Generally speaking, Colombian desserts are an exciting discovery for those who enjoy exploring international cuisine.
Many of these sweet treats have their roots in Latin American traditions and are characterized by fresh flavors and simplicity to prepare. Some popular desserts might look familiar, such as spiced rice pudding, while others will be entirely new experiences. For instance, the combination of chocolate and cheese is a unique aspect that’s both intriguing and delicious.
Refajo Colombiano (Colombian Refajo)
You might have had a shandy or maybe a spiked mango michelada before, but this unique beer cocktail is something else entirely. I’m particularly fond of a good light beer – it’s incredibly refreshing and tasty, just what I need on a hot day. However, I also love experimenting with new flavors by mixing my beer with something exciting. And one such fun combination that stands out to me is the fusion of fruity cream soda with my preferred brew.
The way the sweet, fruity notes blend harmoniously with the beer creates an altogether refreshing experience.
Natilla Colombiana (Colombian Christmas Custard)
Pleasingly, this dessert combines the best of both worlds – the creamy texture of a flan and the warmth of spiced custard. While it’s perfectly fine to serve it as a rich pudding, its typical presentation is as a sliceable cake packed with nuts and raisins. The ingredient list is standard for a pudding recipe: milk, sugar, spices, vanilla, butter, and cornstarch are all present.
However, the key difference lies in the amount of cornstarch used – this is what sets it apart from a traditional pudding, allowing it to be sliced neatly. Regardless of whether you serve it on its own or loaded with additional toppings such as nuts and fruit, this dessert is sure to impress with its rich, warm flavor.
Colombian Pound Cake
Delighting your taste buds with a moist and flavorful pound cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe stands out from others due to the absence of a traditional rising agent, which may raise some questions. Fortunately, the light crumb is achieved through an alternative method – incorporating large amounts of whipped egg whites into the batter. As a result, the cake emerges from the oven with a tall and airy texture, while the buttery flavor is still prominent.
The sweetness level is also thoughtfully balanced, allowing the subtle brandy flavor to shine through without overpowering the palate.
Polvorosas (Colombian Butter and Sugar Cookies)
Foodies and cookie lovers alike will agree that sugar cookies should have a certain texture – crumbly and delicious, similar to shortbread. To achieve this, it’s essential to focus on butter content and not overwork the dough. This recipe gets it spot on with its simple five-ingredient list and quick preparation time of just minutes. The best part is that since it doesn’t require rolling and cutting, the dough remains soft and tender, resulting in a perfectly baked cookie every time.
Obleas (Colombian Wafers)
Not only do these popular street foods offer endless possibilities for toppings, from sweet caramel and jam to savory shredded cheese, but they also provide a convenient snack when sandwiched together. In its most basic form, the recipe consists of just three essential ingredients: wheat flour, sugar, and milk. These ingredients must be cooked in a manner similar to ultra-thin waffles.
While traditional obleas makers are often used to create these treats, it’s also possible to use a waffle iron, specifically one designed for making waffle cones, as an alternative.
Colombian Merengón (Pavlova)
Visitors to Colombia may be surprised to find that one of its most beloved desserts has Australian roots. Unlike its counterpart in Australia, where pavlovas are typically made with a soft and fluffy interior, the meringue-based dessert here is often piped onto a disc shape before being built up on all sides.
To prepare this dessert for filling with whipped cream and fresh fruit, begin by creating a shallow disc of meringue on parchment paper in the desired size, leaving an air pocket in the center to allow for even cooking. After two hours in a low oven at a consistent temperature, the meringue should be crisp and ready for topping.
Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding)
Rustic simplicity defines rice pudding’s enduring appeal, as it can be enjoyed in various forms: steaming hot or chilled to perfection. This versatility extends to its ingredient list, where milk and dairy-free alternatives coexist harmoniously. What sets my heart aflame, however, is a particular variation that balances warmth with judicious spice, sweetness just right, and the tender comfort of raisins.
The subtle whisper of cinnamon and the rich depth imparted by condensed milk are the perfect counterpoint to this comforting dessert’s silky texture, which could otherwise become monotonous. In fact, the satisfying chew of the raisins proves the ideal complement to rice pudding’s inherent one-dimensionality.
Cocadas Blancas (Colombian-Style Coconut Candy)
Taking centre stage in these scrumptious treats is undoubtedly the coconut, its presence being a constant throughout various regional variations of this sweet delight. Typically, one of the first things you notice when taking a bite is the sticky and sweet texture of the coconut, making it an absolute must-try for any self-proclaimed coconut fan.
Thanks to its simplicity, with just four main ingredients required and the ability to cook everything in one pot, these little gems can be cooling on the tray in as little as 30 minutes, providing a refreshing and easy-to-make treat that is sure to delight everyone who tries them.
Arequipe (Dulce de Leche)
Colombian Salpicón (Fruit Drink)
Varying the types of fruits in this refreshing drink will give your guests a delightful experience. While it’s perfect on its own, feel free to add a splash of rum for those who prefer a bit more kick. The beauty of this concoction lies in its versatility and adaptability, allowing you to experiment with different combinations of tropical fruit juices to create something truly one-of-a-kind.
To fully appreciate the flavors, serve it chilled and consider providing scoops or spoons so that everyone can enjoy the fruits in every sip.
Guava Cream Cheese Mini-Hand Pie
You can’t go wrong with hand pies – their charm lies in their compact size, overflowing flavor, and versatility as a snack or appetizer for any occasion. While I have a soft spot for spicy pork or gooey cheese fillings, the creamy guava filling is undoubtedly a standout. To make things easier, you can opt to use store-bought pie dough; just be sure to check your local supermarket’s shelves for guava paste – it’s becoming increasingly widely available.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take your hand pies to the next level, consider making your own guava paste from scratch. One thing to keep in mind when assembling these little treats is not to overfill them, and don’t forget to cut a few steam holes on top to prevent bursting messes.
Torta Negra Colombiana (Colombian Black Cake)
Not what you’d typically expect from a dessert, this dark spiced cake combines the richness of prunes, dark rum, and port wine in a single treat. While it may not be an instant hit with kids due to its robust flavor profile, adults who appreciate tender, well-seasoned cakes without excessive sweetness are sure to adore it. Once baked, the cake demands a brushing with the remaining liquor, yielding a taste experience remarkably similar to that of a traditional Christmas cake.
Torta De Tres Leches (3 Milks Cake)
Lightly infused with sweetness, this recipe takes the concept of a moist cake to new heights by using sweet milk as a soaking liquid.
Colombian Hot Chocolate with Cheese
Very often, we come across recipes that sound too good (or bad) to be true. I was one of them when I first read about combining mozzarella with a certain beverage. My initial reaction was skepticism, but after trying it out, I was pleasantly surprised.
Solteritas (Colombian Rosettes)
Fried cookies may seem like an intimidating dessert to make at home, but breaking down the recipe into its individual components can help make it more manageable. First off, the batter for these treats needs to be prepared and left to rest in the fridge overnight, allowing the ingredients to meld together perfectly. One of the key elements of this recipe is the sweet cream filling, which requires a unique mixture of flour, vanilla, and hot sugar syrup.
To achieve the right consistency, the flour must be hydrated to create a thick batter before being slowly incorporated with the sugar syrup. Additionally, a rosette iron is necessary for forming the cookies into their distinctive shape – these irons can often be found in various fun shapes, making each cookie unique. Once you have your ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to start cooking.
Begin by dipping the iron in hot oil before coating with the batter and deep-frying each cookie individually. After they’ve been cooked and cooled, fill them with the sweet cream filling and serve.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
