Craving a sweet escape? Delve into the vibrant world of Puerto Rican desserts where every bite tells a story of heritage and tropical bliss. The quest to explore these confections can be as thrilling as finding hidden treasures on an island paradise. From the caramelized perfection of flan to the comfort of a warm, cinnamon-sprinkled tembleque, Puerto Rican desserts are a kaleidoscope of flavors waiting to enchant your palate.
Whether you’re a culinary adventurer or a dessert connoisseur, the top 20 Puerto Rican desserts to try include the creamy decadence of quesitos, the crunchy, layered joy of hojaldres, and the rustic simplicity of a sweet, coconut-laden dulce de coco. Each dessert stands out with its unique blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences, making the archipelago’s sweet offerings a must-experience for food lovers.
Before you book your next flight to this Caribbean paradise, let’s take a tantalizing tour through the sweetness that Puerto Rico has to offer. Are you ready to discover a new favorite?
In A Rush? Key Takeaways:
- Puerto Rican desserts blend a rich cultural history with exotic, tropical flavors.
- Flan and tembleque are traditional favorites that offer a creamy, comforting experience.
- Local fruits like guava and coconut are key ingredients, elevating simple treats into exotic delights.
- You don’t need to travel to enjoy these sweets; many recipes are simple enough to recreate at home.
- Each dessert is more than just a treat; it’s a bite-sized journey through Puerto Rico’s cultural landscape.
Tres Leches – Three-Milk Sponge Cake
Tres Leches is a popular dessert in Puerto Rico that is loved for its light and spongy texture soaked in a mix of three different types of milk: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
To make this cake, the sponge cake is first baked and then soaked in the milk mixture until it absorbs all the liquid. It is then topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit to add a burst of sweetness and a touch of color.
Tembleque – Coconut Milk Pudding
Tembleque is a classic Puerto Rican dessert, made from coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar and vanilla extract, and is set to create a creamy and luscious pudding. The name of the dessert comes from the Spanish word “temblar,” meaning “to tremble,” and refers to the way the pudding sets and jiggles when it is chilled.
The addition of cinnamon is common when serving tembleque, giving the dessert a warming and comforting flavor. This pudding is gluten-free and vegan, but doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. The creamy, silky texture of the pudding, with hints of coconut and sweetness from the sugar, will have you coming back for seconds.
Arroz con Dulce – Rice Pudding
This creamy, rich rice pudding is made from a combination of sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, which are simmered with medium-grain rice until it becomes thick and pudding-like.
This dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be served warm or cold. It is also versatile and can be made with different variations to add some texture and flavor. It is served in many households during special celebrations like Christmas or weddings. The sweet blend of spices and creamy flavors make it a fan favorite
Coquito – Rum with Coconut
Coquito is a Puerto Rican holiday drink made with rum and coconut milk. This smooth and creamy beverage is like a tropical version of eggnog, but without the eggs. The recipe typically includes warm spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which give it a cozy and comforting flavor.
The coconut milk gives the drink a rich and creamy consistency, while the rum gives it a nice boozy kick. Coquito is usually served chilled and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. It is a popular drink during the Christmas season in Puerto Rico, but it can be enjoyed all year round.
Majarete – Rice Flour Custard
Majarete is a traditional Puerto Rican dessert that is loved for its rich, velvety texture and sweet, creamy flavor. The dish is made by cooking a mixture of rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and vanilla extract until it thickens into a custard-like consistency.
The mixture is then poured into individual serving dishes and left to cool until it firms up. The finished product is a luscious, aromatic dessert that is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth craving.
Quesito – Flaky Puff Pastry
Quesito, also known as flaky puff pastry, is a delightful Puerto Rican dessert that is loved for its crispy, light, and buttery texture. This pastry is made by rolling out layers of puff pastry that has been coated with a layer of sugar.
The dough is then filled with sweet cream cheese or guava paste, and then rolled up and baked to perfection. Once out of the oven, the Quesito is sprinkled with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Queso Blanco con Pasta de Guayaba – White Cheese with Guava Paste
This recipe combines the creamy and smooth texture of white cheese with the fruity and sweet flavors of Guava paste. The dish is made by melting the cheese in a saucepan and adding the paste to create a smooth and velvety mixture.
The combination of the two ingredients creates a unique taste that will satisfy even the most demanding of palates. The sweetness of the Guava paste nicely balances the mild taste of the white cheese and creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
Budín – Bread Pudding
Budín, is a traditional Puerto Rican dessert that is made from day-old bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. It is incredibly delicious and packs a punch of flavors in every bite. The bread pudding is soaked in sweetened milk with cinnamon and vanilla for a few hours, and then baked until it forms a golden crust.
The result is a rich and creamy dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite. Budín is a classic Puerto Rican dessert that is enjoyed all year round and can be served warm or cold. The warm and comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla add a touch of homey warmth to this decadent dessert.
Pastelillos de Guayaba – Guava Pastries
Pastelillos de Guayaba, or Guava Pastries, is a dessert that brings together the sweetness of guava paste and the flakiness of puff pastry. The recipe is straightforward, with the puff pastry dough being cut into circles and filled with a mixture of guava paste and cream cheese or guava paste and sugar before being baked until golden brown.
The result is a sweet, slightly tangy, and flaky pastry that is a perfect treat for any occasion. The puff pastry dough adds a wonderful flaky texture, making it one of the most irresistible pastries in Puerto Rican cuisine.
