presentation scale!
Cuban Coconut Candy
Indulge in this delightful holiday treat, which I affectionately refer to as a bar. The combination of its soft, chewy nugget base and rich, dark chocolate layer on top is truly tantalizing. While it may not be the most complicated dessert to prepare, it does require some specific steps and a brief two-hour chill time, making it an excellent choice for those looking to try something new and exciting in their baking repertoire.
Rum Cake from Scratch
This delectable dessert, typically baked in a bundt cake pan, yields a dense and thick cake that’s perfectly infused with butter rum sauce. The combination is nothing short of indulgent. While Cuban desserts can range from simple to complex, this particular recipe falls somewhere in the middle – accessible yet still requiring some skill. With clear instructions, you’ll have no problem following along and enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Cuban Opera Cake
The Cuban Opera Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Comprising three layers and topped with a rich glaze, it’s a true masterpiece. However, its complexity means it’s not for the faint of heart – you’ll need two days to prepare this sweet treat. The payoff is well worth the effort though, making it the perfect choice for special occasions when you want to go all out.
Mojito Key Lime Bars
Inspiration often strikes from unexpected places, and for these Cuban-inspired dessert ideas, a non-alcoholic Mojito cocktail played a key role. Fortunately, this sweet treat is accessible to everyone. To make the process more convenient, you can use refrigerated sugar cookie dough as a shortcut for the crust, while still enjoying the satisfaction of preparing the rest from scratch.
The result is two layers that bake together to create scrumptious bars, perfect for decorating with your favorite toppings and indulging in.
Cream Cheese Ice Cream with Guava Syrup
As the warmth of summertime sparked creativity in the culinary world, a plethora of Cuban dessert ideas emerged. Among these sweet treats is an ice cream variation inspired by the classic pastelitos. This refreshing treat is perfect for gathering with friends and family. What’s more, this recipe is accessible to all, even those without an ice cream maker. Simply follow the alternative instructions provided.
To add a burst of flavor, pour the syrup over the ice cream, resulting in a unique and delightful dessert.
Merenguitos
Our Cuban dessert recipes wouldn’t be complete without mentioning merenguitos, which are essentially meringue cookies with a delicate balance of sweetness and a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut for added texture. It’s worth noting that humidity can play a significant role in the setting process of the meringue, so it’s essential to plan accordingly to achieve the desired outcome.
Furthermore, this recipe requires a slow and low-temperature baking process, which not only adds to the overall cooking time but also highlights the importance of patience in achieving the perfect merenguitos.
Cuban Flan – The Best in the World
The allure of authentic Cuban desserts lies not only in their rich flavors, but also in the stories behind them. One such dessert that offers a fascinating glimpse into Cuba’s culinary heritage is Flan Cubano. What sets it apart from its Mexican counterpart is the use of canned condensed milk and evaporated milk, staples in Cuban cuisine due to their widespread availability. The result is a thicker, creamier flan than its Mexican equivalent.
But what really makes Flan Cubano unique are the various twists and interpretations that can be added with the incorporation of fresh Cuban fruits, making each one a true reflection of the island’s culinary creativity.
Sweet Cuban Coconut Balls with Melted Chocolate (Coquito Acaramelado)
The culinary scene is abuzz with the presence of street food! Among its most ardent enthusiasts are the locals themselves, who have a special affinity for this flavorful fare. As we seek out sweet treats to satisfy our cravings after dinner, it’s no surprise that Cuban desserts take center stage. And what better way to indulge than with a treat that requires just four ingredients? These coconut balls are sure to leave everyone wondering what culinary magic has taken place!
Dulce De Leche Cortada (Curdled Milk Dessert)
In the world of Cuban desserts, there’s a unique twist that often goes unnoticed – the use of curdled milk in traditional recipes. Prior to my discovery, I had always viewed it as an unwanted byproduct, destined for the trash. But, as I delved deeper into the culinary culture of Cuba, I learned that wastefulness is a concept foreign to these dessert enthusiasts. Instead, they find creative ways to repurpose every ingredient, including curdled milk.
This sweet treat is a perfect example of their resourcefulness, combining just four ingredients in a surprising yet harmonious way. And don’t worry – the result isn’t sour at all.
Brazo Gitano De Guayaba (Jelly Roll Cakes)
The familiar rhythm of pastry and guava comes together once more, this time taking the form of a classic Cuban dessert: the jelly roll. The tender cake base is topped with a generous helping of sweet filling, then carefully rolled into its signature shape. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch, transforming this humble treat into a show-stopping dessert
Cuban Churros & Hot Chocolate With Coconut Whipped Cream
Indulge in the legendary Churro, a quintessential Cuban donut that has captured the hearts of people worldwide. This delectable treat boasts a timeless appeal, and its popularity can be attributed to the rich cultural heritage it embodies. According to tradition, the perfect way to enjoy a Churro is by dipping it into a rich, thick Cuban hot chocolate. The process is straightforward: create the dough, fry it to perfection, and finally, add a generous helping of sugar.
