13 Popular Cuban Desserts
on Jan 12, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023
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You don’t have to head to Cuba to enjoy the desserts of this Caribbean island! From creamy puddings to deep-fried churros, we’ve collected 13 popular Cuban desserts.
These sweet treats can be enjoyed any time of the year. Let’s get started!
Cuban Flan
Flan is one of the most popular desserts in Cuba. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, and the recipe includes a video so you can easily follow along!
Cuban Churros
Everyone’s favorite Spanish donut can easily be prepared at home! They take just 20 minutes to make and you’re sure to have the ingredients on-hand in your pantry. Serve them with chocolate or caramel sauce!
Cuban Rice Pudding (Arroz Con Leche)
A comforting bowl of rice pudding is wonderful served on a cold night. It’s delicately flavored with lemon and cinnamon, and takes just 50 minutes to prepare.
Cuban Shortbread Cookies
If you love the flavor of shortbread, give this recipe a try. The cookies have a hint of lime and coconut flavor, and would be wonderful served with a hot cup of tea!
Pastelitos de Guayaba
This dessert is for the pastry lovers! These flakey treats are filled with a layer of sweet guava paste and cream cheese. They’re ready to enjoy in just 25 minutes, and would be perfect to bring to a potluck!
Cuban Mojito Shortbread Bars
These tasty bars are a wonderful blend of sweet, tangy, and a hit of rum! Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Cuban Capuchinos
Not to be confused with cappuccino drinks, these Cuban desserts are cone-shaped cakes that are soaked in a sweet syrup. Serve them with ice cream for a special treat!
Cuban Sweet Potato Puddingaja
Boniatillos are a traditional Cuban dessert made with sweet potatoes and a handful of ingredients. It is often served after a garlicky pork dish, and is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee!
Guava Caramel Bread Pudding
The next time you’re hosting brunch, give this recipe a try. It comes together easily and is ready to serve in an hour!
Apple Empanadas
This Cuban version of an apple hand pie is filled with tender apples and warm spices. Serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat!
Guava Bars
These fruity bars couldn’t be easier to make. They’re filled with sweet guava paste, oats, and shredded coconut for a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. Serve them with hot coffee or tea!
Dulce de Leche Cortada
Popular in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, this creamy dessert is made with milk, sugar, and lime, and flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and rum! Enjoy it for dessert on a cold or rainy evening!
Guava Cheesecake
Made with 2 cans of crescent dough, this cheesecake is a breeze to make! It takes just 10 minutes of prep time, 30 minutes to cook, and is then refrigerated until set. Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
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Cuban Churros Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- vegetable oil
- sugar
Instructions
- In a pot on medium-heat, add water salt. Bring the salted water to a boil.
- Pour the boiling water over the flour, stir it lightly until the dough forms into a ball – about 30 seconds.
- Add the dough into a large zip top or a pastry bag. Cut the corner off. Use a star shaped tip.
- Squeeze the dough onto waxed paper in about 6 inch strips.
- Heat the oil until it is about 350 F degrees.
- Fry the dough in the hot oil, rotating once when the edges just start to turn color. Fry for around 5 minutes total.
- Place on the sugar plate and roll in the sugar with a slotted spoon, draining as much oil as possible.
- Serve immediately with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick in a cup of hot chocolate.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
