In 2018, Cuba welcomed 5 million tourists to its shores. Cuba is famous for its tobacco, rum, music and of, course, their food.
In Cuba, authenticity is king. You won’t find any fast-food chains on this island. Check out this list of 10 Cuban desserts you must try.
1. Flan
Flan is a world-famous traditional Cuban dessert. It is a flat custard cake that is creamy and smooth and not overly sweet.
It is one of the most versatile of all Cuban recipes. Flan flavors are limitless. Popular options include guava, chocolate, and coconut.
The beauty of this Latin American dessert is that it is so simple. Yet, you will find flan on menus of upscale Cuban restaurants as well as in Grandmas’ kitchen.
Sometimes, flan is topped with almonds, citrus fruit, chocolate glaze and so on.
Flan is made out of sugar, an egg, several egg yolks, a can of both evaporated and sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
First, you brown the sugar in a saucepan. Then when it is dark brown and caramelized, you pour the sugar into a casserole dish.
Use a blender to combine the other ingredients for one minute. Next, pour the mixture over the caramelized sugar.
Place the dish inside a larger pan and add an inch of hot water to the outer pan. This will keep the edges from burning.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees until set (around 50 minutes).
Individual flan desserts are a fun variation of this dessert. Simply divide the batter into ramekin cups and bake until set.
If you aren’t a big fan of filling and decadent desserts, you’ll love flan. With its subtle flavors and light, airy texture, it’s a dessert that is easy to fall in love with.
2. Pastelitos de Guayaba
Pastelitos de Guayaba means guava pastries. This is one of the most traditional Cuban desserts that you have to experience when you visit Cuba.
This Cuban pastry is flaky, warm and filled with a mixture of cream cheese and guava. Served best with a cup of Cuban coffee.
Make sure you order this Cuban treat when you stop at a cafe during your Havana day tour.
3. Arroz Con Leche
Rice pudding doesn’t belong exclusively to Cuba. It’s one of the most beloved Latin American desserts.
When Cubans think of comfort food, they think of Grandma’s arroz con leche.
This rice pudding can be served hot or cold. It is made from evaporated milk, condensed milk, whole milk, cinnamon, sugar and possibly raisins.
It’s not fancy, but it is delicious.
4. Pastel de Tres Leches
By now you are seeing a trend with Cuban desserts. They rely heavily on condensed and evaporated milk. This is the perfect dessert for milk lovers.
Pastel de tres leches means three kinds of milk cake. It is a spongy, super moist cake that is soaked in three kinds of milk. Hence the name!
It is usually topped with fresh strawberries or a meringue icing. Deliciousness!
The cake is similar to an American yellow cake recipe. But the magic happens when you pour the combined three kinds of milk over the baked cake.
To make sure the cake absorbs the liquid, you first poke holes with a toothpick all over the baked cake. Then you pour the three kinds of milk on the cake and let it soak in.
Then you can top with meringue icing, whipped cream and fruit or just serve as is. Here’s a recipe for pastel de tres leches if you want to try it at home.
5. Torticas de Moron
Thes sugar cookies originated in Morón in Central Cuba. But because it’s Cuba, these aren’t just your typical sugar cookies.
A couple teaspoons of light rum and lime zest give these sugar cookies a tropical taste that is irresistible.
Pair with a cup of Cuban coffee for a delicious morning snack.
6. Brazo de Gitano
Don’t be alarmed by the name Gypsy’s arm. This Cuban desert is one you have to try.
Cuban recipes for Brazo de Gitano can be found all over. This rolled sponge cake is filled with delicious guava jelly.
It’s light and creamy and sometimes rolled in coconut.
7. Turrones
Do you love nougat dessert bars? Then you’ll love Cuban turrones.
This nutty bar is crunchy, sweet and filling. It is made with egg whites, sugar honey, chocolate, and nuts.
Cubans often take a slice of turron when they are on the go.
8. Cazuela de Plátano
Many Latin American desserts are made from plantains. A plantain is larger and denser than a banana but has a similar taste.
This buttery sweet casserole is decadent and soft. And for once, has no milk! If you have a milk allergy, be sure to ask if they use butter in this recipe.
It is made by baking plantains, pecans, brown sugar, and raisins. It’s a delicious and sweet treat that you will want to eat every day.
9. Buñuelos de Viento
Bunuelos de Viento means air fritters. Their name comes from their light and airy texture.
Basically, this Cuban pastry is made of fried pastry balls topped with icing sugar, maple syrup or whipped cream. They are crispy on the outside and light on the inside.
10. Casco de Guayaba
Guava helmets are a simple, everyday, Cuban dessert that you could often find in the homes of many locals after a weekday dinner.
These easy Cuban desserts are made by halving guavas and baking them with a bit of sugar, water and lime zest.
The lime adds a zest to the otherwise sweet guava. It’s a delicious and simple dessert that goes down smooth after a good meal.
Bottom Line on Cuban Desserts
Is your mouth watering yet? These 10 Cuban desserts are just a selection of some of the delicious traditional Cuban desserts you can experience on your next trip to Cuba.
Next, check out the top 5 salsa clubs in Cuba you have to visit.