Desserts & Sweets
Over thousands of years, each region in Spain has developed unique desserts. Every culture from the Romans to the Arabs have brought new delicacies. Spanish desserts range from simple dairy and fruit-based desserts to elegant, artisan pastries made with almonds, or aromatic seeds like sesame, fennel, anis or poppy seeds. Learn here to prepare the perfect end to a great Spanish comida or meal.
Spanish Almond Cream Recipe - Bienmesabe
Spanish Almond Cream, called "Bienmesabe" in Spanish is made of ground almonds, a sugar syrup, cinnamon and lemon zest. A big, gooey spoonful turns vanilla ice cream into a divine Spanish dessert! "Bienmesabe" is an ancient dessert of Arabic origin and still a very popular dessert in the Canary Islands.
Spanish Almond Cream, called "Bienmesabe" in Spanish is made of ground almonds, a sugar syrup, cinnamon and lemon zest. A big, gooey spoonful turns vanilla ice cream into a divine Spanish dessert! "Bienmesabe" is an ancient dessert of Arabic origin and still a very popular dessert in the Canary Islands.
Top Spanish Desserts
Spanish "pastelerias" or pastry shops are truly incredible and it seems that there is one on every corner. Passing by the window, you'll see a variety of beautiful, mouth-watering, hand-made pastries. Combined with the aroma as you walk by the door, it is hard not to step in for a closer look. In addition to fancy pastries, there are many classic or traditional Spanish desserts, but this list c…
Spanish "pastelerias" or pastry shops are truly incredible and it seems that there is one on every corner. Passing by the window, you'll see a variety of beautiful, mouth-watering, hand-made pastries. Combined with the aroma as you walk by the door, it is hard not to step in for a closer look. In addition to fancy pastries, there are many classic or traditional Spanish desserts, but this list c…
How to Make Sweet Gachas - Step-by-Step
“Gachas” are a simple dish, made from toasted flour, oil and milk. Depending on the region of Spain, "gachas" might be prepared with meat and broth, rather than with sugar and cinnamon. This step-by-step recipe is for the dessert version with anise seeds and is absolutely sweet and delicious - and quick, too!
“Gachas” are a simple dish, made from toasted flour, oil and milk. Depending on the region of Spain, "gachas" might be prepared with meat and broth, rather than with sugar and cinnamon. This step-by-step recipe is for the dessert version with anise seeds and is absolutely sweet and delicious - and quick, too!
Sweet Gachas
“Gachas” are a simple dish, made from toasted flour, oil and milk. In many parts of Spain, including the region of La Mancha, shepherds who lived in the hills with their flocks would prepare a pan of “gachas” with meat. In Andalucia, it is more common as a dessert, prepared with anise seeds or liqueur, sugar and cinnamon. This recipe is for the dessert version and is absolutely delicious.
“Gachas” are a simple dish, made from toasted flour, oil and milk. In many parts of Spain, including the region of La Mancha, shepherds who lived in the hills with their flocks would prepare a pan of “gachas” with meat. In Andalucia, it is more common as a dessert, prepared with anise seeds or liqueur, sugar and cinnamon. This recipe is for the dessert version and is absolutely delicious.
Churros
"Churros" are simple fried pastries that look something like a big “French fry,” but taste nothing like one, of course. Fresh dough is squeezed through a pastry bag right into vats of hot oil. Once removed, they are cut into lengths and quickly sprinkled with sugar or drizzled with honey and eaten hot.
"Churros" are simple fried pastries that look something like a big “French fry,” but taste nothing like one, of course. Fresh dough is squeezed through a pastry bag right into vats of hot oil. Once removed, they are cut into lengths and quickly sprinkled with sugar or drizzled with honey and eaten hot.
Churros with Strawberries and Cream
May is the month for strawberries, so strawberry desserts are very popular for Mother’s Day and for graduations. Our own creation, this strawberry dessert is not a traditional Spanish recipe, but combines elements found in many Spanish desserts – custard, whipped cream and fruit with a favorite - churros.
