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When you think of desserts, your mind may not immediately think of Cuba as a place for inspiration. But we will have you know, that the island's mixture of Spanish, Caribbean and African cultures bake up some pretty scrumptious sugary treats to satiate any and all sweet tooth cravings!
Here are some of our favorite Cuban desserts:
Flan
Indisputably the most popular Cuban dessert is this traditional caramel egg custard that when prepared properly, melts in your mouth.
Tres leches
Although not inherently Cuban, this Hispanic dessert has made the rounds throughout all of our childhoods with its cake-like spongy texture that as the name indicates, is prepared with three types of milk.
Getty Images/Frans Schalekamp
Capuchinos
No, not the coffee, these are spongy yellow cone-shaped cakes dipped in a sugary syrup.
Brazo De Gitano
This light and airy rolled sponge cake is super easy to make, and is traditionally layered with the country’s favorite sweet of all: guava jelly.
Pastelitos de Guayaba
Speaking of guava jelly, the traditional combination of guava and cheese is seen across the Cuban dessert landscape from a simple timba con queso aperitivo, to cascos o capuchinos de guayaba stuffed with cream cheese. But the most popular of the combinations is found inside the flaky pastry dough that glistens with a sugary glazed exterior.
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Natillas
Nothing takes you back to your childhood quicker than a bowl of natillas with some galletas María.
Getty Images/Philippe Desnerck
Torrijas
If there’s one thing Cubans are known for it's being thrifty, and this recipe usually calls for the stale bread that would otherwise go to waste. All you need is some milk, eggs, canela...y ¡azúcar!