Craving something sweet? Let me whisk you away to Spain with this collection of 24 traditional dessert recipes.
Each one has its own story, so get ready for a delicious tour as I guide you through a rich selection of tempting treats.
From creamy custards to unique cookies, there’s something here to satisfy every craving.
1. Panellets
Panellets are delightful little mouthfuls, created using almonds and sugar. Once shaped, these almond-based delights are cloaked in pine nuts, cocoa powder, coconut flakes, or perhaps even candied cherries. As for the tasting notes, expect a delightful blend of sweetness, nuttiness, with hints of chocolate dancing on your taste buds all at once.
Hailing from Catalonia, these treats are usually enjoyed during All Saints Day alongside a glass of celebratory sparkling wine.
These are great for a party.
2. Pestiños
These sugary wonders represent Andalucia’s pride, and with good cause, they are amazing.
They consist of deep-fried dough, which is then drizzled in honey or sprinkled with sugar. What sets them apart is the dough, itself, is packed with flavor. Infused with anise, orange, cloves, and cinnamon, these tasty morsels are then fried to perfection in olive oil, creating an irresistible combination.
These are perfect for sharing.
3. Tocino De Cielo
Tocino de cielo translates to “heaven’s little pig,” but don’t let the name fool you, this dessert is heavenly.Though similar to Spanish flan, it has a richer, lighter, and sweeter custard base crafted exclusively with egg yolks.Originating in 14th-century Jerez de la Frontera, wineries gave leftover egg yolks to the Convento de Espiritu Santo de Jerez de la Frontera, and the nuns used their ingenuity to concoct this immaculate dessert.
I could eat this all day.
4. Churros
What more can be said about churros that you don’t already know?
A classic snack loved across Latin countries and beyond, these fried beauties boast a golden crisp exterior and a center that’s incredibly tender. A simple dusting of cinnamon sugar adds the finishing touch.
This fantastic snack becomes the ultimate indulgence when paired with rich hot chocolate or creamy dulce de leche. They are amazing.
5. Polvorón
These are unique cookies, derived from the Spanish word “polvo,” which means dust or powder, and that description is fitting. Polvoron is a crumbly cookie crafted using just five key ingredients, flour, crushed almonds, butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
The richness and buttery texture of these cookies is just amazing. With each mouthful, the cookie melts to powdery crumbles on your tongue, for a truly amazing experience.
Make them anytime you want.
6. Fartons
If you need a sign to get baking, this is it. This sweet sponge bread has a unique cigar shape, making them the perfect thing for dunking! When paired with horchata de chufa, you get a great combination.
Together, they make a tasty and satisfying breakfast or afternoon treat. You will not regret making these today.
7. Leche Merengada
Needing a great beverage? This drink has you covered.
If you love milkshakes, you’re in for a treat with leche merengada. Made with milk, sugar, egg whites, cinnamon, and lemon zest, it has unique flavors that are so good.
Served chilled, this is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. The fact that it’s super easy to make and uses basic ingredients means you can whip it up any time you want.
8. Tarta De Santiago
Let me tell you about a cake that is a big deal. Originating from Galicia, Spain, Tarta de Santiago is a classic Spanish dessert with roots stretching back to the 15th century, during the medieval pilgrimage era. Similar to Spanish almond cake, Tarta de Santiago is made using almonds, orange zest, and almond zest, and is just as wonderfully soft and moist.
This cake is a perfect afternoon treat, especially when paired with a cafe con leche.
9. Natillas De Leche (Spanish Custard)
Also known as Spanish custard, this dessert is a smooth, thick, and creamy flan. Infused with cinnamon and vanilla, it offers a flavor that is unlike anything else.
What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is, calling for just a handful of simple ingredients. With some milk, eggs, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla, you can have this dessert any time.
Make it today.
10. Leche Frita (Fried Milk)
That’s right, it’s fried milk, and it’s delicious. But how can a liquid be fried?
Not a problem. Leche frita is crafted by turning milk into a rich, custardy pudding, which is then coated in breading and fried to a golden perfection.
I promise, you can’t go wrong with leche frita. I really could eat fried milk every single day.
11. Técula Mécula
This sweet pie dates back to Extremadura, in western Spain. Translated from Arabic, the term tecula mecula means “for you, for me”. This pie, also known as the imperial almond tart, was allegedly Emperor Charles V’s favorite dessert.
