Flan
As a fan of sweet treats, I couldn’t leave out one of Spain’s most cherished desserts: flan. This silky, caramel-topped custard is a staple in the Spanish dessert repertoire, and for good reason.
Made with a base of milk, sugar, and eggs, flan is typically cooked in a ring mold or ramekin and then doused in a syrupy caramel sauce that drips down the sides. The resulting dessert is a balanced blend of creamy and sweet, with just the right amount of jiggle.
If you’re in Spain, you’ll find flan on just about every dessert menu, and it’s definitely worth a taste. Here are my top picks for the best flan in Spain:
- La Vina, San Sebastian: Known for its signature version of “burnt” Basque-style cheesecake, La Vina also serves up a divine flan with a perfectly set custard and rich, dark caramel.
- Casa Eme, Seville: This traditional Taberna in Seville’s historic city center is known for its classic Andalusian cuisine, and their flan is a standout. The texture is velvety and the icing has a deliciously burnt caramel flavor.
- La Azotea, Madrid: La Azotea’s version of flan is reinvented with a hit of lemon zest that beautifully contrasts with the rich caramel sauce. It’s served in a dainty ramekin and is a perfect end to a hearty Spanish meal.
- Casa Gerardo, Prendes: This renowned institution located in Asturias is a pilgrimage site for food lovers. The flan is considered one of their specialties, and the texture is like no other, thanks to the use of fresh local milk and cream.
- Casa Montero, Cordoba: Their flan, served with an orange-based syrup, is considered one of the best in Andalusia. The citrusy aroma and hint of tartness in the sauce make it distinct from other versions of flan you’ll find.
- Casa Camara, Bilbao: Their version of the dessert is compact and dense, with a caramel topping that oozes over the sides. It’s a must-have if you’re looking for the traditional Bilbao taste.
- El Trasgu, Oviedo: The flan is smooth, creamy and made using local dairy from Asturias. It is garnished with a traditional Asturian liquor called orujo, that gives it an extra punch.
- Casa Morales, Seville: The cozy ambiance of this traditional tavern creates the perfect setting for savoring the classic flan. The custard is velvety with the right amount of egginess, and the caramel sauce has a perfectly burnt edge.
- Bodega La Venencia, Madrid: This sherry bar in La Latina serves not your average flan, as it’s a little harder and not as sweet. Its secrets might lie in the recipe, but it’s downright delicious.
- Can Joan, Sant Antoni de Calonge: This restaurant in the Costa Brava offers the perfect beachside dining experience with its views of the Mediterranean. The flan is a popular choice and is known for its rich creaminess of the custard and deep amber caramel sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional flan or modern takes on the classic, these restaurants throughout Spain have a flan that can’t be missed. Be sure to experience the true essence of Spain’s beloved dessert during your visit here.
Churros y Chocolate
As someone who has spent significant time in Spain, I can attest to the fact that churros and chocolate are a true masterpiece. These fried dough pastries, often made into long, thin sticks, are the perfect pairing for a rich and creamy chocolate dipping sauce.
But not all churros con chocolate are created equal. Here are my top picks for the best places to indulge in this traditional Spanish dessert:
- Chocolatería San Ginés, Madrid: This iconic chocolatería has been serving up churros and chocolate since 1894. The picturesque location with its blue and white tiles is an Instagram favorite.
- Churrería Laietana, Barcelona: A hidden gem tucked away in the Gothic Quarter, this tiny churrería serves up crispy churros with a thick hot chocolate that will leave you wanting more.
- Churrería Santa Ana, Seville: This family-owned churrería has been satisfying Seville’s sweet tooth for over 60 years. The churros are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and the chocolate dipping sauce is rich and velvety.
- Churros El Kiosko, Valencia: This Valencia-based chain offers traditional churros con chocolate as well as more creative options like churros stuffed with cream or Nutella.
- Granja La Pallaresa, Barcelona: Established in 1947, this historic café offers a wide range of sweet treats, but the churros con chocolate are a standout. Go early as the lines can get long.
- Chocolatería Valor, various locations: Known for its high-quality chocolate, this chain of chocolaterías serves up delicious churros con chocolate in a cozy, old-world atmosphere.
