Are you looking for authentic Puerto Rican sweets that are simple to whip up? This collection brings you 23 Puerto Rican desserts ranging from creamy flan to icy treats.
I adore discovering distinct recipes to switch up the standard dessert rotation.
1. Polvorones: Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies
This formula skips the eggs similar to Scottish shortbread. You mix the fat directly into the flour for a buttery cookie that snaps perfectly.
It begs for a hot cup of tea. Lard keeps the cost down compared to butter while ensuring a crumbly texture.
2. Mantecaditos (Puerto Rican Guava Thumbprint Cookies)
You will recognize these thumbprint cookies from childhood. A hint of almond flavors the buttery dough. I prefer including egg yolks for extra richness even though some versions omit them.
This is the perfect spot for guava jam. You can simply make your own jam if the store does not stock it.
3. Besitos de Coco (Coconut Macaroons)
Coconut macaroons offer a light sweetness that tastes incredible. You only need sweetened condensed milk plus vanilla and shredded coconut to make them.
A splash of almond extract boosts the flavor profile too. Make sure you bake a double batch. These treats vanish fast.
4. Pumpkin Flan
Creating dry caramel often scares people away from flan. I promise you can handle it. My best advice involves pouring just enough sugar to cover the pan bottom.
Add more sugar gradually as it melts. Avoid stirring the mixture. You can nudge large lumps with a spoon while moving the pan gently. Remove it from the heat once it turns golden.
Everything else is easy since you just blend the mix and pour it over your caramel.
5. Limber de Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut Fudgesicle)
You can create a rich frozen dessert in five minutes with only four items. Simply blend Nutella with whole milk plus condensed and evaporated milk.
The mixture goes straight into plastic cups or popsicle molds.
6. Puerto Rican Flan de Queso (Cheese Flan)
I have a slight obsession with cheesecake. I adore custard just as much. Combining those two elements creates the perfect dessert. Use room temperature ingredients to get a silky texture.
Strain the filling to remove any small lumps. A water bath is essential here. You do not use a spring-form pan since you flip it over so leaks are not an issue.
7. Guava Cheesecake
It is likely no surprise to find cheesecake here. This dessert pairs well with almost any topping. I enjoy creating a creamy base then adding fun sauces.
Baking the topping directly into the cake creates lovely swirls. Guava tastes amazing and looks beautiful against the white filling.
8. Tembleque de Coco (Coconut Pudding)
I purchased silicone bundt molds recently and they are now my favorite pans. My first attempt at this coconut dessert used plain ramekins.
The flavor was great but the bundt shape looked delightful. Coconut flavor often gets lost in other dishes. It shines as the main attraction here. Pudding lovers will adore this simple smooth sweet.
9. Majarte (Rice Flour Custard)
This rice flour custard uses coconut milk and cornmeal to create a pudding texture. Cinnamon or coconut flakes make excellent toppings.
The result often reminds people of flan. You will love serving this as a meal finale.
10. Pan de Mallorca (Mallorca Bread)
This sweet bread feels incredibly fluffy and tender. You can serve it simply with some butter.
It also works as a base for fancier treats. Try filling it with Nutella or fruit compote before baking.
11. Coquito Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches offers a subtle flavor that tastes great on its own or with caramel. Spices in the coquito topping create a festive crowd-pleaser.
Poke holes throughout the cake so the liquid soaks in deep. Letting it sit overnight produces the best results.
12. Arroz Con Dulce: Puerto Rican Rice Pudding
I enjoy rice pudding since you can eat it cold or hot. It even works as a breakfast meal. Short-grain rice provides the ideal texture. I have used brown rice successfully when necessary though.
Infuse your water with spices to guarantee flavor in each bite. Orange zest adds a nice fresh element.
13. Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pasties)
These cheesecake treats are hard to resist even though I usually prefer cinnamon pastries. Using store-bought dough means they are ready in under ten minutes.
You can add chocolate or fruit compote for extra flair.
14. Piragua de Crema (Cream Shaved Ice)
Adults and children both love light shaved ice desserts. Kids usually pick the bright blue flavors. I prefer this creamy version much more.
It contains condensed and evaporated milk so it is not exactly guilt-free. The taste is worth every single calorie.
15. Budín de Pan (Bread Pudding)
Bread pudding began as a way to use up old loaves. This recipe becomes something special with a caramel sauce topping.
You will definitely want a second helping. Rum-soaked raisins make this dessert truly incredible.
16. Puerto Rican Flancocho (Flan Cake)
This recipe creates an incredibly moist cake. You start by adding caramel and custard to the dish. Cake mix goes on top before baking in a water bath.
The cake absorbs the custard while baking. Flipping it reveals two moist layers topped with caramel. It is tender enough to skip the frosting.
17. Budin (Bread Pudding)
Bread pudding finds a place on tables across many cultures. This Puerto Rican version appears often during the holidays. The recipe uses eggs plus condensed and evaporated milk.
Butter and raisins round out the ingredient list. It is a simple yet divine treat.
18. Platanos Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains)
Plantains serve as an excellent alternative to vegetables. You can season them with salt and pepper like potatoes. Cooking them with brown sugar and cinnamon creates a healthy dessert.
Choose plantains with brown skins for the best taste.
19. Guava Cheese Empanadas
Biting into a warm empanada feels amazing. Any crispy shell works well regardless of the pastry type used. The mix of guava and cream cheese tastes particularly good.
Thick jam works as a substitute for paste. You can also make paste easily if you cannot find it.
20. Limbel/Limber (Puerto Rican Icee)
This quick recipe requires blending ingredients until they become smooth. Pour the mixture into molds for a simple summer snack.
You can also use ice cube trays to make additions for iced coffee. It works great in smoothies too.
21. Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)
Homemade eggnog can be difficult to get right. Tempering eggs creates waste if you overcook them. The Puerto Rican version is much simpler.
You just blend everything and chill it. Coconut milk and rum create a thick drink that everyone loves.
22. Puerto Rican Pineapple Rum Cake
This cake tastes like a tropical dream. I prefer chopping the pineapple into chunks for the bottom layer. The batter mixes quickly and bakes in about an hour.
Do not skip the final glaze. That fruity and boozy addition makes the dessert stand out.
23. Quesitos de Guayaba (Sweeten Cream Cheese and Guava Pastries)
You can use your leftover guava jam for this excellent recipe. I enjoy how the filling bubbles up at the edges of the pastry.
Feel free to experiment with different shapes. You can also swap the guava for any jam in your fridge.