For an optimal experience, serve the Churros immediately, savoring their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try dipping them into a cup of divine Cuban hot chocolate? The result is nothing short of heavenly.
Guava Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
Taking a cue from her affection for Cuban cuisine, this creative individual crafted a range of sweet treats infused with the bold flavors of Cuba. One such innovation is a cupcake recipe that gets its unique twist from the incorporation of guava paste within each treat before baking. The combination doesn’t stop there, as a drizzle of guava jam is added on top of the cream cheese icing, marrying the two flavors in a delightful harmony.
Cuban Sugar Cookies With Guava And Lime (Torticas De Moron)
Patience is a virtue, especially when indulging in the sweet treats of Cuba. While it’s true that good things come to those who wait, the reward is well worth the investment of time. In this recipe, you’ll need to allow for a leisurely pace, with some steps requiring four hours of preparation – or you can divide the tasks over two days to make it more manageable.
The end result is a delightful dessert that’s lightly golden in color and features a deliciously melted guava center.
So take a deep breath, put on your thinking cap, and let the magic unfold! With a little planning and some TLC, you’ll be enjoying this scrumptious treat in no time.
Cherry Garcia Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
While traditional Cuban desserts often feature sweet treats, this recipe takes a refreshing twist by incorporating tart maraschino cherries. The result is a delightful combination of flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
What’s more, the dough for these cookies is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made up to two weeks in advance. Simply store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
If you do decide to use the cherry juice, keep in mind that it will give the dough a lovely reddish hue. On the other hand, if you prefer a clearer dough, simply rinse and dry those cherries before adding them to the mix.
Boniatillo | Cuban Sweet Potato Pudding
Sweet potato pie may not be an unfamiliar treat, but its pudding counterpart is just as deserving of attention. This Cuban-inspired dessert deviates from traditional recipes by indulging in sweetness on a grand scale, with a whopping two cups of sugar complemented by the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes themselves. The subtle nuances of lemon and cinnamon add depth to this comforting dessert, which can be enjoyed either warm or chilled.
Tamarind Balls
As we venture deeper into the world of authentic Cuban desserts, we’re introduced to an ingredient that may require a little extra effort – tamarind. This sweet and sour fruit is often found in Asian or Latino supermarkets, but it’s essential to seek out the whole pods rather than relying on purees. Once you’ve acquired 20 pods, you’ll be ready to unlock the secret to transforming them into delectable treats.
To begin, you’ll need to learn how to expertly de-shell the tamarind fruit.
From there, simply combine it with a few choice ingredients and shape it into balls before rolling each one in your preferred type of sugar. The result is a sweet and tangy treat that’s sure to satisfy any dessert craving.
Sweetened Grapefruit Shells (Dulce de Toronjas)
When it comes to Cuban-inspired desserts, a common thread is the incorporation of fresh fruits. In this instance, grapefruit takes center stage, its peel carefully removed, sections divided, and fruit segments scooped out. The resulting ‘shells’ are then allowed to soak and chill before being paired with the rich, creamy notes of Gouda cheese for a sweet and tangy dessert experience.
Cuban Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche)
When seeking out the perfect Cuban dessert, look no further than short grain rice. Its creamy, cinnamon-infused sweetness is simply irresistible. The cooking process requires attention to detail, so be sure to have some soothing background noise – a podcast or music can help make the task more enjoyable. Once cooked, refrigerate and store at the back of your fridge to prevent these sweet treats from vanishing too quickly!
Cuban Bread Pudding
While many of the Cuban dessert recipes I’ve had the pleasure of exploring have their own unique charms, this particular bread pudding has a special place in my heart. The addition of dark rum, dry white wine, and grated lemon peel elevates the dish to new heights, making it truly unforgettable. And when it emerges from the oven after an hour of baking, the aroma that fills the entire home is nothing short of tantalizing.
Baked Apple Empanadas
Are you a fan of classic apple pie? If so, you’re in luck because we’ve got a delightful treat that’s just as tasty – Cuban empanadas! These flaky pastries are perfect for snacking on the go, and they come with a bonus: a simple recipe to make your own crust and filling. So why not give it a try? Simply serve them with a scoop of ice cream for an added touch, or enjoy them straight up – either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Guava Tart
Cuban desserts frequently incorporate guava, but this recipe takes the classic combination to the next level by presenting it as a full-sized tart. The harmonious blend of a rich, buttery crust and a sweet, tangy guava filling is undeniably alluring. Moreover, the provided instructions offer a clear and straightforward guide to bringing this delightful dessert to life.
The bottom line
A thread of consistency runs through the ingredients commonly used in traditional Cuban pastries and desserts. Specifically, guava, powdered sugar, almonds, evaporated milk, coconut, and cream cheese are staples that frequently make an appearance. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to narrow down the possibilities. However, this abundance of choices only adds to the excitement of exploring the rich culinary heritage of Cuba.
From classic Rum Cake recipes to innovative twists like Guava Tart, this collection of 25 Cuban desserts offers something for everyone.
