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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. Here are four of our all time favorite holiday dessert dishes that we hands down can’t get enough of.

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.

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

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

Arroz Con Leche

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ARROZ CON LECHE 🍚🥛 . . Pocos postres me gustan más que este!!🤩🤤. . INGREDIENTES: 100 gr de arroz bomba de Calasparra (Murcia), casi un litro y medio de leche fresca entera, unos 180 gr de azúcar, rama de canela, corteza de limón y un par de cucharadas soperas de mantequilla. . ELABORACIÓN 🙌🏽. . Poner el arroz en una olla, y agregar un vaso de agua (con que lo cubra un poquito es suficiente) . Remover con una cucharada de madera o espátula de silicona , hasta que el agua desparezca y el arroz suelte su almidón (esto es lo que se llama reventar el arroz). . En otra olla mientras, podemos ir poniendo la leche junto con la canela y corteza de limón, para que se vaya calentando. . Ir incorporando la leche caliente al arroz , poco a poco y removiendo frecuentemente , para que no se nos pegue. Tiene que cocer a fuego muy bajo. Yo lo tuve cerca de hora y media. . Añadir el azúcar y remover para que se disuelva bien y por último la mantequilla . . Servir en cuencos . Me gusta añadir la canela en el momento de consumir. A veces les quemo azúcar con un soplete, para crear esa corteza crujiente (subir volumen del vídeo)😅. . Que paséis un muy feliz sábado!😘. . #teresavivancos #yonkiscocinillas #arrozconleche #mipostrepreferido

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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

Pumpkin flan


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.

Empanadas de guayaba

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This popular Cuban dessert is made with guayaba (guava filling) and some folks even had queso frito or mozzarella. Warning: These will go quick!

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.

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!

Alfajores de Maicena

These delicious Latino holiday cookies are filled with dulce de leche filling and are especially popular among South Americans.

Mantecados

These shortbread cookies are a popular and traditional sweet treat in Spain and usually eaten around Christmas time.

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.

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.

Jalea de Batata Dulce

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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.