May is the month for strawberries, so strawberry desserts are very popular for Mother’s Day and for graduations. Our own creation, this strawberry dessert is not a traditional Spanish recipe, but combines elements found in many Spanish desserts – custard, whipped cream and fruit with a favorite - churros.
How to Make Churros - Spanish Fritters
"Churros" are fritters that look like big French fries, but taste nothing like one. The best way to explain them is to say that they are the Spanish equivalent of doughnuts. Instead of a ring like a doughnut, "churros" are long and straight and usually have ridges. They are cut into lengths and topped with sugar or honey. A Spanish breakfast favorite!
"Churros" are fritters that look like big French fries, but taste nothing like one. The best way to explain them is to say that they are the Spanish equivalent of doughnuts. Instead of a ring like a doughnut, "churros" are long and straight and usually have ridges. They are cut into lengths and topped with sugar or honey. A Spanish breakfast favorite!
Egg Custard
Lots of Spanish desserts are filled with rich creamy custard. In every pastry shop you will beautiful cakes decorated with sliced almonds and honey or whipped cream, but hidden between the layers is a rich egg custard. Cooks at home also use this thick, rich custard to fill pastries like "bunuelos."
Lots of Spanish desserts are filled with rich creamy custard. In every pastry shop you will beautiful cakes decorated with sliced almonds and honey or whipped cream, but hidden between the layers is a rich egg custard. Cooks at home also use this thick, rich custard to fill pastries like "bunuelos."
Easy Spanish Bread Pudding - Torrijas
Once you´ve tried "torrijas," you'll be hooked! Madrilenos love this Spanish version of bread pudding. Take day-old French or white bread and dip in milk, then eggs and fry in a frying pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar or coat with honey. The Spanish eat "torrijas" for breakfast or as a sweet treat at Easter.
Once you´ve tried "torrijas," you'll be hooked! Madrilenos love this Spanish version of bread pudding. Take day-old French or white bread and dip in milk, then eggs and fry in a frying pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar or coat with honey. The Spanish eat "torrijas" for breakfast or as a sweet treat at Easter.
How to Make Torrijas - Spanish Bread Pudding Recipe
Once you´ve tried "torrijas," you'll be hooked! Thickly sliced bread dipped in milk and egg and browned. Top it off with cinnamon and sugar or drizzle with honey. The Spanish eat it for breakfast or as a sweet treat at Easter. No matter when you eat it or exactly how you prepare it, you MUST try our easy step-by-step!
Once you´ve tried "torrijas," you'll be hooked! Thickly sliced bread dipped in milk and egg and browned. Top it off with cinnamon and sugar or drizzle with honey. The Spanish eat it for breakfast or as a sweet treat at Easter. No matter when you eat it or exactly how you prepare it, you MUST try our easy step-by-step!
Flan de Naranja - Orange Flan
Orange flan is a variation of the traditional Spanish flan, a vanilla custard topped with caramel sauce. This variation is lighter, but has an intense orange flavor that refreshes the palate as well as satisfying a sweet tooth. It is a simple custard recipe that can be made ahead of time and makes an elegant finish to any dinner or celebration, including Mother’s Day.
Orange flan is a variation of the traditional Spanish flan, a vanilla custard topped with caramel sauce. This variation is lighter, but has an intense orange flavor that refreshes the palate as well as satisfying a sweet tooth. It is a simple custard recipe that can be made ahead of time and makes an elegant finish to any dinner or celebration, including Mother’s Day.
Flan – Custard with Caramel Sauce
Flan is a vanilla egg custard, topped with caramel sauce. It is one of the most popular desserts, served everywhere in Spain. Flan is a great finish to a scrumptious meal because even though it is sweet and flavorful, it is a very light dessert. Learn how easy it is to make!