- Churrería El Moro, Mexico City: Yes, I know Mexico City is not in Spain, but the churros and chocolate at this historic churrería are too good not to include on this list. The recipe hasn’t changed since 1935 and the hot chocolate is made with water, not milk, for a unique flavor.
No trip to Spain is complete without indulging in churros y chocolate. Do yourself a favor and check out one (or all!) of these top picks on your next visit.
Tarta de Santiago
Spain is a country with a rich culinary history and a strong culture of indulging in sweet treats. Of the many exquisite desserts, Tarta de Santiago stands out as one of the country’s most beloved.
Tarta de Santiago, also known as Galician almond cake, is a rich and moist dessert that is a staple on menus across northern Spain. The cake is made with almonds as the main ingredient, which gives it a distinctive flavor and texture.
The origins of Tarta de Santiago can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was a popular dessert among pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The cake was considered a symbol of the city of Santiago de Compostela, and today it is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.
The recipe for Tarta de Santiago is relatively simple, but the key to its success lies in the quality of the ingredients. Traditionally, the cake is made with ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. The mixture is baked in a round cake tin and then topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. The result is a deliciously moist cake that is perfect for any occasion.
If you find yourself in Spain, be sure to indulge in a slice of Tarta de Santiago. It can be found in most bakeries and restaurants throughout the country, but some of the best cakes can be found in Galicia itself, where the recipe originates.
Crema Catalana
When it comes to Spanish desserts, Crema Catalana is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Similar to a crème brûlée, this dessert boasts a smooth custard base that is flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest. The top of the dessert is then caramelized with a blowtorch or under a broiler to create a crispy and delicious layer of burnt sugar.
The history of Crema Catalana dates back to the Middle Ages when it was known as “crema de Sant Joseph.” While its exact origins are a bit unclear, it is said to have been created in the monasteries of the region, where it was a popular dessert during Lent.
Today, Crema Catalana is enjoyed throughout Spain and is often served alongside coffee or a glass of Cava. Some restaurants also offer unique twists on the classic dessert, including versions that feature additional flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even rose.
So, if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth while in Spain, be sure to give Crema Catalana a try. With its creamy custard base and perfectly caramelized sugar topping, it’s easy to see why this dessert has remained a favorite for so many centuries.
Torrijas
Are you a dessert lover looking for the next indulgent treat? Look no further than Spain for some of the most delectable desserts in the world. One of the top must-try desserts while in Spain is the torrijas.
Torrijas are a traditional Spanish dessert, typically enjoyed during Semana Santa, or Holy Week. This dessert is similar to French toast, consisting of slices of bread soaked in milk and sugar, then fried in olive oil. The torrijas are then dusted with cinnamon and sugar and drizzled with honey or a sweet syrup.
Although simple in ingredients, the flavor of the torrijas is rich and satisfying. You can find torrijas in many cafes and restaurants throughout Spain, but it is also a popular dessert to make at home, often passed down through generations in families.
One of the great aspects of torrijas is that it can be easily customized to your liking. Some variations include adding in raisins, almonds, or even flavoring the milk mixture with a touch of vanilla or orange zest.
When visiting Spain, be sure to indulge in this classic dessert and savor its authentic flavor. You won’t regret it!
Arroz con Leche
If you have a sweet tooth and are visiting Spain, you are in for a treat as Spanish desserts are some of the best in the world. One dessert you can’t miss out on trying is Arroz con Leche which is a traditional Spanish dessert made with rice and milk.
The dish originated from Moorish times when rice was introduced to Spain. Later, the recipe evolved and became popular all over Spain. The dish is also known as rice pudding and is a type of comfort food that is typically eaten in the cold winter months.
Arroz con Leche is made with short-grain white rice, whole milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Some recipes also add lemon or orange zest to give it a refreshing flavor. The rice is cooked in milk, cinnamon, and sugar until it becomes thick and creamy. Once cooked, the dish is left to cool and is then served cold.
You can find Arroz con Leche everywhere in Spain, from small cafes to high-end restaurants. It’s a versatile dessert that can be eaten as a snack, dessert or even as breakfast.
