Spanish gastronomy is a feast of flavours, and traditional Spanish desserts are a true culinary gem. If you’ve visited Spain, you’ve probably already fallen in love with its sweets. And if not… it’s time to start with dessert!
At Dencanto Community, we invite you to live a total cultural immersion experience, where learning Spanish and enjoying traditional cuisine go hand in hand. But first, let yourself be tempted by this list of the 10 best Spanish desserts that you must try at least once in your life.
What Makes Traditional Spanish Desserts Unique?
Typical Spanish desserts are the result of centuries of history, cultural fusions and love for good food. Each region of Spain has emblematic sweets influenced by climate, local ingredients and popular celebrations. The result: a delicious variety of desserts with their own identity.
The 10 Best Traditional Spanish Desserts You Can’t Miss
1. Churros with Chocolate
Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside and accompanied by thick hot chocolate. Ideal for breakfast… or any time of the day.
2. Santiago Cake
A Galician almond cake with centuries of tradition. You can recognise it by the Santiago cross sprinkled with icing sugar.
3. Creme Catalana
The Catalan classic similar to crème brûlée, with its irresistible layer of caramelised sugar.
4. Torrijas (French toast)
The star dessert of Easter. Bread soaked in milk, battered and fried. Sweet, nostalgic and comforting.
5. Homemade Flan
Smooth, creamy and bathed in caramel. An infallible classic on any Spanish menu.
6. Arroz con Leche (rice pudding)
A homemade dessert that embraces the soul. Slow cooked rice with milk, sugar and cinnamon.
7. Mallorcan Ensaimada
Sweet and spongy, originally from the Balearic Islands. Perfect with an afternoon coffee.
8. Polvorones
Small Christmas sweets that melt in your mouth. Made with flour, butter and icing sugar.
9. Custard
A smooth custard with cinnamon and Maria biscuit. One of the most endearing desserts in Spanish home cooking.
10. Panellets
Typical sweets from Catalonia made with marzipan and covered with pine nuts or coconut. Especially popular on All Saints’ Day.
Where can you find the best Spanish desserts outside Spain?
Although it’s not always possible to travel, you can find authentic Spanish desserts in specialised bakeries around the world, or even make them yourself at home using traditional recipes.
Experience the Real Taste of Spain with Dencanto
Want to go beyond dessert? At Dencanto Community, we combine Spanish courses with gastronomic experiences in the tastiest regions of Spain. Learn the language while you cook, taste and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Discover the language through the palate and make learning Spanish a delicious experience!