Besitos de Coco – Coconut Macaroons
Besitos de Coco – Coconut Macaroons are a classic Puerto Rican dessert made with only 5 ingredients but pack a delicious punch. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, salt, and egg whites make these bite-sized treats a perfectly balanced blend of chewy and crunchy textures.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. They can be made in under 30 minutes and can be enjoyed any time of the day, be it with a morning cup of coffee or as a decadent after-dinner dessert.
Dulce de Grosellas – Sweet Currant
Dulce de Grosellas, also known as Sweet Currant, is a traditional sweet treat of Puerto Rico. This delectable dessert is rich with the flavors of ripe currants and caramelized sugar. To make this recipe, fresh currants are boiled with sugar and water until a thick, jam-like consistency is achieved. This mixture is then allowed to cool and set before serving.
This dessert is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can yield a delicious and satisfying treat. The tartness of the currants is balanced perfectly by the sweet, caramelized sugar. It is also a versatile recipe that can be served in many different ways.
Flan de Queso – Cheese Flan
Flan de Queso, also known as Cheese Flan, is a delectable dessert that originated in Puerto Rico. This creamy and decadent treat is made by combining a rich custard base with cream cheese, which gives it a uniquely tangy and sweet flavor. The custard is then poured into a caramel-coated pan and baked until it sets into a luscious, velvety texture.
The tangy cream cheese custard pairs perfectly with the caramelized sugar, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory tastes. Its creamy and silky texture also melts in your mouth, making it a truly indulgent dessert.
Flancocho – Flan Cake
Flancocho, also known as Flan Cake, is one of the most popular desserts in Puerto Rican cuisine. This delicious dessert is a combination of two classic desserts, flan and cake, and is made by placing a layer of cake batter on top of a layer of creamy flan in a large baking pan.
During baking, the two layers fuse together to create a heavenly dessert with a rich and creamy texture. The flan layer is made with condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. The cake layer is made with flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and butter, creating a light and airy texture that complements the creamy flan layer.
Dulce de Ajonjolí – Sesame Brittle
Dulce de Ajonjolí, also known as Sesame Brittle, This sweet and nutty treat is beloved by many in Puerto Rican culture and is often served at special occasions, such as weddings and holidays.
The sesame seeds are toasted in a pan until they are golden brown and fragrant, then a hot mixture of melted sugar and vanilla is poured in and mixed well to form a sticky and crunchy brittle. Once the mixture is done, it’s poured onto a lined baking sheet and left to cool and harden.
Pilón o Pilones – Puerto Rican Lollipops
This recipe is made using coconut, sugar, and water, which creates a delicious caramel-like flavor and a chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The mixture is cooked until it reaches a hard ball consistency, then poured into small paper cups and left to cool until it hardens into the shape of a lollipop.
The result is a delectable treat that is perfect for those with a sweet tooth or for those who simply want to indulge in a unique and delicious dessert. These Puerto Rican lollipops are perfect for all occasions, from a quick dessert after dinner to a party snack for kids.
Polvorones o Mantecaditos – Shortbread Cookies
Polvorones or Mantecaditos are a delectable traditional Puerto Rican dessert that has stood the test of time. These shortbread cookies are made with just a few simple ingredients such as butter, flour, and sugar, and are a staple of Christmas celebrations and family gatherings.
The cookies are baked to perfection until they are just golden brown and then dusted with powdered sugar to create a delicate, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the timeless appeal of the traditional preparation method keeps this recipe relevant and highly sought after in modern times.
Dulce de Batata y Coco – Sweet Potato and Coconut
Dulce de Batata y Coco is a traditional Puerto Rican dessert that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tropical flavor of coconut. The dish is made by boiling sweet potatoes and blending them with coconut milk, sugar, and cinnamon until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. The mixture is then further cooked until thickened and served hot or cold, depending on personal preference.
This dessert is popular in Puerto Rico due to its luscious and unique flavor. The creamy texture of sweet potatoes blends perfectly with the tropical taste of coconut giving a delightful and satisfying taste. It is so delectable that it easily became one of the most favored desserts in Puerto Rico.
Dulce de Lechosa – Papaya Dessert
The dish is made by simmering ripe papaya in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and cloves until it becomes soft and caramelized. Sweet potatoes and coconut are usually added to the mix to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.
The end result is a soft and creamy dessert with a unique taste and aroma that will transport you straight to the Caribbean. Dulce de Lechosa is such a delicious and decadent dessert that it is no wonder it is considered one of the best Puerto Rican desserts to try.
Limber – Popsicle/Ice Cream in a Cup
Limber is a popular Puerto Rican dessert that is essentially a cross between a popsicle and ice cream. It is a refreshing and delicious treat that is perfect for a hot summer day. The recipe typically involves blending together a variety of ingredients such as fruit juice, evaporated or condensed milk, sugar, and sometimes even coconut cream.
The mixture is then poured into small cups or plastic molds and frozen until solid. Once ready, the Limber is removed from the cups or molds and served on a stick or spoon. The texture is soft and creamy, making it the perfect treat for those who love both ice cream and popsicles. Limber is a staple in Puerto Rican culture and is loved by both locals and tourists.
Mampostial/Marrallo – Shredded Coconut Bar
Mampostial/Marrallo – Shredded Coconut Bar is a traditional Puerto Rican dessert that is perfect for those who love a rich coconut flavor. This dessert is made from a mixture of shredded coconut, sugar, milk, and egg yolks. The mixture is then baked until golden brown and cut into bars.
The result is a soft and chewy bar that is bursting with a tropical coconut flavor. t is perfect for sharing with friends and family and is sure to become a favorite in no time. The simplicity of the recipe makes it easy to modify by adding ingredients such as nuts or dried fruits to make it even more flavorful and unique.