From flan to rum cake to shaved ice, these sweet treats will give you a taste of the islands. When it comes to dessert, I love to find new and exciting recipes. My vacations are as much about the food as anything else, and I will try anything and everything! These Puerto Rican desserts are deliciously easy to make and offer a lovely change in pace to the usual cookies and cake we’re all used to. A few of these recipes use guava, which you might’ve seen at the store but never dared to try. Now’s the time! This pleasantly sweet fruit will quickly become your new favorite. So if you’re looking for something sweet with a tropical twist, this list of 20 Puerto Rican desserts has you covered.
1. Puerto Rican Flan de Queso (Cheese Flan)
You have to know by now: I’m slightly obsessed with cheesecake. I also have a deep love for all things custard. So a dessert that combines the two is pretty much perfect in my eyes! For the silkiest texture, be sure to start with room temperature ingredients, and always strain the filling to catch any little lumps that may still be in the mix. And the water bath is a must! Since you’re going to be turning this upside down, you won’t be using a spring-form pan, so there’s no fear of any leaks!
2. Arroz Con Dulce: Puerto Rican Rice Pudding
I think I like rice pudding so much because it can be served hot or cold, and it’s totally acceptable to eat for breakfast. For the best texture, go for short-grain rice, rather than long. (Though I have even used brown rice in a pinch, and it came out great!) Infusing the water with spices is an excellent way to ensure you’ll get great flavor in every bite. You could also throw in some orange zest for added freshness.
3. Mantecaditos (Puerto Rican Guava Thumbprint Cookies)
These thumbprint cookies are a lot like the ones you probably grew up eating. They’re buttery and flavored with just a touch of almond. Some recipes don’t use eggs, but I love the richness it offers, especially when using just the yolks. And here’s where you’ll be using that guava! If you can’t find guava jam in the store, you can make your own easily.
4. Guava Cheese Empanadas
There’s nothing like taking a big (careful) bite of a freshly baked empanada. Whether you use puff pastry, shortcrust, or store-bought wontons, the crispy shell pairs perfectly with any filling. Though this combination of cream cheese and guava is especially delicious. If your guava jam is thick enough, you could use that instead of the paste. And if you can’t find guava paste, it’s just as easy to make as the jam.
5. Tembleque de Coco (Coconut Pudding)
I bought these silicone bundt molds on a whim last year, but they have become my favorite little cake pans. When I first made this creamy coconut dessert, I used boring ramekins. They were still delicious! But then I tried them in the bundt pan and was delighted at how they came out. Coconut is such a subtle flavor, and it’s easy to lose it when mixed with other ingredients. But in this dish, it’s the star of the show. If you’re a fan of pudding and custard desserts, you’ll love this smooth and simple treat.
6. Puerto Rican Flancocho (Flan Cake)
If you’re looking for an unbelievably moist cake, this recipe is for you. You’ll make this flan recipe by adding caramel to the baking dish and covering it in the custard filling. But then you’ll add a cake mix on top, or technically, the bottom! As it bakes together (in a water bath), the cake will soak up most of the cream cheese custard. When you turn this cake out, you’ll have two ultra-moist flan and cake layers with just the right amount of caramel on top. This is so tender, you won’t need any frosting or glaze.
7. Pumpkin Flan
I know that making dry caramel might be a little intimidating, and it might be the reason you steer clear of flans. But I know you can do it! Here’s my top tip: only pour enough sugar to coat the bottom of your pan. As it starts to melt and caramelize, gradually add in a cup or so at a time until it’s all in the pot. Don’t stir! Gently move the pan and use a wooden spoon to poke at any larger lumps of sugar. Keep an eye on it and pull it off the heat when it’s nice a golden. The rest is a breeze! Just blend it all until smooth and pour over the caramel.
8. Puerto Rican Pineapple Rum Cake
This sweet little cake is a tropical dream. Since I love pineapple so much, I like to chop it into chunks and fill the bottom of the pan, rather than just a layer of slices. The cake comes together pretty fast, and the whole thing needs to bake for just over an hour. Please don’t skip the glaze at the end. Since it cooks with the pineapples, it is such a sweet, fruity, and boozy treat that makes the whole thing pop.
9. Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pasties)
As much as I love a cinnamon pastry in the morning, these cheesecake-like treats are irresistible. And with store-bought pastry, they can be ready in less than 10 minutes! If you’re looking for something extra, try adding caramel, fruit compote, or chocolate to the mix.
10. Pan de Mallorca (Mallorca Bread)
This enriched sweet bread is tender, fluffy, and so light. It’s lovely served along with a pad of butter or can be used as a beautiful base for something more extravagant. Fill with guava paste, Nutella, or a fruit compote before baking for a sweet bread that’s to die for.
11. Platanos Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains)
Plantains make a fantastic vegetable alternative. They can be served in place of potatoes or roasted veggies with lots of salt, pepper, and spice. Or they can be cooked in cinnamon and brown sugar for an easy and healthy dessert. Look for brown skins for maximum flavor.
12. Limber de Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut Fudgesicle)
Just four ingredients and five minutes will give you a sweet, creamy, and decadent frozen treat. Blend the evaporated milk with Nutella, condensed milk, and whole milk until smooth. You can pour the mix into simple plastic cups or popsicle molds if you have them.
13. Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)
If you’ve ever made eggnog at home, you know it can be a bit of a pain. There’s tempering involved, and if you want a big batch for a party, you’re looking at a lot of waste if those eggs overcook. Puerto Rican eggnog couldn’t be easier. Blitz everything until smooth and chill to serve. The combination of milks and coconut with rum makes for a smooth, thick, creamy drink that everyone will go nuts for.
14. Budín de Pan (Bread Pudding)
Bread pudding might have started as a frugal dessert to use up stale bread, but this recipe is so much more than that. The addition of flan-like caramel sauce to the top is an indulgence that will have you reaching for seconds… and thirds! Throw in some rum-soaked raisins, and it’s one incredible dessert.
15. Polvorones: Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies
Like a good Scottish shortbread, this recipe does not use eggs. Instead, it incorporates the fat with the flour to create a wonderfully short, buttery, and crisp cookie that needs nothing but a cup of tea. The use of lard is not only cheaper than all-butter, but will help to keep the crumb crumbly.
16. Coquito Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake is a light and subtly flavored cake that is just as delicious served alone as with chocolate or caramel. The addition of spices to the coquito topping makes for a wonderfully festive cake that is easy to make and will be a crowd-pleaser. Be sure to poke the holes all over the cake to allow the topping to seep in, and let it sit overnight if possible.
17. Quesitos de Guayaba (Sweeten Cream Cheese and Guava Pastries)
Remember that guava jam you made? Here’s an excellent recipe to use some of it up! I love the shape of these, letting the filling bubble up on the edges, though you could try any number of fun shapes! You could also substitute the guava jam for whatever you have in the fridge.
18. Limbel/Limber (Puerto Rican Icee)
Like with the fudgsicles, this super-fast recipe just needs the ingredients combining until smooth. You can pour it into the molds for an easy summer treat. A really great option would be to pour the mix into ice cube trays and add them to your iced coffee, or for use in smoothies.
19. Guava Cheesecake
I know you’re not surprised to see a cheesecake on the list! The great thing about cheesecake is that it goes with most toppings. Making a creamy base and changing things up with sauces and drizzles is all part of the fun. But I love to bake the topping right in, giving it a beautiful swirl or pattern. The guava is so pretty against the white cheesecake, and the flavor is terrific.
20. Piragua de Crema (Cream Shaved Ice)
Shaved ice is one of those light, guilt-free desserts that’s beloved by grown-ups and kids alike. Sure, the kids tend to go for the bright blue option or a messy mixture of everything, but I love this simple, creamy version so much more. It might not be guilt-free since it’s full of cream, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, but it’s super tasty and worth every calorie. Click on a star to rate it!
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