Traditional Spanish Desserts You Must Try on Your Next Trip to Spain

Planning a trip to Spain and looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Spanish cuisine is full of underrated desserts. You might know the more popular churros with chocolate, but have you ever heard of a Rosquilla or a Xuixo? . Whether you’re a fan of rich, creamy textures or the comforting taste of cinnamon, there’s something for everyone. Here are some must-try desserts that will make your Spanish adventure even sweeter!

Categories for Desserts

Cakes and Tarts

Basque Cheesecake

Basque cheesecake is a creamy, rich dessert that has gained international fame for its unique texture and flavor. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, it has a deeply caramelized crust and a gooey, almost custard-like center. This cheesecake is made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and heavy cream, but its high baking temperature gives it its signature burnt top and creamy interior. Originating from the Basque Country, this dessert has become a must-eat treat across Spain and beyond. For the best cheesecake, definitely recommend trying it in Barcelona!

Ponche Segoviano

Ponche Segoviano is a traditional layered cake from Segovia that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. This cake is made with layers of sponge cake, marzipan, and pastry cream, all covered with a sugary syrup and often decorated with intricate patterns. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a special treat. Its origins date back to the 19th century, and it remains a beloved dessert in Segovia, often enjoyed during special occasions. Make sure to make the day trip from Madrid to try this specialty.

Tartas de Aceite

Tartas de Aceite are olive oil cakes that offer a unique twist on traditional Spanish baking. These cakes are made with olive oil, flour, sugar, and often flavored with aniseed and sesame seeds. The use of olive oil gives the cake a moist and tender crumb, while the aniseed adds a hint of licorice flavor. This cake is a testament to Spain’s rich agricultural heritage, showcasing the use of local ingredients in its desserts. Tartas de Aceite are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon treat.

Pastries

Xuixo

Xuixo is one of my favorite pastries originating from Catalonia, particularly popular in Barcelona. These are croissant-like pastries filled with rich, creamy custard and coated in a generous layer of sugar. The dough is rolled around the cream, deep-fried to golden perfection, and then covered in sugar, making it a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth. The combination of the crispy exterior and the creamy filling makes Xuixo a must-try pastry when visiting Barcelona.

Churros

Spanish churros are a beloved treat across the country, distinct from their American counterparts. These pastries are made from dough that is piped through a star-shaped nozzle, deep-fried until golden. Unlike American churros, they are not typically coated in cinnamon sugar. Instead, they are often enjoyed with a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping. This crispy, sweet pastry is a popular breakfast or snack item in Spain, perfect for a quick and delicious pick-me-up. To try the most authentic churros, go to San Gines in Madrid!

Torrijas

Torrijas are a Spanish version of an elevated French toast, typically enjoyed during Holy Week (Semana Santa). Slices of bread (typically brioche) are soaked in milk or wine, then dipped in beaten eggs and fried until golden brown. They are often soaked in a sweet syrup made of honey or sugar and cinnamon, giving them a delightful flavor and moist texture. This comforting and indulgent treat has a long history in Spain and is loved for its simplicity and deliciousness, typically served cold.

Rosquillas

Rosquillas are Spanish donuts that come in various styles and flavors. These ring-shaped pastries are typically made from flour, sugar, eggs, and sometimes flavored with anise. They can be fried or baked and are often dusted with powdered sugar or glazed with a sweet coating. Rosquillas have been a part of Spanish culinary traditions for centuries and are especially popular during festivals and celebrations. The texture reminds me a bit of a cream puff, super light interior, a bit like a snack more than a pastry.

Fartons

Fartons are long, soft pastries originally from Valencia. These pastries are made with flour, sugar, oil, and yeast, resulting in a light and airy texture. They are typically glazed or soaked with a sweet syrup, adding an extra layer of sweetness. Fartons are perfect for dipping in a glass of cold horchata, making them a beloved summer treat in Spain.

