16 Popular Puerto Rican Desserts
on May 13, 2022
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Puerto Rico is well known for its rich desserts. From creamy puddings to sweet cakes, there are many options to tempt your sweet tooth. We’ve rounded up 16 popular Puerto Rican desserts for you to get inspired!
Even if you haven’t been to Puerto Rico, you can make some of their delicious desserts at home!
Best Puerto Rican Dessert Recipes
Platanos Maduros (Puerto Rican Fried Sweet Plantains)
Plantains are a classic side dish in Latin American countries. These sweet ripe plantains are simply sliced and then fried until caramelized and light golden. Serve them alongside rice and roasted pork.
Pumpkin Flan
Canned pumpkin adds flavor and creamy texture to this sweet flan. It takes a little over an hour to make and would be delicious served with hot coffee or tea.
Tembleque (Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding)
This national dessert of Puerto Rico is a sweet blend of coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar. Enjoy this pudding topped with toasted shredded coconut and extra cinnamon.
Puerto Rican Flancocho
Flan cake is a popular dish in Puerto Rico. Follow the steps in this recipe for a flan that’s rich and deliciously sweet.
Arroz Con Dulce: Puerto Rican Rice Pudding
If you’re a fan of rice pudding, you’ll love the creamy taste of this Puerto Rican rice pudding. It’s flavored with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and dotted with plump golden raisins.
Guava Cheese Empanadas
These sweet and savory empanadas are filled with savory cream cheese and sweet guava paste. Using store-bought empanada wrappers makes this recipe extra easy!
Polvorones: Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies
These traditional Puerto Rican shortbread cookies are flavored with vanilla and almond extract. Enjoy them with a cup of your favorite hot tea.
Puerto Rican Rum Cake
A box of yellow cake mix makes easy work of this classic Puerto Rican rum cake. The cake bakes up tender and moist, and is topped with a sweet rum glaze.
Limber de Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut Fudgesicle)
These frozen sweet treats taste a lot like fudgsicles! They take about 5 minutes of prep time and are then placed in the freezer until firm. Enjoy them on a hot day!
Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries)
Start your day with one of these delightful cream cheese pastries. They’re made with store-bought puff pastry and are filled with sweet cream cheese.
Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)
Serve this creamy and rich eggnog over the holidays! It’s full of coconut flavor and has a nice kick of white rum.
Puerto Rican Flan de Queso (Cheese Flan)
Indulge in this rich and creamy flan when you’re craving something decadent. It’s not too sweet and would be the perfect ending to a special meal.
Pan de Mallorca (Mallorca Bread)
Enjoy a slice of this buttery egg bread for breakfast with a cup of hot coffee! It’s also delicious as a sandwich bread with savory fillings like ham and cheese.
Coquito Tres Leches Cake
A box of cake mix makes easy work of this traditional Puerto Rican dessert. It comes together quickly and is ready in just 50 minutes! Enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream or a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Piragua de Crema (Cream Shaved Ice)
Shaved cream ice is a popular Puerto Rican treat to enjoy on a hot sunny day. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients and the recipe makes enough to serve 8.
Mantecaditos (Puerto Rican Guava Thumbprint Cookies)
Fill these bite-sized thumbprint cookies with traditional guava paste or use your favorite jam instead. They’re easy to make and would be ideal for a holiday cookie exchange!
Puerto Rican Dessert Fried Sweet Plantains Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 overly ripe black plantains, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the plantains to the pan in a single layer. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may have to make multiple batches.
- Cook the plantains for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re lightly brown and caramelized.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, and then enjoy!
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