Flan is a vanilla egg custard, topped with caramel sauce. It is one of the most popular desserts, served everywhere in Spain. Flan is a great finish to a scrumptious meal because even though it is sweet and flavorful, it is a very light dessert. Learn how easy it is to make!
Flan de Fresas - Strawberry Flan
This rich dessert is a variation of the traditional Spanish dessert called "Flan." Instead of vanilla, this flan is flavored with fresh strawberries.
This rich dessert is a variation of the traditional Spanish dessert called "Flan." Instead of vanilla, this flan is flavored with fresh strawberries.
Coca de Frutas de San Juan - St. John's Cake
The "Coca de Frutas de San Juan" is the traditional sweet prepared on the feast of St. John in June.
The "Coca de Frutas de San Juan" is the traditional sweet prepared on the feast of St. John in June.
Roscon de Reyes - Twelfth Night Bread
"Roscon de Reyes" is a traditional holiday dessert, served the night before or morning of “Reyes” or Epiphany, January 6th. It is a yeast dough sweet bread, decorated with candied fruit on top. It is tradition to hide a baby figurine wrapped in foil and a dry bean. You are the king of the party if you find the baby, and must pay for the cake if you find the bean.
"Roscon de Reyes" is a traditional holiday dessert, served the night before or morning of “Reyes” or Epiphany, January 6th. It is a yeast dough sweet bread, decorated with candied fruit on top. It is tradition to hide a baby figurine wrapped in foil and a dry bean. You are the king of the party if you find the baby, and must pay for the cake if you find the bean.
Spanish Christmas Sweets
Christmas time in Spain is heaven for those of you with a sweet tooth! Learn to prepare these Spanish Christmas desserts, found in almost every household: turrón, polvorones, mazapan and mantecados. You’re sure to have a ¡Felíz Navidad!
Christmas time in Spain is heaven for those of you with a sweet tooth! Learn to prepare these Spanish Christmas desserts, found in almost every household: turrón, polvorones, mazapan and mantecados. You’re sure to have a ¡Felíz Navidad!
Turrón - Spanish Almond Candy
Turrón - Spanish Almond Candy or Nougat is a traditional Christmas treat in Spain. Made primarily from almonds and honey, it comes in a wide variety of flavors.
Turrón - Spanish Almond Candy or Nougat is a traditional Christmas treat in Spain. Made primarily from almonds and honey, it comes in a wide variety of flavors.
Panellets - Catalan Almond Sweets
“Panellets” are a traditional sweet from Cataluña, prepared for “Dia de Todos los Santos” or All Saints Day and served with moscatel or “cava,” Spanish sparkling wine. Made from equal parts ground almonds and sugar and decorated with pine nuts or flavored with chocolate, coffee or candied fruit.
“Panellets” are a traditional sweet from Cataluña, prepared for “Dia de Todos los Santos” or All Saints Day and served with moscatel or “cava,” Spanish sparkling wine. Made from equal parts ground almonds and sugar and decorated with pine nuts or flavored with chocolate, coffee or candied fruit.
Mantecados - Traditional Crumble Cakes
As their name suggests, these traditional Spanish crumble cakes or "mantecados" crumble very easily. In fact, they are so soft, they will literally melt in your mouth. Light and full of flavor, words will not do them justice. You'll have to make them to see why they are a Spanish favorite and why no Spanish home is without "mantecados" at Christmas!
As their name suggests, these traditional Spanish crumble cakes or "mantecados" crumble very easily. In fact, they are so soft, they will literally melt in your mouth. Light and full of flavor, words will not do them justice. You'll have to make them to see why they are a Spanish favorite and why no Spanish home is without "mantecados" at Christmas!
Polvorones - Almond Cookies
Rich and crumbly these traditional "polvorones" (Almond Cookies) are a delicious cookie, especially popular at during the Christmas season. They are very rich and practically melt in your mouth!
Rich and crumbly these traditional "polvorones" (Almond Cookies) are a delicious cookie, especially popular at during the Christmas season. They are very rich and practically melt in your mouth!
