10 Cuban-Inspired Desserts You Must Try
Some of these are tried and true, classic Cuban desserts while others are inspired by the tart, sweet, delicious Cuban flavors that we all know and love.
Without further ado, here are 10 Cuban desserts you must try ASAP!
If you’re looking to add some Cuban flare to your dessert menu, I’ve compiled a list just for you!
Disclaimer: I know these desserts are not all tried & true Cuban recipes. I’m working on adding more to the blog and I’m the only recipe developer behind A Sassy Spoon. Please, no hate. Don’t look at this list looking for a reason to critic and be negative. Appreciate your support and patience as I work on adding to this list!
1
Cuban Bunuelos with Cinnamon-Anise Syrup
Cuban Bunuelos are pillowy soft and doughy, fried pastries made with yuca and malanga (root vegetables), shaped into figure 8s, then coated in homemade cinnamon-anise syrup. These classically Cuban anise-spiced fritters are traditionally made for the holidays, Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) and, New Year's Eve.
2
Paniqueques/Queques Cubanos (Molasses Cookies)
Paniqueques or Queques Cubanos (Cuban Molasses Cookies) are thick, square cookies that are soft, dense, and chewy and, flavored with molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, and anise extract. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack with cafe con leche or chocolate caliente!
3
Guava Cake Bars (Cuban Masa Real de Guayaba)
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these highly-rated Guava Cake Bars, a beloved dessert renowned for its irresistible blend of rich, buttery cake layers embracing a sweet guava paste filling. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, our Masa Real recipe is designed to evoke sweet memories that make it a dessert worth celebrating.
4
Arroz Con Leche (Cuban Rice Pudding)
Arroz con Leche is an easy-to-make, creamy Cuban rice pudding made with sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and lemon zest. The perfect dessert for any day of the week and it's unbelievably delicious!
5
Cuban Merenguitos (Meringue Cookies/Kisses)
Merenguitos are light, airy, crisp Cuban meringue cookies made with 4 ingredients – room temperature egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar, and salt. Easy-to-make, deliciously sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth meringue kisses that pair perfectly with Cuban coffee.
6
Majarete (Cuban Fresh Sweet Corn Pudding)
Majarete is a thick and creamy sweet Cuban corn pudding that's made with just 4 ingredients – fresh corn, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. This traditional dessert is easy-to-make and will have a silky-smooth custard-like texture without the eggs or cornmeal. Made on the stovetop, this pudding chills in the fridge for at least 1 hour for the most perfectly creamy custard-y texture!
7
Pastelitos de Guayaba Y Queso (Guava Cheese Pastries)
Cuban guava cheese pastelitos are a classic Cuban dessert made with 4 ingredients: flaky puff pastry, sweet guava paste, softened cream cheese, and egg wash. Ready in 20 minutes in the oven after 10 minutes of prep. Serve these pastelitos with Cuban coffee for breakfast or enjoy them as an afternoon snack!
8
6-Ingredient Flan de Queso (Cream Cheese Flan)
Make tia proud by making a classic flan de queso! This cream cheese flan recipe is a rich, creamy custard with a caramel topping made from 6 pantry ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream cheese, vanilla, and eggs. It’s basically flan meets cheesecake, and the result is ridiculously good. The texture is so silky, it practically melts in your mouth. Serve it cold straight from the fridge for the ultimate Latin treat!
9
Cuban Shortbread Cookies (Torticas de Morón)
Easy to make, buttery Cuban shortbread cookies (Torticas de Morón). A classic Cuban cookie made with a hint of lime and coconut. The best shortbread cookie recipe ever!
10
Flan de Calabaza (Classic Cuban Pumpkin Flan)
Flan de Calabaza (Pumpkin Flan) is rich, creamy, and full of real pumpkin flavor. No pumpkin spice here. Made with pumpkin purée, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, it bakes into a silky custard with a glossy, amber caramel. The consistency is smooth and pudding-like, just how flan should be. It’s the ultimate Fall dessert that’s simple enough to make year-round.
Which are your favorite Cuban desserts that you’d love to see on this list? Tell me in the comments below.
Many years ago I visited Exquisito Restaurant on 8th Street in Miami. My favorite dessert was called Deplimatico Pudding. It seemed to be somewhat like flan, but there seemed to be fruit cocktail and some type of cake baked on the top. It was done in a loaf pan. I liked it so much that My friend would purchase a piece for me to eat for dessert, but would also buy me a whole one to take home. We lived in West Palm, so our visits to Miami was usually a couple of times a year. They stopped making it and I was very disappointed. I have never found a recipe for it and would love to have one.
Absolutely inspiring! Truly Spiritual. No foodie wonderland should ever be without the Cuban appeal. Your energy, your recipes and your photography— is electrifying! Me—born in Cuba, but raised in New York, without my Cuban parents or Cuban heritage, A SassySpoon” is a breath of fresh air and the reason —why you can search for God” in a Cathedral or Synagogue, but you can always find her” —in the Kitchen! Where the true magic of life” and Aroma” can be found! A true Spiritual Oasis. Thank-you Jamie! For keeping the magic Flowing!
Hi, when I was younger and we would visit my family in Miami, I remember something like a soften and very sweet shell of grapefruit and also of watermelon. Have you heard of that???
Was it guava shells (cascos de guayaba)?
I remember the grapefruit wedge with lots of syrup. I think they used to boil it and take out the bitterness.