Craving a taste of traditional Cuban sweets? From rich bars and crisp cookies to velvety flan, these simple recipes bring a little slice of Havana to your kitchen!
With sugarcane thriving across Cuba, desserts hold a special place in the country’s culinary culture.
Cuban treats stand out for their masterful blend of tropical fruits and warm spices, creating truly unforgettable flavors.
If you’re a fan of bananas and guavas, you’re in for a treat! This collection of desserts lets you savor the essence of Cuba right at home.
Feeling stuck in a dessert rut? Shake things up with something fresh and exciting!
These Cuban delights will add the perfect sweet finish to any meal.
Contents
22. Maizena – Homemade Cuban Chocolate Pudding
Warm, velvety, and infused with delicate chocolate notes, Cuban chocolate pudding—known as Maizena de chocolate or natilla—is a beloved custard often enjoyed during brunch or on chilly evenings.
I have cherished memories of mi abuela making what she called natilla (the Cuban name for it) on frosty winter mornings.
Meanwhile, my titi (Puerto Rican reference) made an incredible vanilla-based maizena, but mi abuela always had her own twist—she’d stir in a packet or two of hot cocoa mix. After all, who can resist a dessert made even better with a touch of chocolate?
21. Tres Leches Cake – Traditional Cuban Dessert
This is the ultimate tres leches cake! Made entirely from scratch, it features a light and airy sponge cake soaked in a rich three-milk mixture, then finished with a luscious layer of sweetened whipped cream.
For an authentic flavor, this recipe combines sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream.
Once the cake absorbs the creamy goodness, it’s chilled to perfection and crowned with a fluffy whipped topping, making every bite irresistibly moist and decadent.
20. Arroz con Leche – Sweet Cuban Rice Pudding
Cuban Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche) is one of my absolute favorites! This recipe stays true to tradition, delivering a rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet dessert that always hits the spot.
Whenever I visit a Cuban bakery, I can’t resist ordering arroz con leche to see if it meets my high standards—it has to have the perfect consistency and just the right level of sweetness.
This recipe nails it! Creamy, sweet, and finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s everything you’d expect from a classic Cuban treat. I even had my Cuban parents taste-test it, and they gave it a big thumbs up!
19. Amazing Tropical Guava Bars
This next recipe brings together guava paste and coconut in one irresistible bar—the ultimate tropical delight!
These bars start with a soft, buttery shortbread crust, followed by a luscious guava-coconut filling, and are finished with a crisp oatmeal, sugar, and coconut topping.
The combination of textures and flavors makes for a truly indulgent treat that’s both rich and heavenly!
18. Mojito (Welcome to Havana 🙂
Mojitos are one of the most iconic cocktails to come out of Havana, Cuba.
There was a time when rum had a harsh taste on its own, which led to the creation of this refreshing drink. To make it more enjoyable, Cubans crafted a simple yet flavorful mix of rum, sugar, mint, and lime juice.
The result? A crisp, sweet, and invigorating cocktail that not only cools you down but also delivers just the right kick!
17. Cuban Coffee for Boost in the Morning
If you’re craving a serious caffeine boost, Cuban coffee is the way to go! This bold espresso, crowned with a thick layer of sweet foam, packs a powerful punch.
Perfect for jumpstarting your morning, cafecito is a dark roast espresso known for its intense flavor. On its own, it’s incredibly strong and bitter, which is why it’s balanced with espumita—a frothy, sugary topping.
The result? A rich, smooth, and energizing drink that’s as delicious as it is invigorating!
16. Mouthwatering Cuban Lunch Squares
These Cuban lunch squares bring together the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in one decadent treat—every sweet tooth’s dream!
Just one look at these mouthwatering bars, and you know you’re in for something special.
Beyond their rich, melt-in-your-mouth taste, these squares offer a delightful mix of textures.
The ooey-gooey base is perfectly balanced with a crunchy topping of crushed peanuts and crispy Rice Krispies, making every bite a delicious contrast of smooth and crisp.
15. Soft and Chewy, Sweet and Tangy Bolitas de Tamarindo
Bolitas de tamarindo, or tamarind candy balls, are delightfully soft, chewy, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
I can’t get enough of these addictive little treats! The contrast between the sweetness and the natural tartness of tamarind is simply irresistible.
Made by rolling sweetened tamarind into bite-sized balls and coating them in sugar, this Cuban confection is one you won’t be able to stop snacking on—trust me, you’ll be hooked too!