Tarta de Santiago - St. James' Cake
Santiago (St. James) is the patron saint of Spain and this delicious almond cake is named in his honor. The cake’s origin is not certain, but it may have been brought to Galicia by a pilgrim. Today, this cake is sold all over Santiago de Compostela and is popular with tourists and pilgrims.
Santiago (St. James) is the patron saint of Spain and this delicious almond cake is named in his honor. The cake’s origin is not certain, but it may have been brought to Galicia by a pilgrim. Today, this cake is sold all over Santiago de Compostela and is popular with tourists and pilgrims.
Arroz con Leche - Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a typical dish served in households all over Spain. It is rich and sweet with a touch of lemon flavor. It is a very easy recipe and can be served warm or cold.
Rice pudding is a typical dish served in households all over Spain. It is rich and sweet with a touch of lemon flavor. It is a very easy recipe and can be served warm or cold.
Magdalenas - Spanish Cakes
”Magdalenas” are small sweet cakes that are rich-tasting, but light and fluffy. The Spanish traditionally eate them for breakfast with "café con leche," although they are said to have originated in Aragón. Try them for breakfast, snack or a light dessert with coffee.
”Magdalenas” are small sweet cakes that are rich-tasting, but light and fluffy. The Spanish traditionally eate them for breakfast with "café con leche," although they are said to have originated in Aragón. Try them for breakfast, snack or a light dessert with coffee.
Membrillo con Queso - Quince Paste with Cheese
"Membrillo" is a typical dessert eaten in Spain, although it is also served with toast at the breakfast table. "Membrillo" or "Dulce de Membrillo" is a sweet, very dense jelly or paste made from the fruit of the quince tree. Try it with cheese for a light dessert or for breakfast.
"Membrillo" is a typical dessert eaten in Spain, although it is also served with toast at the breakfast table. "Membrillo" or "Dulce de Membrillo" is a sweet, very dense jelly or paste made from the fruit of the quince tree. Try it with cheese for a light dessert or for breakfast.
Crema Catalana Recipe – How to Make Crema Catalana
"Crema Catalana" or Catalan Cream is the Spanish version of the very creamy and delicate French dessert, "crème brulée." It is also called "Crema de Sant Josep," or St. Joseph’s cream and is traditionally prepared on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day. St. Joseph’s Day is the Spanish equivalent of Father’s Day in the USA. Try this EASY Spanish dessert recipe!
"Crema Catalana" or Catalan Cream is the Spanish version of the very creamy and delicate French dessert, "crème brulée." It is also called "Crema de Sant Josep," or St. Joseph’s cream and is traditionally prepared on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day. St. Joseph’s Day is the Spanish equivalent of Father’s Day in the USA. Try this EASY Spanish dessert recipe!
Crema Catalana Recipe - How to Make Catalan Cream Step-by-Step
"Crema Catalana" or Catalan Cream is the Spanish version of the creamy and delicate French dessert, "crème brulée." It is a good dessert for Spring, since it's also called "Crema de Sant Josep," or St. Joseph’s Cream, traditionally prepared on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day. St. Joseph’s Day is the Spanish equivalent of Father’s Day in the USA. Try this EASY step-by-step Spanish dessert recipe!
"Crema Catalana" or Catalan Cream is the Spanish version of the creamy and delicate French dessert, "crème brulée." It is a good dessert for Spring, since it's also called "Crema de Sant Josep," or St. Joseph’s Cream, traditionally prepared on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day. St. Joseph’s Day is the Spanish equivalent of Father’s Day in the USA. Try this EASY step-by-step Spanish dessert recipe!
Quick and Easy Apple Tart - Tarta de Manzana
A very popular Spanish dish, especially in Northern Spain is "Tarta de Manzana" - Quick and Easy Apple Tart. Our version uses prepared puff pastry for crust, fresh tart green apples, and is topped with sweet and luscious apricot preserves to create a golden glaze and seal the apples.