Cold Cream-based Desserts

Arroz con Leche

Arroz con Leche is a Spanish rice pudding that is both comforting and delicious. This creamy dessert is made by simmering rice with milk, sugar, and cinnamon until it reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency. Often served cold, it can be flavored with lemon zest or vanilla for added depth. Arroz con Leche is a staple in Spanish homes and restaurants, beloved for its simplicity and nostalgic flavors that evoke the warmth of home-cooked meals. You can also purchase them in containers at supermarkets.

Leche Frita

Leche Frita, translating to “fried milk,” is a unique Spanish dessert that offers a delightful contrast of textures. To make Leche Frita, milk is thickened with flour and sugar, then chilled until firm. The milk mixture is cut into squares, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining creamy and soft on the inside. Often dusted with cinnamon sugar or served with a drizzle of honey, this dessert is a true indulgence, reminding me of a thick pudding with a fried homey taste.

Flan

Flan is a classic Spanish dessert that features a smooth and creamy caramel custard. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, flan is baked in a caramel-lined mold until set, then inverted onto a plate to reveal a rich caramel sauce. This dessert is popular throughout Spain and Latin America, known for its silky texture and sweet, caramel flavor. Flan’s origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, but it has since become a beloved staple in Spanish cuisine.

Drinks

Leche Merengada

Leche Merengada is a refreshing and creamy Spanish drink that combines milk, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest, topped with fluffy meringue. The milk, sweetened, and then chilled to create a refreshing and creamy beverage. Before serving, it’s topped with a generous dollop of meringue and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This drink is especially popular during the summer months, providing a cool and satisfying treat.

Horchata

Horchata is a refreshing traditional Spanish drink made from tiger nuts, water, and sugar. It originates from Valencia and is particularly popular in the summer. The tiger nuts are soaked, ground, and blended with water, then strained to produce a smooth, milky beverage. Often served over ice, horchata has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, making it a perfect way to cool down on a hot day.

Colacao

Colacao is a popular chocolate drink mix in Spain, enjoyed by both children and adults. Made from cocoa powder, sugar, and other ingredients, it is typically mixed with milk to create a rich and creamy chocolate drink. Colacao can be enjoyed hot or cold and is often consumed at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Its delightful chocolate flavor makes it a comforting and indulgent treat. You can purchase the powder from any supermarket and make these drinks yourself!

Traditional Sweets

Turrón

Turrón is a traditional Spanish nougat that is especially popular during the Christmas season. Made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted almonds, it comes in two main varieties: soft (turrón blando) and hard (turrón duro). The soft variety has a smooth, chewy texture, while the hard variety is brittle and crunchy. Turrón’s origins date back to the Moors, and it remains a beloved holiday treat in Spain.

Polvorón

Polvorón is a type of Spanish shortbread cookie that is crumbly and melts in your mouth. Made from flour, sugar, milk, and nuts (typically almonds), these cookies are often flavored with cinnamon or lemon zest. Polvorones are especially popular during Christmas but are enjoyed year-round. Their name comes from the Spanish word “polvo,” meaning “dust,” referring to their delicate, powdery texture.

Yemas de Santa Teresa

Yemas de Santa Teresa are sweet, egg yolk-based treats originating from Ávila, Spain. Made from egg yolks, sugar, and lemon zest, these bright yellow confections are cooked until thick and then shaped into small balls. Often dusted with powdered sugar, yemas are known for their rich, sweet flavor and smooth, creamy texture. They are a traditional Spanish sweet with a history dating back to the 19th century.

Conclusion

Spain’s dessert landscape is as rich and diverse as its culture, offering an array of treats that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From the creamy, rich Basque cheesecake to the comforting flavors of arroz con leche, and the crispy, sweet churros, there is something to delight everyone. Spanish desserts, with their unique combinations of ingredients and traditional recipes, provide a delicious way to experience the country’s culinary heritage.

So, as you plan your Spanish adventure, make sure to add these must-try desserts to your itinerary. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll create delicious memories that will last a lifetime. For more ideas on what to eat while in Spain check out our other post about tapas!