I absolutely adore finding new and exciting recipes to try in my kitchen.
These Puerto Rican desserts are deliciously simple to prepare and offer a lovely change of pace from standard cookies or cakes. If you want something sweet with a tropical twist, this list of 23 recipes has you covered.
1. Polvorones: Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies
This recipe does not use eggs at all. It incorporates fat directly into the flour for a wonderfully short and crisp cookie that pairs perfectly with hot tea.
Using lard keeps the cost lower than all butter while maintaining a crumbly texture. It feels very similar to a good Scottish shortbread.
2. Tembleque de Coco (Coconut Pudding)
I bought silicone bundt molds on a whim recently and they are now my favorite pans. Coconut flavor is subtle and often gets lost when mixed with other ingredients.
It shines as the star of the show in this dish. You will love this smooth treat if you enjoy custard desserts.
3. Besitos de Coco (Coconut Macaroons)
These tasty macaroons are light and not overly sweet. You only need sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut flakes, and vanilla extract to make them.
Add a dash of almond extract for extra flavor. Whip up a second batch because they disappear fast.
4. Pan de Mallorca (Mallorca Bread)
This enriched sweet bread is fluffy and tender. It tastes lovely with just a pad of butter.
You can also use it as a base for extravagant treats. Fill the dough with Nutella or guava paste before baking for a dessert bread that is to die for.
5. Arroz Con Dulce: Puerto Rican Rice Pudding
I love rice pudding because you can eat it for breakfast without judgment. It works well served either hot or cold.
Use short-grain rice for the best texture possible. Infusing the water with spices ensures great flavor in every single bite.
6. Limber de Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut Fudgesicle)
You only need four ingredients and five minutes for this decadent frozen treat. Blend evaporated milk with Nutella plus condensed and whole milk until smooth.
Pour the mixture into simple plastic cups. Popsicle molds work great if you have them.
7. Puerto Rican Pineapple Rum Cake
This cake is a total tropical dream. I prefer chopping the fruit into chunks to fill the bottom rather than using slices.
The glaze cooks with the pineapples to create a sweet and boozy treat. Do not skip that glaze at the end.
8. Piragua de Crema (Cream Shaved Ice)
Shaved ice is a guilt-free dessert beloved by all ages. Kids usually want the bright blue options.
I much prefer this simple creamy version. It contains cream plus condensed and evaporated milk.
9. Guava Cheese Empanadas
You can use puff pastry or even store-bought wontons for the shell. A crispy exterior pairs perfectly with any filling you choose.
This specific combination of guava and cream cheese is delicious. Guava paste is easy to make if you cannot find it.
10. Budín de Pan (Bread Pudding)
This likely started as a frugal way to use up stale bread. It has become so much more than that.
A flan-like caramel sauce on top makes it a total indulgence. Add some rum-soaked raisins for an incredible finish.
11. Puerto Rican Flan de Queso (Cheese Flan)
I am slightly obsessed with cheesecake and love all things custard. Combining the two makes for a perfect dessert.
Start with room-temperature ingredients for the silkiest texture. You must use a water bath to bake this.
12. Coquito Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches is a light cake that tastes great alone or with caramel. Spices in the coquito topping make this incredibly festive.
You should poke holes all over the cake so the topping seeps in. Let it sit overnight if possible.
13. Guava Cheesecake
I love making a creamy base and changing it up with sauces. Baking the topping right into the batter gives it a beautiful pattern.
Guava looks so pretty against the white cheesecake. The flavor is absolutely terrific.
14. Puerto Rican Flancocho (Flan Cake)
You make this by adding caramel to a dish and covering it with custard filling. Add a cake mix on top which technically becomes the bottom.
The cake soaks up the custard as it bakes in a water bath. You end up with two ultra-moist layers.
15. Budin (Bread Pudding)
Bread pudding always has a place on the table regardless of culture. This version is often served during the holiday season.
It uses evaporated milk plus condensed milk and eggs. The result is simple but divine.
16. Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pasties)
These cheesecake-like treats are irresistible in the morning. Using store-bought pastry means they are ready in under 10 minutes.
Add chocolate or caramel to the mix for something extra. Try fruit compote as well.
17. Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)
Making eggnog at home usually involves tempering and can be a pain. This version couldn’t be easier.
Blitz everything smooth and chill it to serve. The mix of milk and coconut with rum is creamy and smooth.
18. Majarte (Rice Flour Custard)
This rice flour custard is similar to pudding and made with cornmeal. It tastes especially tasty with cinnamon or coconut flakes sprinkled on top.
Some say this treat reminds them of flan. It makes a perfect finale to your feast.
19. Platanos Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains)
Plantains make for a fantastic vegetable alternative to potatoes. Roast them with salt and spice for a savory side.
You can also cook them in brown sugar and cinnamon for an easy dessert. Look for brown skins to get maximum flavor.
20. Mantecaditos (Puerto Rican Guava Thumbprint Cookies)
These buttery cookies are flavored with a touch of almond. I love the richness that egg yolks offer here.
This is where you will use that guava jam. You can make your own easily if you cannot find it in stores.
21. Pumpkin Flan
Making dry caramel might seem intimidating at first. Only pour enough sugar to coat the bottom of the pan initially.
Gradually add more as it starts to melt. Do not stir the pot.
22. Limbel/Limber (Puerto Rican Icee)
This super fast recipe just needs the ingredients combined until smooth.
You can pour the mixture into molds for an easy summer treat. Pouring the mix into ice cube trays is a great option for iced coffee.
23. Quesitos de Guayaba (Sweeten Cream Cheese and Guava Pastries)
This is an excellent recipe to use up homemade guava jam. I love letting the filling bubble up on the edges.
The shape is really fun. You could substitute the guava for whatever jam you have in the fridge.