A very popular Spanish dish, especially in Northern Spain is "Tarta de Manzana" - Quick and Easy Apple Tart. Our version uses prepared puff pastry for crust, fresh tart green apples, and is topped with sweet and luscious apricot preserves to create a golden glaze and seal the apples.
Macedonia de Fruta Tropical - Tropical Fruit Salad Recipe
In Spain, fresh fruit is commonly served for dessert. This recipe is a simple fruit salad, to which you may add a splash of rum or sparkling wine or liqueur.
In Spain, fresh fruit is commonly served for dessert. This recipe is a simple fruit salad, to which you may add a splash of rum or sparkling wine or liqueur.
Crispy Polvorones - Almond Cookies
Rich and crumbly, but crisper than the traditional version, this "polvorones" (Almond Cookies) recipe is a delicious cookie that is popular in Spain during the Christmas season.
Rich and crumbly, but crisper than the traditional version, this "polvorones" (Almond Cookies) recipe is a delicious cookie that is popular in Spain during the Christmas season.
Rosquillos de Vino - Wine Ring Cookies
"Rosquillos de Vino" or Spanish wine cookies are made with wine, but what you'll really taste is the anise flavoring! These cookies are great with a hot cup of tea or coffee, but the Spanish commonly eat them with a small glass of Anise liqueur.
"Rosquillos de Vino" or Spanish wine cookies are made with wine, but what you'll really taste is the anise flavoring! These cookies are great with a hot cup of tea or coffee, but the Spanish commonly eat them with a small glass of Anise liqueur.
Sorbete de Vino Rioja – Rioja Wine Sorbet
Sorbet is a perfect end to a delicious meal. This sorbet made from Spanish red wine, flavored with cinnamon and lemon is a delightful way to cleanse and excite the palette at the same time. It is also a simple, easy-to-prepare recipe that can be made and stored ahead of time. Serve this at your next dinner party. It’s sure to impress your guests!
Sorbet is a perfect end to a delicious meal. This sorbet made from Spanish red wine, flavored with cinnamon and lemon is a delightful way to cleanse and excite the palette at the same time. It is also a simple, easy-to-prepare recipe that can be made and stored ahead of time. Serve this at your next dinner party. It’s sure to impress your guests!
Membrillo - Quince Paste
"Membrillo" is a typical dessert eaten in Spain, although it is also served with toast at the breakfast table. "Membrillo" or "Dulce de Membrillo" is a sweet, very dense jelly made from the fruit of the quince tree. It is a great alternative to pastry or doughnuts for breakfast or dessert.
"Membrillo" is a typical dessert eaten in Spain, although it is also served with toast at the breakfast table. "Membrillo" or "Dulce de Membrillo" is a sweet, very dense jelly made from the fruit of the quince tree. It is a great alternative to pastry or doughnuts for breakfast or dessert.
Peras al Vino - Pears in Wine
This delicious dessert recipe originates from the "País Vasco" or Basque Country in Northern Spain. It is made with fresh pears and white wine and is an elegant ending for a dinner any time of year, but especially in the summer or fall.
This delicious dessert recipe originates from the "País Vasco" or Basque Country in Northern Spain. It is made with fresh pears and white wine and is an elegant ending for a dinner any time of year, but especially in the summer or fall.
Bizcochos Borrachos - Drunken Sponge Cakes
Light spongy cake, drizzled with a sweet sauce of brandy, lemon and cinnamon. It is a wonderful light dessert to complete a Spanish dinner. These "bizcochos" are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of Spanish coffee or hot chocolate on a cold morning or for afternoon tea.
Light spongy cake, drizzled with a sweet sauce of brandy, lemon and cinnamon. It is a wonderful light dessert to complete a Spanish dinner. These "bizcochos" are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of Spanish coffee or hot chocolate on a cold morning or for afternoon tea.