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Explore The Sweet Side of Spain with This Collection of Spanish Dessert Recipes!
When we think of Spanish dishes and recipes, we often think of the same classics: Paella, Sangria, Tortilla, Croquetas de Jamón and more.
However, if your mind immediately goes to the sweeter recipes, this post is for you. There are many delicious Spanish desserts enjoyed across the country.
From Basque Cheesecake in the north (Basque Country) to Leche Merengada from Andalucía, some Spanish dessert recipes are more regional while others are eaten all over the country!
And of course, there are also iconic desserts such as Tarta de Santiago for the famous pilgrimage and Polvorones, a type of Spanish shortbread eaten at Christmas!
Here are some of our favorite Spanish dessert recipes that you can make at home thanks to the recipes provided by our Spanish recipe contributor Alba!
From popular recipes to lesser-known ones – you might just find one you’ve been looking for!
Spanish Flan
Flan is a popular Spanish egg dessert with a creamy texture and the right amount of sweetness. Made with ingredients such as milk, eggs, and vanilla bean, this fancy-looking dessert is served with caramel sauce and topped with whipping cream!
Get The Spanish Flan Recipe
Basque Cheesecake
If you're looking for a classic Spanish cake, you have to try Basque Cheesecake, also known as Burnt Cheesecake or Tarta de queso La Viña. Originating from the La Viña Restaurant in San Sebastián, this dessert is creamy, sweet, and delicious. It's easy to make with basic kitchen tools and doesn't require much prep. Perfect if you're looking for an easy dessert to feed a few people!
Get The Basque Cheesecake Recipe
Leche Frita (Spanish Fried Milk)
Leche Frita – literally meaning Fried Milk – is a Spanish dessert with a slightly crispy exterior and a creamy, smooth interior. Made from basic ingredients, there are a few variations of this dish. This version is made with flour, lemon, orange peel, and cinnamon.
Get The Leche Frita Recipe
Spanish Churros
Churros are a classic Spanish dessert (or sweet breakfast). Often found in cafes but also a popular street food, these golden-fried dough sticks are easy to make and are covered in sugar after frying. For an authentic Spanish experience, dunk them in rich, creamy Spanish hot chocolate.
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Tarta de Santiago (Spanish Almond Cake)
Tarta de Santiago – sometimes called Spanish Almond Cake in English – is a simple yet scrumptious almond cake from Galicia in northern Spain. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, this cake is bursting with almonds and topped with the signature cross! This cake is often eaten along the “Camino de Santiago”, one of the most popular pilgrimages in the world.
Get The Tarta de Santiago Recipe
Arroz con Leche (Spanish Rice Pudding)
Arroz con Leche is a timeless Spanish rice pudding that is creamy and filling. This classic dessert is easy to make with rice, milk, sugar and a few other ingredients. Delightfully sweet with a hint of citrus, it's a Spanish dessert that never goes out of style and is perfect for meal prep if you like to plan ahead.
Get The Arroz con Leche Recipe
Polvorones (Spanish Shortbread Cookies)
Spanish Polvorones are shortbread cookies from the Andalucía region of Spain. These crumbly treats, meaning "dusty" in Spanish, are sweet and nutty with a subtle cinnamon flavor. You can enjoy them all year round, but they are a traditional Christmas treat.
Get The Polvorones Recipe
Crema Catalana
Crema Catalana from Spain's Cataluña region is similar to crème brûlée, but with some unique differences! This classic Spanish dessert is the perfect blend of creamy and hard textures. Made with just a few ingredients and with its signature burnt sugar top, crema catalana is the perfect dessert if you want to impress your guests.
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Magdalenas (Spanish Muffins)
Magdalenas are lemony muffins with a high dome and a crusty sugar top. A breakfast delight or an afternoon pick-me-up, they pair perfectly with chocolate milk or a flat white coffee. These Spanish muffins are easy to make at home and require no fancy ingredients.
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Torrijas (Spanish French Toast)
Torrijas are a classic Spanish dessert made with sliced bread, soaked milk and egg, then fried until golden brown. It's essentially the Spanish version of French toast. A classic Easter treat in Spain, it's a simple and delicious dish that can be eaten any time of year and is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
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Leche Merengada
Leche Merengada is a refreshing milk-based drink from the sunny Andalucía region of Spain. Made with whole milk, sugar, and egg whites, its flavor is enhanced by zesty lemon peel and aromatic cinnamon. Typically enjoyed very cold or frozen, it is an ideal afternoon pick-me-up or a light, sweet dessert on a hot day.
Get The Leche Merengada Recipe