One of the best places to taste Arroz con Leche is in Asturias, a region in Northern Spain. The dish is so popular in Asturias that they even have their own version called Arroz con Leche Asturiano. The dish is made with whole milk, sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and short-grain rice. It’s then baked in the oven until it becomes crispy on top.
Overall, you can’t visit Spain without indulging in Arroz con Leche, it’s the perfect dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Pastel Vasco
If you are on the lookout for some classic Spanish desserts, then Pastel Vasco is a must-try. It is a type of Basque cake that is moon-shaped and has a soft and crumbly texture. The filling is a mixture of custard and almond cream that oozes out as soon as you take the first bite. The dough is made with flour, eggs, and sugar, making it super sweet and delicious.
The traditional version of Pastel Vasco has a hint of brandy or sweet wine in it, but feel free to skip it if you are not a fan of boozy desserts. Some of the top patisseries and bakeries in Spain serve this dessert, and it’s excellent with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
The origins of Pastel Vasco date back to the 19th century, and it’s said to have been a pastry staple in the Basque region ever since. The dessert has since spread all over Spain and is enjoyed as a classic dessert in many households and restaurants.
Another version of Pastel Vasco that you might come across is the cherry version. This fruity variant is made by adding cherry pulp and juice to the almond cream mixture, giving it a unique tangy twist. It’s perfect for those who like their desserts with a bit of fruitiness and tartness.
To conclude, if you have a sweet tooth and want to indulge in some classic Spanish desserts, then Pastel Vasco should definitely be on your list. Its unique shape, crumbly texture, and sweet filling make it one of the top desserts in Spain.
Ensaimada
When it comes to Spanish desserts, the Ensaimada is definitely a must-try. This pastry has its origins in Mallorca, an island in the Balearic archipelago, but it can be found all throughout Spain.
The Ensaimada is a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry made from flour, sugar, eggs, and pork lard. The dough is stretched and rolled out very thin before being wrapped into a round coil, left to rise, and baked until golden brown. It can be plain or filled with various ingredients such as cream, chocolate, or pumpkin.
The Ensaimada is traditionally eaten for breakfast or as a snack, accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. It’s a light and fluffy pastry with a crispy exterior that makes it simply irresistible. If you’re ever in Spain, be sure to grab an Ensaimada from a local bakery and indulge in its heavenly taste.
Bunyols
Bunyols, sometimes spelled as buñuelos, are a popular dessert in Spain that come in many variations. They are fried dough balls often dusted with sugar, and sometimes filled with chocolate or cream. They are a popular treat during the holiday season and the most common version is made with a pumpkin base.
To make bunyols, you will need flour, egg, sugar, leavening agents such as baking powder, milk, and a good helping of creativity. The batter is mixed together to form a thick, sticky dough that is dropped into hot oil and fried until golden brown on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.
Bunyols are best enjoyed fresh, so they are often made and consumed on the same day. They’re a sweet indulgence with a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. With so many different varieties, bunyols are a must-try dessert in Spain.
Pestiños
When it comes to indulging in Spanish desserts, Pestiños is a must-try dish. Originating from Andalusia, Pestiños is a type of traditional Spanish fritter that is typically served during Christmas time.
To prepare Pestiños, a dough is made with flour, olive oil, and a sweet wine known as mistela. It is then rolled out and cut into small pieces before being fried in hot oil. Once the fritters are golden brown, they are coated in a sweet, sticky syrup made from honey and sugar.
The end result is a mouth-watering dessert that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a sweet and syrupy finish. Pestiños are usually enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making them the perfect treat to enjoy during the cooler months.
Overall, if you want to experience the true taste of Spain, try Pestiños. You’ll be glad you did!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spanish cuisine offers a wide variety of delicious desserts that have been enjoyed for centuries. From creamy custards like Crema Catalana to traditional fritters like Pestiños, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a classic pastry or a modern twist on a traditional dessert, Spain is the place to be for awesome sweet treats. So, make sure to indulge in some of these iconic Spanish desserts during your next trip to the country.
