Easy Spanish Desserts To Make

Easy Spanish desserts to make are a delightful way to explore the rich culinary traditions of Spain. With their diverse flavors and textures, these desserts not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer a glimpse into Spanish culture. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want to indulge in something sweet, these recipes are simple, accessible, and perfect for anyone looking to bring a taste of Spain into their kitchen.

Popular Easy Spanish Desserts

When it comes to Spanish desserts, there are countless options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular easy Spanish desserts that you can make at home:

1. Churros

Churros are a beloved Spanish treat, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. These fried dough pastries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, typically served with a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping.

• Ingredients:
  
  
  
  • 1 cup water
  
  
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  
  
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
  
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
  
  • Oil for frying
  
  
  • Cinnamon sugar for dusting
  
  
  
  


• Instructions:
  
  
  
  1. In a pot, bring water, sugar, and salt to a boil.
  
  
  2. Add flour and stir until it forms a ball.
  
  
  3. Let it cool slightly, then pipe the dough into hot oil in desired shapes.
  
  
  4. Fry until golden brown, then remove and coat with cinnamon sugar.
  
  
  5. Serve with hot chocolate for dipping.
  
  
  
  

2. Flan

Flan, or crème caramel, is a creamy and smooth custard dessert topped with a glossy caramel sauce. It’s a classic choice for special occasions and is surprisingly easy to prepare.

• Ingredients:
  
  
  
  • 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
  
  
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  
  
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  
  
  • 3 large eggs
  
  
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  
  
  
  


• Instructions:
  
  
  
  1. In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Pour into a flan mold or individual ramekins and let cool.
  
  
  2. In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
  
  
  3. Pour the mixture over the cooled caramel in the mold.
  
  
  4. Place the mold in a larger baking dish filled with water and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes.
  
  
  5. Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before inverting onto a plate to serve.
  
  
  
  

3. Tarta de Santiago

Tarta de Santiago is a traditional almond cake from the region of Galicia. It's naturally gluten-free and has a delightful almond flavor that pairs perfectly with a dusting of powdered sugar.

• Ingredients:
  
  
  
  • 2 cups almond flour
  
  
  • 1 cup sugar
  
  
  • 3 large eggs
  
  
  • 1 lemon (zested)
  
  
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  
  
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  
  
  • Almonds for decoration (optional)
  
  
  
  


• Instructions:
  
  
  
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
  
  
  2. In a bowl, mix almond flour, sugar, lemon zest, and baking powder.
  
  
  3. Add eggs and mix until smooth.
  
  
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
  
  
  5. Let it cool, then dust with powdered sugar and decorate with almonds if desired.
  
  
  
  

4. Arroz con Leche

Arroz con leche is a comforting rice pudding that’s popular throughout Latin America and Spain. It's creamy, sweet, and flavored with cinnamon.

• Ingredients:
  
  
  
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  
  
  • 4 cups milk
  
  
  • 1 cup sugar
  
  
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  
  
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  
  • Cinnamon powder for serving
  
  
  
  


• Instructions:
  
  
  
  1. In a pot, combine rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil.
  
  
  2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens (about 20-25 minutes).
  
  
  3. Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in vanilla extract.
  
  
  4. Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with cinnamon powder.
  
  
  
  

5. Natillas

Natillas is a traditional Spanish custard dessert that is rich and creamy, often flavored with vanilla and topped with cinnamon.

• Ingredients:
  
  
  
  • 2 cups milk
  
  
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  
  
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  
  
  • 1 egg yolk
  
  
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  
  • Cinnamon for dusting
  
  
  
  


• Instructions:
  
  
  
  1. In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat until it thickens.
  
  
  2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk and gradually add a little of the hot milk mixture to temper it.
  
  
  3. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another minute.
  
  
  4. Stir in vanilla extract, then pour into serving dishes.
  
  
  5. Let cool and dust with cinnamon before serving.
  
  
  
  

Tips for Making Easy Spanish Desserts

Creating delicious Spanish desserts at home can be made easier with a few helpful tips:

• Preparation is Key: Measure out your ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process.


• Embrace Simplicity: Many Spanish desserts rely on a few simple ingredients, so focus on quality rather than complexity.


• Practice Patience: Allow desserts like flan and arroz con leche to cool properly for the best texture and flavor.


• Garnish Creatively: A simple sprinkle of cinnamon or a few almonds can elevate the presentation of your desserts.

Conclusion

Making easy Spanish desserts is a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant flavors and traditions of Spain in your own kitchen. From churros to flan, each dish tells a story and brings a taste of Spanish culture to life. With these simple recipes, you can impress your family and friends or simply treat yourself to a delicious homemade dessert. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and get ready to indulge in the sweet side of Spain!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a simple recipe for flan?

To make flan, combine 1 cup of sugar in a pan over medium heat until it melts and turns golden. Pour the caramel into a round baking dish. In a blender, mix 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 can of evaporated milk, 4 eggs, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the mixture over the caramel and bake in a water bath at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes. Let it cool and refrigerate before serving.

How can I make churros easily at home?

To make churros, mix 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 cup of butter in a pot and bring to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of flour and mix until it forms a ball. Let it cool slightly, then add 2 eggs. Pipe the dough into hot oil and fry until golden. Roll in cinnamon sugar and serve with chocolate sauce.

What is a quick recipe for tres leches cake?

For tres leches cake, start with a simple sponge cake. Bake a basic vanilla cake and let it cool. Mix 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 can of evaporated milk, and 1 cup of whole milk together. Poke holes in the cooled cake and pour the milk mixture over it. Let it soak for a few hours in the fridge. Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit before serving.

Can I make arroz con leche easily?

Yes! To make arroz con leche, cook 1 cup of rice in 4 cups of water until tender. Drain and return to the pot. Add 1 can of evaporated milk, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt. Simmer while stirring until creamy. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with cinnamon.

What are some easy Spanish desserts that require no baking?

Some easy no-bake Spanish desserts include 'Natillas' (Spanish custard) made from milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla, and 'Tarta de Santiago' which can be prepared with ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest, then topped with powdered sugar and a cross stencil. Both are simple to prepare and delicious!