14. Make at Home Casquitos de Guayaba
Casquitos de guayaba is a wonderfully simple dessert made by simmering guavas in a sweet syrup—one of the easiest ways to bring the flavors of Cuba right into your kitchen.
Guavas are naturally sweet, but cooking them in syrup enhances their flavor, making them even more irresistible.
The slow cooking process also softens the fruit, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s pure bliss.
While a basic sugar and water syrup does the trick, you can elevate this treat by adding your favorite spices for an extra layer of warmth and depth.
13. Apple Empanadas in Spiced Syrup
Apple pie you can take on the go? Yes, please!
These sweet empanadas are filled with tender apples soaked in a rich, spiced syrup, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry. One bite, and you’ll understand why I call them pure heaven.
But don’t expect your typical apple pie filling—this version is next level.
The syrup is infused with warm cinnamon, cloves, Mexican piloncillo, brown sugar, vanilla, and a splash of lemon juice. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
12. Two-layer Guava Cheesecake
Some people top their cheesecake with berries, others with crushed candy—but in Cuba, the ultimate cheesecake is crowned with sweet guava marmalade.
Can’t picture how guava and cheesecake taste together? Let me tell you—it’s nothing short of amazing! The tropical sweetness of guava pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy cheesecake, creating a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible.
This recipe takes traditional guava cheesecake to the next level by incorporating not one, but two layers of buttery crescent dough.
And as if that wasn’t indulgent enough, it’s finished with a generous topping of fluffy whipped cream. This dessert isn’t just delicious—it’s legendary!
11. Coquitos – Popular Street Food in Cuba
Coquitos are little bites of pure bliss!
A beloved street food in Cuba, these sweet coconut treats are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor—it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.
What makes them truly irresistible is the perfect blend of brown sugar, coconut, and vanilla.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Each bite-sized ball is dipped in melted chocolate, making them even more impossible to resist.
One bite, and you’re hooked! Luckily, they’re super easy to make.
10. Tender and Crumbly Cuban Sugar Cookies
Here’s a delicious twist on Torticas de Morón just for you! If you’re a fan of caramel or dulce de leche, these sugar cookies will steal your heart.
On their own, these cookies are already irresistible—sweet, tender, and perfectly crumbly. But this recipe takes them to a whole new level by adding a luscious dulce de leche topping.
Never tried dulce de leche before? Now’s the time!
Literally meaning “candy made of milk,” dulce de leche is sweetened condensed milk slowly cooked down until it reaches a thick, caramel-like consistency. And trust me—it’s phenomenal.
While both the cookies and dulce de leche are delicious on their own, together, they’re simply out of this world!
9. Cuban Churros with Hot Chocolate and Whipped Cream
Just like in many Hispanic-influenced countries, churros are a cherished treat in Cuba.
After all, who could possibly resist deep-fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar?
Think of them as donut sticks—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and downright addictive. Stopping at just one? Nearly impossible!
While churros are amazing on their own, they’re even better with the perfect dip.
This recipe pairs them with a thick, velvety hot chocolate infused with whipped cream and a hint of cinnamon.
The result? A match made in dessert heaven!
8. Dulce de Leche Cortada (Dessert Achieved by Curdling Milk)
Dulce de leche cortada is a beloved dessert in Cuba, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico, made by intentionally curdling milk.
Yes, you read that right—this recipe calls for curdling milk on purpose! It might sound a little odd (or even unappetizing), but trust me, the result is absolutely delicious.
Think of it as a thicker, caramelized version of sweetened condensed milk with a texture similar to cottage cheese.
The process is simple: milk and sugar are slowly cooked down until they transform into a rich, thick, caramelized milk curd.
For extra warmth and depth, cinnamon is often added—because let’s be honest, cinnamon makes everything with milk and caramel even better!
7. Capuchinos Flavored with Cinnamon, Lemon and Orange Peel, and Anisette!
No, capuchinos aren’t coffee, and they’re not coffee-flavored either. Instead, they’re charming, cone-shaped cakes that are dangerously addictive!
According to legend, these delicate treats get their name from the headgear worn by Capuchin monks. The connection between Roman monks and Cuban desserts remains a mystery, but the name stuck.
What truly sets these cakes apart—aside from their unique shape—is the way they’re soaked in a fragrant syrup.
And when I say syrup, I mean an irresistible blend of cinnamon, lemon peel, orange peel, and anisette.
