Unbeknownst to many people, Guatemalan desserts might not be as well-known as those from other countries like Mexico, Spain, Greece, or Italy. This is likely due to the fact that outside of certain areas in the United States, Guatemalan food and restaurants aren’t as widespread as those serving other ethnic cuisines. However, there are some typical Guatemalan desserts that you might be familiar with, such as tres leches cake and arroz con leche.
On the other hand, treats like torrejas and Magdalena cake may be entirely new to you. Either way – whether you’re a seasoned dessert lover or not – these traditional sweets are definitely worth trying. So don’t just take my word for it; go through this list, try a few (or all) of them for yourself, and discover some new favorite desserts that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth!
Champurradas
Virtually indistinguishable from store-bought cookies, these thin, crispy treats boast an unmistakably buttery flavor that echoes the classic taste of homemade shortbread. While the sesame seed topping contributes a subtle yet satisfying crunch, its impact on the overall flavor profile is minimal. The sweetness level is restrained, allowing the natural flavors to shine through; they’re perfect for pairing with a warm cup of coffee or tea. What’s more, these cookies are deceptively easy to prepare.
Although they do require some time and effort, the process itself is remarkably straightforward and requires only uncomplicated ingredients.
Guatemalan Bananas With Sweet Cream
Basking in the simplicity of this dessert recipe, you’ll discover that all it takes is seven ingredients and 15 minutes to create something truly magical. Bananas are already a sweet treat on their own, but when topped with a luscious glaze crafted from brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, they transform into an even more spectacular delight.
Whether served solo, atop fluffy pancakes or waffles, or smothered in creamy vanilla ice cream, these banana wonders will undoubtedly captivate your taste buds. Either way, the result is sure to be a culinary masterpiece that exceeds expectations.
Borracho Cake
Arroz con Leche
Torrejas
Preparing these traditional Guatemalan sweet breads is surprisingly easy. All you need to do is gather eggs, flour, brioche bread (or panes dulces), and vegetable oil on hand. The key ingredient that truly elevates the flavor of these treats, however, is the syrup. This sweet sauce is packed with a delightful blend of allspice, orange zest, cinnamon, and clove flavors, making it the essence of Guatemalan baking.
Additionally, you’ll find some plump raisins, granulated sugar, and prunes incorporated into the syrup as well. To add an extra touch of festivity before serving, sprinkle some additional sugar (colored sugar can make a visually appealing addition) on top of each bread, and place a prune in the center for presentation purposes.
As you bite into one of these sweet breads, the aroma of cinnamon and spices will transport you to the vibrant markets of Guatemala, filling your home with an unmistakable fall scent that’s sure to captivate anyone who enters.
Buñuelos
Virtually identical to sopapillas, buñuelos can be easily confused with one another. The similarity between the two lies in their shared crispy tortilla exterior covered in cinnamon and sugar. However, a closer look reveals that buñuelos are distinguished by their thinner, crisper texture compared to the airy interior of sopapillas. This subtle difference is what sets these sweet treats apart, making them similar to sweet fritters with an enticing crunch.
Tres Leches Cake
Pleasingly indulgent is what this tres leches cake will be, thanks to its unique combination of three types of milk: milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. The result is an incredibly moist and fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible. But it doesn’t stop there – the topping made from sugar, whipping cream, and vanilla extract adds another layer of flavor and luxury to this dessert.
To finish it off, sliced strawberries are added on top, bringing a pop of color and a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.
Guatemalan Pineapple Empanadas
Delighting people from diverse backgrounds is the ability to enjoy an empanada, regardless of one’s nationality, whether from Mexico, Guatemala, Portugal, or the United States. The combination of a warm, flaky crust and a powdered sugar topping provides a sweet contrast that pairs perfectly with the fabulous fruit filling. What makes these empanadas truly exceptional is their tropical pineapple filling, which strikes an irresistible balance between its sweet and tangy flavors.
Rellenitos de Plátano
Yearning for something new to indulge in? You’re in luck! Plantains have taken a turn for the unexpected. Typically enjoyed on their own or as a side dish, these sweet treats now boast an innovative twist – black refried beans are the star of the show. Each cinnamony plantain is carefully crafted with a luscious filling made from black refried beans, water, cocoa powder, and sugar. To take them to the next level, serve with extra bean chocolate sauce for a richly decadent experience.
Chancletas
Known for their unique appearance, chancletas bear little resemblance to their namesakes – stuffed peppers. In reality, they’re chayote squash filled with a delightful medley of sweet ingredients such as raisins, almonds, cinnamon, sugar, coconut, and more. Their simplicity is part of their appeal, making them effortless to prepare while their aroma is truly irresistible, even surpassing the taste experience.
The recipe allows for the use of breadcrumbs from sweet buns, but I recommend substituting it with shredded coconut if you’re a fan of its distinct flavor – and trust me, the result is well worth the slight deviation.
Polvorosas
Hailing from the world of traditional Scottish baking, these sweet treats are sure to satisfy your cravings with each deliciously crumbly bite. With just five basic ingredients – flour, cornstarch, sugar, butter, and shortening – you can indulge in their rich and decadent flavor without breaking the bank or sacrificing time.
The combination of warm, buttery shortbread with a generous dusting of powdered sugar creates a truly heavenly experience that’s hard to resist, especially when every bite feels like a little taste of bliss.
Quesadilla De Arroz
Focusing on the name alone might give you an incorrect impression about these Guatemalan desserts known as quesadillas, which are a far cry from the traditional Mexican dish of the same name. Flipping through cookbooks or browsing online recipes won’t yield any results that resemble this sweet treat because it doesn’t contain any tortillas, cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Instead, it’s a rich and decadent cake made with whole milk, heavy cream, and an authentic Latin American cheese, giving it a unique flavor profile. Its appearance is reminiscent of cornbread, but the texture is lighter and softer, while a crunchy sesame seed topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates the overall experience.
Pan de Banano
Pondering traditional banana bread recipes, you may notice that Guatemalan banana bread shares many similarities. However, its texture is notably distinct – moister and boasting a crisper exterior than its counterpart. While the ingredients used in both recipes are surprisingly similar, there’s just enough difference to give each its unique character. To make this delicious treat, you’ll need butter, sugar, ripe bananas, salt, cinnamon, lemon juice, eggs, flour, and baking powder.
The end result is a lightly sweet bread that’s bursting with banana flavor – a truly phenomenal taste experience enhanced by the subtle addition of honey drizzled on top.
Magdalena Cake
Known for its versatility and delightful taste, the Magdalena cake is an intriguing dessert that combines elements of a pound cake, orange roll, and coffee cake. With its sweet orange and vanilla flavor profile, this cake boasts a rich, buttery, and fluffy texture that pairs exquisitely with a strong cup of coffee or soothing hot tea. For added indulgence, you can top it with powdered sugar, a decadent sweet glaze, or even be more extravagant by using ice cream or pure maple syrup as a topping.
Regardless of the choice, this cake is guaranteed to impress any crowd.
Guatemalan Squash Cake
15 Traditional Guatemalan Desserts
Instructions
Elevate your baking experience by choosing a delicious Guatemalan dessert from our collection of recipes. Next, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready to go. With a little prep work, you can whip up an authentic Guatemalan treat in under 30 minutes!
