13 Classic Latin American Holiday Dessert Dishes We Grew Up With
Usually we’re all about suggesting a healthy twist on classic Latin American cuisine, but hey, it’s the holiday season right? And what better time to indulge for a week with family and friends before diving back into the lighter fare and exercise routines
Photo: Instagram/blacchyna/lapinaenlacocina
Usually we’re all about suggesting a healthy twist on classic Latin American cuisine, but hey, it’s the holiday season right? And what better time to indulge for a week with family and friends before diving back into the lighter fare and exercise routines. Here are four of our all time favorite holiday dessert dishes that we hands down can’t get enough of.
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Mexican Buñuelos
In searching for the best Buñuelos recipe, we looked no farther than Pati’s Cookbook and shared the recipe here. It’s delicious and a holiday staple for many Mexican families.
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Coquito
We may have already mentioned this amazing drink one or two times, but during the holidays coquito shines brightest. This is the perfect drink for noche buena or Christmas day. Recipe Here
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Natilla
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Natilla is a custard-like dessert traditionally served during Christmas time in some Latin American countries. In the Dominican Republic, a slightly less sweet version is commonly served for breakfast. It is typically made with milk, sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon. A number of Natilla variations can also be made when adding other ingredients to achieve different flavors like with this delicious Coconut Brown Sugar Natilla! Recipe Here
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Arroz Con Leche
This sweet rice dish is popular throughout Latin America. It’s a classic dessert that transports many of us back to the childhood table. This holiday season, why not make a pot of this oh-so-nostalgic mixture and reminisce with your family about holidays of yore? Recipe Here
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Pumpkin flan
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Flan is a relatively common dessert amongst Latinos but on Thanksgiving flan de calabaza (pumpkin) is a hit for obvious reasons. This seasonal sweet dish takes in all the flavors of fall while still staying true to it’s classic taste.
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Empanadas de guayaba
This popular Cuban dessert is made with guayaba (guava filling) and some folks even had queso frito or mozzarella. Warning: These will go quick!
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Tres Leches Cake
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This smooth and moist cake is especially popular with Colombian families. There are even dairy-free recipes out there for the lactose-intolerant and vegans out there who still want to get in on the fun.
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Dulce de leche cake
If you’re a fan of caramel you’ll love this cake which is especially popular among Dominicans, Mexicans and Brazilians. Everyone has their own version but they’re all delicious AF!
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Alfajores de Maicena
These delicious Latino holiday cookies are filled with dulce de leche filling and are especially popular among South Americans.
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Mantecados
These shortbread cookies are a popular and traditional sweet treat in Spain and usually eaten around Christmas time.
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Rosca de Reyes
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This classic sweet bread original comes from Spain but it also very popular in Mexico. It’s eaten on Three King’s Day which is celebrated on January 6th.
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Dulce de lechoza
Sure, it’s not the most appealing-looking desert but this Venezuelan Christmas classic is a delicious sweet dish made of papaya slices, sugar, and cinnamon.
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Jalea de Batata Dulce
This sweet potato pudding is very popular in Dominican homes. It’s often made with coconut milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon powder, clove powder, raisins, and coconut flakes.