The ground almonds bring in a distinct nutty taste that is amazing.
12. Pantxineta
Another rich dessert hailing from Basque, pantxineta features layers of flaky puff pastry, luscious pastry cream, and toasted almonds.
And while it may seem intricate, rest assured, it’s quite straightforward to make. All you need to do is stuff two sheets of puff pastry with creamy custard, sprinkle with chopped nuts and powdered sugar, and enjoy. That’s all there is to it.
13. Spanish Apple Tart
Tarta de Manzana Casera, or Spanish apple tart, takes apple pie to a new level.
The crust is crafted from ground walnuts, pecans, dates, and cinnamon, to provide a flavorful base. The filling consists of apples, apricot jam, and cinnamon, sealed with another layer of the irresistible crust before being baked. Trust me, this apple tart will change the way you bake.
14. Perrunillas
A traditional Christmas biscuit, perrunillas are shortbread cookies crafted using just a few basic ingredients. These small delights are extremely tender, practically melting as they meet your mouth. Deriving their name from “perruna,” which means “tender,” and the suffix “illa,” meaning small, these perrunillas are sure to pack a punch.
Make them for a crowd.
15. Torrijas
This is the Spanish take on French toast is a wonderful way to kick off your day.
First, it’s soaked in flavorful milk, and then in egg.It’s then deep-fried in olive oil, for an irresistible flavor.Coated with cinnamon sugar, or topped with honey or syrup, torrijas delivers a satisfying breakfast that really hits the spot.
This is sure to be a hit.
16. Buñuelos
These sweet and fluffy fritters can be filled with either pastry cream, custard, or marmalade, then dusted with powdered sugar. They’re soft and pillowy and like bite-sized donuts.
I think that bunuelos can be eaten any day, and are typically served during Christmas and other holidays. Made with just flour, eggs, sugar, and milk, they’re super easy to make, too.
17. Frixuelos de Asturias
This might sound hard, but it’s actually just crepes.
There are endless ways to enjoy Spanish crepes. You can top them simply with sugar, or fill them with apple compote, fresh fruit, custard, or pastry cream.
For an even sweeter treat, they’re often stuffed with Nutella or dulce de leche. Of course, you can also stuff Frixuelos de Asturias with savory fillings such as cheese, or meats.
18. Spanish Sponge Cake
This moist olive oil cake features lemon and almonds. Simple, but delicious, the cake is infused with amazing flavors. You could also top it with fresh fruit, sugar glaze, or chopped nuts.
It’s great for dessert, or even breakfast.
19. Huesos de Santo (Saint’s Bones)
These might not sound tasty, but they sure are. Huesos de Santo are cylinders resembling bones stuffed with yellow custard, and are served during All Saints’ Day. The filling is crafted using egg yolk and sugar, while the bone is made with marzipan paste, a blend of ground almonds and sugar.
Do not judge a book by its cover with these.
20. Crema Catalana
This is the Spanish take on crème brûlée. The sweet and velvety custard is simply divine, melting in your mouth as it fills your taste buds with a milky flavor.
The torched sugar topping adds a great textural contrast that elevates the dessert to the next level. You can’t go wrong with this popular dessert.
21. Burnt Basque Cheesecake
This is a really rich and creamy crustless cheesecake, with a dark, crusty exterior, achieved by baking the cake at very high heat.The crust has a slight crisp and caramelized flavor.
This is the cheesecake for you if you’re intimidated by baking traditional cheesecake.With no need to make a crust or prepare toppings, this cheesecake is incredibly amazing by itself.
How good is that?
22. Yemas de Santa Teresa
These tasty balls are crafted with sugar and egg yolks, and flavored with lemon juice and cinnamon. The end result is soft, chewy, and impossible to resist.
This dessert is extremely popular in the province of Avila. They are usually prepared to honor their patron saint, Teresa of Avila, on her feast day, October 15th.
You can make them any time of the year.
23. Turron
This is a Spanish classic that you need to try.Popular during the Christmas season, it features almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites, to make a tasty nougat.
There are two types of turron, both boasting flavor and texture that is different.Turron de Alicante is a crisp and brittle nougat, while Turron de Jijona is chewy and ooey-gooey.
Since it’s very easy to make, you can enjoy turron even when it’s not Christmas.