Top Central American Desserts You Must Try

Galletas Marías

Although galletas Marías are popular cookies in Central America, they can also be found worldwide. They are dry, round, and sweet—resembling graham crackers in the United States. These cookies originated in England during the 1800s and were known as Maria biscuits in honor of Queen Victoria’s second son, Alfred, and his royal bride, Maria Alexandrovna Romanova.

Pastel de Tres Leches

Pastel de tres leches (tres leches cake, or “cake of three milks”) is a popular dessert throughout Central America. It consists of a citrus sponge cake soaked in three types of milk: evaporated milk, cream, and sweetened condensed milk. This cake can be topped with meringue or whipped cream. Its rise in popularity is often attributed to the availability of canned milk in the 1940s.

Banana Cake

Primarily found on the coasts of nations like Belize, Honduras, and Costa Rica, banana cake is lighter and sweeter than banana bread. It is sometimes served with frosting. Notably, banana cake uses baking powder, while banana bread relies on yeast.

Flan

Flan is a caramel custard dessert enjoyed throughout Latin America. This golden-colored treat dates back to Roman times when it was served with honey. The Spaniards introduced the dish to Mexico, and it subsequently spread across Central America. Flan can feature various flavors, such as vanilla or orange, often complemented by fresh fruit.

Arroz con Leche

Arroz con leche (rice with milk) is a delightful sweet rice pudding made by simmering rice in milk and spices. Some variations include ingredients like coconut, cinnamon, or cloves for added flavor. In Costa Rica, it is believed that arroz con leche possesses healing properties, in line with the concept of la pura vida.

Empanadas de Plátanos

Empanadas de plátanos are sweet pastries commonly found in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including chocolate, caramel apple, or other fruits. The most popular recipe, particularly in El Salvador, incorporates deep-fried plantains with a custard-like filling.

Coconut Pie

Coconuts abound in Central America, especially along coastal regions. Consequently, coconut desserts are prevalent, offering a variety of options such as coconut cake, coconut fudge, tabletas (chewy coconut candy), and coconut pie.

Granizadas

On a warm day, nothing beats a granizada (or raspado in Panama). These refreshing treats resemble snow cones in the United States, consisting of shaved ice drizzled or soaked in sweet, colorful syrups. They are generally sold from street carts across Central America, so ensure you ask for purified ice (hielo puro).

Fruit Smoothies

Refrescos or licuados—commonly referred to as fruit smoothies—are delicious beverages enjoyed across various regions. In Panama, sweet fruity drinks are known as batidos and typically mix flavors like papaya, strawberry, and pineapple. In Guatemala, however, local fruits such as carambola (star fruit) and guanabana (soursop) are used to create these refreshing smoothies.