Many people think that Spanish food is similar to Mexican food, but that’s not actually accurate. While both cuisines use similar ingredients, Spanish food is usually blander than Mexican food. One thing you can count on is that with any world cuisine, you can enjoy decadent and rich sweet treats.
Your foray into Spanish cuisine can open up doors to a whole new world of combinations and flavors you might have never even thought of.
Spanish desserts are an exquisite indulgence that you simply cannot miss when exploring Spain’s culinary landscape. Renowned for their rich flavors and delightful textures, these delectable treats will leave your taste buds craving for more. From creamy flan to indulgent churros, Spanish desserts are characterized by their perfect blend of simple and luxurious ingredients.
As you journey through Spain, you’ll find that each region has its own special take on traditional desserts. The warmth of Southern Spain brings forth treats such as pestiños, while the cooler climate of Northern Spain is perfect for thick and rich pastries, like the comforting Basque cheesecake, tarta de queso. By tasting your way through these various regions, you’ll truly appreciate the diverse sweetness that embodies Spanish culture.
Embarking on a culinary adventure focused on Spanish desserts allows you to not only satiate your sweet tooth, but also to connect with Spain’s distinct cultural identity. By savoring these delicious confections, you’ll gain insight into the country’s history, regional influences, and the passion that goes into crafting each irresistible dish. So, go ahead and experience the sweet side of Spain, and let your taste buds be your guide.
Even though there’s a chance you haven’t heard of some of these dishes, after the first bite you’ll wonder why you haven’t started sooner!
So sit back and travel across the world all while sitting in the comfort of your kitchen. Enjoy these Spanish dessert recipes for your next dinner gathering.
There’s a deep and long history of Tarta De Santiago and you can find mentions of it from the 15th century.
It’s simple in its appeal and delicious in taste. You have a classic spongy soft cake that’s ready to melt in your mouth combined with orange and almond flavors.
To top it off, sprinkle a little icing sugar on top of your favorite compote! If you really want to get fancy, you can use a stencil of St. James Cross and put it on the cake to give it a nice decoration.
Bust out this dessert recipe after lunch or dinner and it goes perfectly with a cup of horchata.
The Spanish sponge cake is a slight variation of the classic sponge cake in that it has some lemon and sometimes this dessert turns into an almond cake.
You’ll find it to be just as rich as the American version, if not even more so. The flavor is off the charts too, because you don’t expect something this simple to taste this good.
Just like the Tarta De Santiago, you can top this off with pretty much anything you want.
This dessert is for after lunch and dinner, but you could sneak an in-between snack here and there.
Don’t be scared by the name of this traditional dessert. The Saint’s Bones is usually saved for All Saints Day, but you can technically make it any time of the year.
Part of the appeal is the presentation, so if you can, make them extra boney-looking.
The white part is made with marzipan paste and the inside is filled with custard.
It will taste like some other Spanish desserts, but make no mistake, it looks like nothing else.
One look at this dessert and you can immediately start to taste the flavors.
Popular around winter holidays in Spanish countries, the flavors blend together to give you a feeling of the season.
Sweet honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds all blend together perfectly to create this treat.
You’ll find this irresistible treat in a couple of different types. You can either go with the crunchy and brittle Turron de Alicante or stick with the soft and chewy Turron de Jijona.
There isn’t much to a benuelos and there doesn’t need to be. These doughy treats are kind of like flatbread that was deep-fried and then covered in cinnamon.
To really hit that sweet spot, bust out a jar of local honey and go to town.
When the dough is deep-fried it creates these small air pockets. This doesn’t affect the taste at all but creates a fun experience when eating.
This is a popular Spanish pastry around holidays because it resembles a special occasion in Spanish culture.
They’re so delicious though that you’ll probably want to have them around more than that.
Although they look super simple, the flavors of the Polvoron are incredible.
The texture practically melts in your mouth when you eat them. The first part of the word (Polvo) in Spanish actually means dust!
What’s nice about this cookie is that it’s incredibly easy to make because you don’t need a lot of ingredients. Yet, they still taste like you gave them that special touch and love.
If you haven’t tried one, you really do have to try it. The crumbly texture that dissolves in your mouth is incredible and these are sure to be a hit at your next party.
When you make the Tocino De Cielo the right way, the presentation is off the charts.
If you’re looking for a fancy Spanish recipe to impress guests with at your next party, this is it.
It looks just like a Spanish flan but that’s about as close as the two resemble each other.
One bite and you can tell the taste is completely different as well as the texture.
Tocino De Cielo will be richer and sweeter compared to Flan. This dessert started in the Spanish churches and you could say it’s a little slice of heaven.
This dessert is nice if you want to give your guests something different than a pastry or custard.
Instead, give them a drink that is thick like a milkshake but it’s much sweeter and creamier.
Even better, you can add some citrus to the mix and blend flavors you’ve probably never had in a milkshake. Top it off with a little whipped cream and it’s even closer to a milkshake.
You have to have this drink cooled down so that it goes well on a summer day.
This Spanish dessert doesn’t take much time to make, so you can whip out a delicious batch right before your next party.
The best part about a crepe is that you can fill it with pretty much anything you like.
Whether it be fruit compote, custard, Nutella, or something else, a crepe never tastes bad! You could even fill it up with something savory and it would taste just as good.
You can even make this recipe without spending a ton of time in the kitchen.
Frixuelos de Asturias sounds like such an intimidating dish, but it’s actually just crepes! There are various ways to serve Spanish crepes, and each of them is amazing.
This is a type of Spanish dessert you can serve anywhere in the world, because who can deny the sweet flavors of honey combined with sugar and soft deep-fried bread?
These are the kinds of Spanish pastries you can eat tons of without batting an eye.
Now, instead of using regular dough with some honey and sugar, these Pestinos are actually seasoned with cinnamon, anise, lemon, and orange.
Add in the fact that they’re deep-fried and you have yourself the perfect after-dinner dessert to end the night.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
