Puerto Rico is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. One of the highlights of Puerto Rican food is its array of sweet treats, which reflect a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and American influences. From fluffy desserts to decadent pastries, Puerto Rican sweet treats are a feast for the senses.
Whether you're planning to visit Puerto Rico, looking to explore new flavors in your kitchen, or simply a fan of desserts, these 20 Puerto Rican sweets are a must-try. They will transport you to the island with just one bite!
1. Flan (Puerto Rican Flan)
Flan is perhaps the most iconic Puerto Rican dessert. This creamy, caramel-topped custard is made with eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, and sugar. It's a perfect balance of sweetness and smooth texture. Flan can be infused with various flavors, such as coconut, pumpkin, or coffee, but the classic vanilla version remains a favorite.
How to make it: Prepare a caramel syrup in a pan, pour it into a flan mold, and let it harden. Then, mix the custard ingredients and bake it in a water bath until it sets. Chill before serving.
2. Arroz con Dulce
Arroz con Dulce is Puerto Rico’s version of rice pudding, but with a tropical twist. The rice is cooked in coconut milk with cinnamon, cloves, raisins, and sugar. This sweet, comforting treat is often enjoyed during Christmas and special occasions.
How to make it: Cook rice in coconut milk, adding sugar and spices for flavor. Once the rice is tender, mix in raisins and let it simmer until it thickens. Chill and serve as a creamy dessert.
3. Tembleque
Tembleque is a coconut pudding that’s velvety smooth with a hint of cinnamon. The name comes from the Spanish word temblar, meaning “to shake,” referring to the pudding’s wobbly, gelatinous texture. This treat is often served during Christmas but is enjoyed year-round.
How to make it: Combine coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Stir continuously until it thickens, then pour into molds. Chill until set, and garnish with ground cinnamon.
4. Majarete
Similar to tembleque, Majarete is a Puerto Rican corn pudding made with fresh corn, coconut milk, sugar, and cinnamon. The result is a thick, rich, and sweet dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
How to make it: Blend fresh corn kernels with milk and sugar, cook it with cinnamon and a little cornstarch, and let it thicken. Once it’s cooled, serve it in individual bowls.
5. Tarta de Mamey
Mamey is a tropical fruit with a sweet, creamy flesh. In Puerto Rico, it’s used to make tarta de mamey, a luscious fruit tart. The custard-like filling made with mamey puree is rich and delicious, typically placed on a buttery pie crust.
How to make it: Prepare a basic pie crust, fill it with a mixture of mamey puree, sugar, and eggs, and bake until golden. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
6. Bocadillos de Guayaba y Queso
Guava and cheese is a beloved combination in Puerto Rican sweets, and bocadillos are one of the best ways to enjoy it. These delicious little pastries consist of a flaky dough stuffed with sweet guava paste and cream cheese.
How to make it: Roll out puff pastry, spread a layer of guava paste and cream cheese, then fold and bake until golden and flaky. These treats are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
7. Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche is a caramelized milk treat that’s both rich and sweet. In Puerto Rico, it’s often made into bite-sized pieces called cajeta. It's also used as a filling for cakes or to top other desserts.
How to make it: Cook sweetened condensed milk over low heat for several hours, stirring constantly until it thickens and turns golden brown. Let it cool and enjoy.
8. Churros
Although churros originated in Spain, Puerto Rican churros have their own unique flair. These deep-fried dough sticks are sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, creating a crunchy, sweet, and irresistible treat.
How to make it: Mix flour, sugar, and eggs to form a dough, then pipe it into hot oil and fry until golden. Dust with cinnamon sugar and serve with a chocolate dipping sauce.
9. Pernil con Piña (Pineapple Cake)
Pineapple plays a prominent role in Puerto Rican sweets. Pernil con piña is a simple yet delicious pineapple cake made from fresh pineapple and a spongy cake base. It’s often served as a treat at family gatherings.
How to make it: Combine fresh pineapple juice and pulp with cake batter, bake, and top with a glaze made from pineapple juice and sugar.
10. Cocada (Coconut Candy)
Cocada is a chewy, coconut-flavored candy that’s a favorite in Puerto Rico. Made with shredded coconut, sugar, and condensed milk, it’s a sweet and satisfying snack.
How to make it: Mix shredded coconut with sugar and condensed milk, then cook the mixture on the stovetop until it thickens. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let them cool.
11. Helado de Mantecado (Puerto Rican Ice Cream)
Helado de Mantecado is Puerto Rican-style ice cream, similar to vanilla ice cream but with a slightly more custardy texture. It’s a traditional treat that often includes vanilla, cinnamon, or even a touch of rum.
How to make it: Combine heavy cream, sugar, and egg yolks to make a custard base, then churn in an ice cream maker. Serve plain or mix in cinnamon or tropical fruits.
12. Cofresitos
Cofresitos are mini puff pastry pockets filled with sweet fillings like guava paste, chocolate, or dulce de leche. These delicate pastries are crispy, buttery, and melt in your mouth with every bite.
How to make it: Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares, fill with guava paste or other fillings, fold, and bake until golden and puffed.
13. Pastelillos de Guayaba
Pastelillos de Guayaba are delicious hand pies filled with guava paste and baked in a flaky dough. These treats are a popular choice for breakfast or as a snack during the day.
How to make it: Roll out dough, fill with guava paste, and bake until golden. They are often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee.
14. Sorbete de Limón
Sorbete de limón (lemon sorbet) is a refreshing frozen dessert made from lemon juice, sugar, and water. It’s light, tangy, and perfect for hot days.
How to make it: Mix lemon juice, water, and sugar, then freeze, stirring occasionally until it reaches a sorbet-like consistency. It’s a simple yet delightful treat.
15. Frappe de Mamey
This frozen drink made with mamey fruit is a unique Puerto Rican treat. Mamey is blended with milk, sugar, and ice to create a refreshing, creamy beverage.
How to make it: Blend fresh mamey fruit with milk, sugar, and ice until smooth and slushy. Serve as a refreshing drink on a hot day.
16. Tostones con Miel (Fried Plantains with Honey)
While tostones (fried plantains) are typically savory, they can also be served with honey as a sweet treat. The crispy fried plantains are drizzled with honey, adding a sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory flavors.
How to make it: Fry plantains until crispy, then drizzle with honey. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
17. Bueyes (Puerto Rican Sugar Cookies)
These traditional sugar cookies, called bueyes, are flavored with vanilla and topped with sugar. They have a simple, melt-in-your-mouth texture and are a staple at holiday gatherings.
How to make it: Mix flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla to form dough. Shape into small circles, press with a fork, and bake until golden. Sprinkle with extra sugar before serving.
18. Piraguas (Shaved Ice)
Piraguas are Puerto Rican shaved ice treats, typically served with tropical fruit syrups like tamarind, coconut, or passion fruit. These colorful treats are sold on street corners and are a popular way to cool off.
How to make it: Shave ice and top with homemade syrup made from fruit juices and sugar. You can mix and match flavors like cherry, pineapple, and coconut.
19. Tarta de Queso (Puerto Rican Cheesecake)
Tarta de Queso is a Puerto Rican-style cheesecake made with cream cheese and eggs, creating a rich, dense dessert. It’s often topped with a sweet fruit glaze or a dusting of cinnamon.
How to make it: Mix cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then bake in a graham cracker crust. Once cooled, top with fruit or a cinnamon-s
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