As I have shared before, my husband is Puerto Rican. Over the years his mother and sister have taught me how to make many different Puerto Rican dishes. Now, I want to master some of the desserts. Since holiday cooking is right around the corner, I figured now would be the perfect time to share some of our favorite Spanish desserts with you guys too!
Let me give you a little history. My father-in-law and mother-in-law were both born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. As children their first language was Spanish in both of their homes.
My father-in-law’s parents came to New York in the late 20’s from Puerto Rico. At the time they were young and did not know each other- both arriving here via ship. Once planted in New York they found each other and fell in love and had four boys, one of which was my father-in-law. I love the stories he shares of the authentic food they grew up eating.
In the 60’s my fatherin-law and mother-in-law would go on to find one another in this busy city of New York. Together they had six children, one of which is my hunk of a husband.When my husband and his twin brother were one, they came to Texas. My mother-in-law did not want to raise her family in this busy and expensive city.
Current day, I love the holidays at their home when my mother-in-law cooks authentic Latin food. At their house we have Puerto Rican Rice, and other easy recipes, with our turkey for Thanksgiving. My children love it. Right now I am on the hunt for the perfect dessert recipe to incorporate this year.
If you’re looking for simple Spanish dessert recipes, I have collected a list of my 12 favorites.
12 Simple Spanish Dessert Recipes
- Rice Pudding– this looks amazing and yummy. A very traditional Latin dessert. Arroz Leche (rice milk) is what it’s called in Spanish. My father-in-law says the kids went crazy when his mother would cook this. Now, my mother-in-law makes it for him.
- Leche Frita– these are fried milk pockets that are cinnamon-y.
- Hazelnut Flan– when I think of Spanish desserts, I think of flan. Love this one with hazelnut flavor. Best part? This recipe is made in the pressure cooker.
- Tres Leches Cake– this is hands down my favorite Spanish dessert- 3 Milks Cake. When we go to San Antonio you can find them every where! I like mine topped with fruit. Super fattening but 100% worth it!
- Spanish Pumpkin Almond Dessert– this looks delish. Pumpkin meets almond with a hint of lemon. Yum!
- Spanish Donuts– these donut balls are dipped in a spiced chocolate sauce.
- Churros– a fried classic that many kids love. My father-in-law loves this, he says. These are commonly found on many dessert menus here in Texas that serve Mexican food.
- Pavé– an easy Brazilian layered chocolate dessert.
- Puerto Rican Flan Cheesecake– my husband tells me his mother made cheesecake all the time when they were kids and it was amazing. I can only image what a flan cheesecake combination would taste like. I am going to see if my mother-in-law will help me make this for Thanksgiving.
- Spanish Creme Brulee– I could eat this stuff for breakfast! Or dessert. Or both.
- Spanish Apple Pie – an apple pie with a custard filling that sounds divine!
- Chocolate Creme Brulee– reminds me of Brazilian inspired Catalana.
Are you a Spanish dessert expert? What would you add to the list?
More Dessert Recipes You Might Like:
Layered Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