Left to soak for at least 30 minutes, the cakes absorb every bit of flavor, becoming incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
6. Plátanos Maduros – Irresistible Cuban Dessert!
Plátanos maduros is a simple yet utterly irresistible dessert—plus, it’s surprisingly nutritious!
Plantains are a staple in Cuban cuisine, thanks to their indigenous roots and versatility. Unlike regular bananas, they have a milder taste, making them perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
This dish is as easy as it gets—just two ingredients! All you need to do is peel ripe plantains and deep-fry them until golden and caramelized.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you—frying transforms their natural sweetness, intensifying the flavor and making them absolutely addictive!
5. Pastelitos de Guayaba – Traditional Puff Pastry Dessert in Cuban Cuisine
Pastelito de guayaba is a classic Cuban pastry filled with luscious guava paste and sweetened cream cheese, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery puff pastry.
Imagine the best turnover you’ve ever had—then multiply that by ten. That’s how incredible pastelitos de guayaba taste!
The filling is pure perfection: sweet, rich, and creamy, with the tropical flavor of guava beautifully complementing the smooth, sweetened cheese.
And then there’s the pastry—golden, crisp, and impossibly flaky, creating the perfect contrast to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
4. Traditional Cuban Flan Recipe with Caramel Custard
Crème caramel, flan, custard—almost every country has its own version of this rich, silky, and creamy dessert.
So what makes the Cuban version stand out?
Cinnamon! It’s a brilliant addition that enhances both the smooth custard and the luscious caramel glaze, creating an extra layer of warmth and depth.
If you’re looking to switch things up, try infusing your flan with chocolate, more cinnamon, or even citrus for a fun twist!
Fun fact: Flan actually dates back to ancient Rome! Originally a savory dish, it was later embraced by the Spaniards, who transformed it into the sweet delicacy we know today.
3. Torticas de Moron – Cuban Shortbread Cookies
Torticas de Morón are ultra-crumbly, buttery shortbread cookies infused with coconut and a hint of lime—pure tropical perfection!
These delightful cookies hail from the town of Morón, Cuba, and if you’ve never experienced the magic of coconut and lime together, you’re in for a treat.
The balance of sweet and tangy flavors creates an irresistible combination that transports you straight to the tropics.
And as if the rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture weren’t enough, these cookies get an extra touch of charm with their colorful sprinkles, making them just as fun as they are delicious!
2. Boniatillo – Cuban Sweet Potato Dessert
Boniatillo is a rich, velvety pudding made from sweet potatoes—a simple yet incredibly satisfying Cuban dessert that’s sure to impress.
The name boniatillo comes from boniato, the Cuban word for sweet potato, a staple ingredient in both sweet and savory Cuban dishes.
At its core, this pudding is made with just mashed sweet potatoes and sugar. That’s all it takes to create a naturally sweet and creamy treat!
But why stop there? You can elevate the flavor even more by adding honey, grated coconut, or even white cheese for a unique twist.
1. Cuban Mojito Shortbread Bars with Lime Juice, Mint, and Rum Extract
These sweet, lightly spiked shortbread bars are the perfect way to kick off any celebration!
Everyone loves a refreshing mojito on a warm summer night, but have you ever tried pairing that classic cocktail flavor with dessert?
Enter mojito shortbread bars!
These irresistible squares start with a soft, buttery shortbread crust, topped with a sweet, tangy, and rum-infused custard that melts in your mouth.
Flavored with lime juice, mint, and rum extract, the custard captures the essence of a mojito in every bite—refreshing, zesty, and absolutely delicious!
20+ Traditional Cuban Desserts: The Delight of Cuban Flan
Discover the rich flavors of Cuba with 22 traditional Cuban desserts, featuring the beloved Cuban flan — a sweet delight that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine.
Ingredients
- Maizena - Homemade Cuban Chocolate Pudding
- Tres Leches Cake
- Arroz con Leche - Sweet Cuban Rice Pudding
- Guava Bars
- Mojito
- Cuban Coffee
- Cuban Lunch Squares
- Bolitas de Tamarindo
- Casquitos de Guayaba
- Apple Empanadas
- Guava Cheesecake
- Coquitos
- Cuban Sugar Cookies
- Cuban Churros
- Dulce de Leche Cortada
- Capuchinos
- Plátanos Maduros
- Pastelitos de Guayaba
- Cuban Flan
- Cuban Shortbread Cookies
- Cuban Boniatillo Recipeaja
- Cuban Mojito Shortbread Bars
Instructions
- Choose any Cuban Desserts from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Cuban Desserts and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.