If you’re craving something sweet, look no further than Spanish desserts.
Spain is home to some of the most delicious and easy going treats, perfect for satisfying your cravings.
So if you’re a seasoned baker or just a beginner in making Spanish desserts at home, this can be a fun experience for you.
Let’s explore 5 traditional Spanish desserts that are simple to make and will bring the taste of Spain right to your kitchen.
Churros: Your Traditional Spanish Dessert
Churros are one of the most iconic Spanish desserts.
These crispy, golden sticks are often served for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of thick hot chocolate.
As its origin is Spain, churros are loved all over the world, and you can easily recreate them at home for a truly authentic treat.
Ingredients for Homemade Churros
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cinnamon and sugar (for dusting)
How to Make Churros at Home
- Prepare the Dough: In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Bring it to a simmer, then remove from heat and stir in the flour until well mixed.
- Add Eggs: Let the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
- Fry the Churros: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan to 375°F (190°C). Pipe the dough into strips and fry until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).
- Dust with Cinnamon Sugar: Drain the churros on paper towels and dust them with cinnamon sugar.
Churros are a beloved Spanish dessert that you can enjoy any time of the day, and they pair perfectly with a cup of Spanish hot chocolate.
Rich and Creamy Flan: A Spanish Custard Classic
Flan is another classic in the world of Spanish desserts. This smooth and creamy caramel custard is easy to make and deliciously satisfying. It’s typically enjoyed after a meal in Spain and is perfect for gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients for Flan
- 1 cup of sugar (for caramel)
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How to Prepare Flan
- Make the Caramel: Melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Carefully pour the hot caramel into a flan dish.
- Mix the Custard: Whisk the condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt together in a bowl.
- Bake the Flan: Pour the custard mixture over the caramel and bake in a water bath at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the flan cool, then refrigerate for several hours before serving. Invert onto a plate to reveal the creamy, caramel-topped flan.
This one of the most sweet Spanish desserts is simple, yet elegant so you can serve it with whipped cream or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
Crema Catalana: Spanish Desserts with a Crunchy Twist
Crema Catalana is similar to crème brûlée but with a unique Spanish twist. It’s a creamy custard dessert topped with a crispy caramelized sugar crust, which adds a delightful contrast to its smooth texture. Originating from Catalonia, this is one of the most perfect Spanish desserts for special occasions.
Ingredients for Crema Catalana
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 strip of lemon peel
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
How to Make Crema Catalana
- Infuse the Milk: Heat the milk with the cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Once it simmers, remove it from the heat and let it infuse for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Custard: Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Gradually add the warm milk mixture while whisking constantly.
- Thicken the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Once the custard is set in ramekins, refrigerate for a few hours. Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown.
Crema Catalana is a perfect example of how Spanish desserts combine smoothness and crunch, giving you a delightful dessert experience.
Torrijas: Spanish French Toast
Torrijas is Spain’s answer to French toast, and they’re a popular dessert, especially during Lent. This sweet Spanish dessert is made by soaking thick slices of bread in a milk mixture, frying them, and then coating them with sugar and cinnamon.
Ingredients for Torrijas
- 4 thick slices of stale bread
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Honey (optional)
How to Make Torrijas
- Soak the Bread: Heat the milk with sugar and cinnamon, then soak the slices of stale bread in the milk mixture for about 5 seconds per side.
- Fry the Bread: Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the soaked bread slices until golden brown on both sides.
- Dust with Sugar and Cinnamon: Once fried, dust with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. You can drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
Torrijas are a comforting and delicious Spanish dessert that will warm your heart and fill your belly.
Leche Frita: Fried Milk, A Sweet Spanish Dessert
Leche Frita (fried milk) is a lesser-known but utterly delicious Spanish dessert. It combines creamy milk with a crispy fried coating, creating a sweet and satisfying treat that’s simple to prepare but full of flavor.
Ingredients for Leche Frita
- 3 cups of whole milk
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cinnamon and sugar for dusting
How to Make Leche Frita
- Prepare the Milk Mixture: Heat the milk with sugar and cinnamon until it’s simmering. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch to thicken the mixture.
- Chill and Set: Once thickened, pour the mixture into a dish and refrigerate for a few hours to set.
- Fry the Leche Frita: Cut the set mixture into squares, then fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Dust with Cinnamon Sugar: Dust with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Leche Frita is a delicious Spanish dessert that’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. It’s a fun and indulgent treat for any occasion.
Conclusion
These 5 sweet Spanish desserts are just a small taste of the rich and diverse world of Spanish sweets. From crispy churros to creamy flan, these desserts bring the flavors of Spain right to your home.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a sweet treat, Spanish desserts are the perfect way to indulge. So, why not experiment with these Spanish desserts and bring a little piece of Spain to your table?
With easy-to-follow recipes and mouthwatering flavors, you’ll soon be an expert in making Spanish desserts. Get creative, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the sweet side of Spain!
FAQs
What are the most popular Spanish desserts?
Some of the most popular Spanish desserts include churros, flan, crema catalana, torrijas, and leche frita.
What makes Spanish desserts special?
Spanish desserts often feature simple ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, but the unique preparations and combinations make them distinct and delicious.
Can I make Spanish desserts with ingredients I already have?
Yes, many Spanish desserts use common kitchen ingredients. Simple pantry staples like sugar, eggs, and flour are key to creating many delicious treats.
How do Spanish desserts compare to other desserts?
Spanish desserts often focus on creating a balance of rich, creamy textures and sweet, flavorful toppings, making them a bit different from more traditional Western-style sweets.
