Top 10 Spanish Desserts & Sweets
Are you ready for some serious sugar rush? Spain is known not only for its stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes but also for its mouth-watering culinary scene. Spanish desserts and sweets are a reflection of the country’s rich culture and tradition — from creamy custards to sugary churros, you’ll surely find something that will tickle your taste buds.
In this article, I’m going to take you on a delectable journey through the top 10 Spanish desserts and sweets that are worth trying.
1. Tarta de Santiago
Love almond cake? Then you have to try Tarta de Santiago! This delicious Spanish almondy decadent cake is made with eggs, almonds, lemon, and sugar — which means it is gluten-free! Sometimes people flavor it with things like lemon zest, grape marc, sweet wine, or brandy. For an extra treat, they even add a base layer made from puff or shortcrust pastry (ok, now it isn’t gluten-free!).
This cake has been enjoyed since 1577, although the first recipe didn’t appear until much later, somewhere around 1838. The iconic Cross of Saint James on top made using a stencil and powdered sugar originated at a bakery in Santiago Compostela in 1924. Tarta de Santiago is now a long-standing tradition in Galician cake shops, where they still use the recipes from the 19th century.
2. Crema Catalana
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Spanish dessert? Try Crema Catalana! This creamy custard, made with milk, cornstarch, and eggs, is baked until set and then cooled. Then, it’s topped with a generous sprinkle of sugar and caramelized to perfection with a torch (or you can put it under a broiler). You won’t be able to resist the crispy, burnt layer — it’s the perfect topping to such a delightful dessert.
This creamy treat can also be infused with cinnamon, lemon, or orange zest for an extra burst of flavor. It’s also known as Crema de Sant Josep, as it’s typically made in honor of the saint on March 19th every year. Go ahead and make Crema Catalana and impress your guests with the oldest European custard dessert dating back to the 14th century!
3. Churros con Chocolate
Have you ever tasted the heavenly goodness of Churros con Chocolate? These elongated, crispy, and intensely fragrant delights are deep-fried to perfection and encrusted with sugar. While some may warn against indulging in such sugary treats, the continuing global popularity of churros speaks for itself.
Churros were invented by Spanish shepherds who cooked them in pans over open fires. Today, churros are a popular hot breakfast food in Spanish and Latin America culture. Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, served with a small pot of dipping chocolate, and accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate, Churros con Chocolate are an irresistible way to start your day!
4. Tocino de Cielo
Ready to indulge in a heavenly treat that’s been enjoyed for centuries? Look no further than Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain where Andalusia’s sherry capital is also home to this amazing dessert called Tocino de Cielo.
Legend has it that this velvety sweet treat was born out of surplus egg yolks from winemakers who used egg whites to clarify their products. In the 14th century, clever nuns at the local Convent of the Sacred Spirit discovered how to turn these unused yolks into Tocino de Cielo, which actually loosely translates to “bacon from heaven”.
Well… Tocino de Cielo doesn’t actually have bacon, but its name is a tribute to its high-fat content and divine origins. Some Spaniards compare it to flan, but the classic recipe sticks to just egg yolks, sugar, and water. Although some of the bakers today get creative with toppings like citrus syrups, marzipan flavoring, mint, nuts, or fresh fruit to dress up the velvety custard. Try it — you just might taste heaven!
5. Pestiños
Before we leave Andalusia — let’s take a look at another famous dessert from that region — Pestiños!
These sweet little pastries are made from a dough made of flour, olive oil, aniseed, and white wine that is rolled into a thin layer, cut into squares, and the corners are folded in on each other. The dough is then deep-fried until golden-brown and crispy. Once ready, the Pestiños are coated in cinnamon sugar or honey (whatever your preference!) and served alongside a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Although Pestiños are commonly eaten during the Easter and Christmas seasons, some regions of Spain enjoy them year-round. This sweet treat is certainly an essential part of Spanish cuisine, bringing people together with its warmth and familiar flavor.
6. Yemas Santa Teresa
If you are looking for an authentic Spanish dessert that encapsulates the rich history and culture of Spain, then Yemas Santa Teresa should be on the top of your list. This delicacy dates back to the 16th century when Santa Teresa de Jesús, a Spanish nun, created this egg yolk-based treat.
It is made by mixing sugar, lemon zest, and egg yolks. These ingredients are heated over low heat stirring constantly until they form a paste. The paste is allowed to cool, after which it is formed into small balls and dusted with powdered sugar. The result is a sweet creamy dessert that has won over the palates of people around the world.
This one really is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the true taste of Spain and its culinary history.
7. Miguelitos
Miguelitos have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why! Originating from Spain, these delicious pastries are the perfect way to cure any sweet tooth cravings.
These delicacies are made from layers of delicate puff pastry, sandwiched together with a creamy filling of vanilla or chocolate, and then dusted with a generous helping of powdered sugar. If you’re lucky, you may even find some variations that include fruit filling and whipped cream as well!
So next time you’re in Spain, make sure to stop by a local bakery and grab some Miguelitos to indulge in!
8. Torrijas with Honey
When it comes to Spanish sweets, Torrijas with Honey definitely takes the cake (or bread… which is it?). This beloved dessert has been around for centuries and has evolved into a staple during Easter celebrations in Spain. Made with simple ingredients such as day-old bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and of course, honey, Torrijas with Honey is nothing short of heavenly.
To make this delicious treat, slices of bread are soaked in a mixture of milk, sugar, cinnamon, and eggs, then fried until golden brown. Once cooked, they are sprinkled with extra cinnamon sugar and drizzled with honey. The end result is a dish that is crispy on the outside, and delightfully soft and sweet on the inside.
Whether it’s for dessert, a sweet snack, or celebrating Easter, Torrijas with Honey is a true Spanish gem that all foodies should experience at least once.
9. Leche Frita
If you’re in the mood for a sweet Spanish treat, look no further than Leche Frita! This delicious dessert has a surprising history — it’s said to have originated in a Spanish monastery in the Middle Ages. The name Leche Frita literally translates to “fried milk,” which might sound a little unusual, but trust me — it’s amazing!
To make this dessert, you’ll need a few basic ingredients like milk, sugar, and flour. The mixture is stirred over heat until it’s thick and creamy, then it’s poured into a dish and allowed to cool and set. Next, the set milk mixture is sliced into cubes, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until crispy and golden. Finally, each piece is typically dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with honey, or served with a side of sugar glaze for dipping.
So if you’re looking for a delightful, easy-to-make dessert to wow your friends and family, I say give Leche Frita a try!
10. Ensaimada
Have you ever tried the delectable Spanish pastry, Ensaimada? Originating from the enchanting island of Mallorca (aka Majorca), Ensaimada is a traditional pastry that has stolen the hearts of many food enthusiasts worldwide. This pastry is a true testament to the rich history and culture of Spain, dating back to the 17th century.
This pastry is made from simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, water, yeast, and pork lard. After the dough rises, it is rolled out and spiraled to form a snail-like shape before being baked to golden perfection. Served best with a hot cup of café con leche, Ensaimada pairs well with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. From powdered sugar to soft cheeses, this pastry’s versatility is endless and never dulls in flavor. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the iconic Ensaimada — try one today!
Wrapping It Up
From Miguelitos to Ensaimada, Spain’s history is filled with a wide variety of delicious desserts that you won’t want to miss out on. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fluffy like Leche Frita or something rich and decadent like Torrijas with Honey, these 10 Spanish sweets will satisfy any sweet tooth.
So go ahead and indulge in these sweet treats and let your taste buds experience the wonders of Spain!
Buen provecho!
