Bringing together the best of Argentine patisserie, I’ve curated a list of mouth-watering treats that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dulce de leche or just looking for something new to try, these desserts are a must-have at your next gathering. It’s worth noting that dulce de leche is a staple in many Argentine recipes, so if you’re not a fan, this list might not be for you.
But for those who can’t get enough of its rich, caramel flavor, you’ll be in dessert heaven! Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth, because the following 20 Argentinian desserts are sure to satisfy any craving.
Alfajores Recipe
Hailing from Latin America, these scrumptious cookies are a staple in many countries across the region. Their buttery shortbread-like texture is delightful on its own, but adding a generous layer of dulce de leche takes them to the next level of indulgence. What sets these cookies apart is the use of dulce de leche instead of caramel, which provides a thicker consistency that prevents it from oozing out when sandwiched between the cookie layers.
Chocotorta
Known for its opulent and decadent flavors, this Argentinian icebox cake is a true showstopper in the world of desserts. Beneath its deceptively simple appearance lies a complexity of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. The key to unlocking this dessert’s full potential lies in achieving a perfect balance between the sweet, buttery cookies and the rich, creamy dulce de leche filling.
Once the dulce de leche is mixed with cream cheese, it transforms into a silky smooth cheesecake-like filling that’s almost impossible to resist devouring straight from the bowl. Achieving the desired consistency of the dulce filling can be a challenge – it needs to be thin enough to create distinct layers, yet not so thin that it becomes watery.
Homemade Dulce de Leche
Key to many Latin American desserts is dulce de leche, which appears frequently on this list. Its versatility and rich flavor make it a staple in these sweet treats that I have grown to adore. This super thick caramel has its roots in Latin America, but the good news is that making it at home is an effortless process. Regardless of whether you choose to make it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker, the core ingredient remains the same – condensed milk.
In fact, with this single ingredient and some gentle heat, you can produce dulce de leche that turns golden brown.
Flan
Argentineans adore their caramel custard, which is a staple at most celebrations across the country. This traditional dessert is both classic and humble, yet it’s elevated to new heights with a dollop of creamy dulce de leche. Additionally, this simple recipe from Argentina requires only five basic ingredients, making it an accessible treat for anyone to enjoy.
While creating the caramel can be tricky – it’s notorious for burning in a matter of seconds, so constant vigilance is required – mastering this step will open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to whip up flan for every occasion and impress your loved ones with its rich, velvety texture.
Pionono Relleno con Dulce de Leche
Medialunas and Vigilantes (Croissant-style Pastries)
Leaving aside the traditional methods of making croissants, let’s explore some modern alternatives. While making medialunas and vigilantes is done in a similar way, they are egg-washed and brushed with a sugar glaze after cooking. It’s true that crafting croissants from scratch can be a time-consuming process, requiring a couple of days to complete. But the end result is undoubtedly worth the effort when you take that first bite, savoring the layers of flaky dough.
If, however, you’re not inclined to dedicate yourself to this artisanal approach, using frozen dough is a convenient and viable option.
How to Make Café Con Leche (Coffee With Milk)
Typically, one thing you should know how to pronounce when going to a Spanish speaking country is café con leche – caffay-con-lechay. This traditional beverage may look and sound similar to a latte we’re familiar with in the US, but it’s actually much stronger. Unlike its American counterpart, lattes here have very little coffee and are often overly sweetened, so don’t expect that typical milky flavor.
In fact, the amount of milk will be about double that of the coffee, yet you’ll still get to experience that rich roasted flavor if made strong enough.
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Making homemade ice cream may seem like an indulgent expense, but once you experience the simplicity and versatility it offers, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for store-bought. The best part about crafting your own ice cream is that every scoop is a reflection of your personal taste – whether you prefer to keep things classic or get creative with mix-ins.
Dulce de Leche Crepes
Dropping the right amount of batter into the pan and cooking the crepes at just the right temperature are crucial factors in achieving perfect results. Allowing the batter to rest for at least 30 minutes or even making it ahead of time to rest overnight can make a significant difference in its consistency and texture. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out as expected – it’s normal to encounter some trial and error when learning how to cook crepes.
To ensure success, it’s essential to keep the batter thin while cooking it in the pan. Once you’ve mastered the technique and have a batch of perfectly cooked crepes, it’s time to get creative with your toppings. Lathering them up with dulce de leche is a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. If you find that your dulce de leche is too thick, try mixing it with some whipped cream to give it a lighter consistency and make it easier to spread.
Homemade Dulce de Membrillo (Sweet Quince Paste)
Often considered an underrated fruit, quince bears a resemblance to apples and pears in terms of its appearance. However, due to its high content of pectin, it is not typically consumed raw. Instead, the quince’s unique flavor profile makes it an excellent candidate for being transformed into a sweet and tangy paste or gel that pairs surprisingly well with cheese, making it a standout addition to any charcuterie board.
Pasta Frola de Dulce de Membrillo (Quince Tart)
Perfectly complementing the delicate taste of quince, this tart recipe is a game-changer if you’re not fond of sweet and savory pairings. The sweet pastry crust beautifully balances out the flavors in the filling, allowing each note to shine through without overpowering the others. Similarly to apricot jam, it can be paired with another type of jam for added depth and complexity, and raspberry is a particularly great match for quince due to its tartness.
Dulce de Leche Gooey Bars
Diving into the world of cookie bars can be a delightful experience, especially when they’re paired with the rich and velvety texture of dulce de leche. The simplicity of these treats is part of their charm – no need to worry about portioning out individual cookies, just press them into the tin and bake to perfection.
Dessert Empanadas (Chocolate & Dulce de Leche Empanadas)
Taking my love for empanadas to new heights, I’ve recently discovered the delightful combination of flaky pastry and spicy filling – but with one key twist: dessert empanadas. The addition of cocoa powder in the pastry is a masterstroke, adding depth and richness without overpowering the other flavors. Furthermore, the subtle touch of cinnamon and hint of coffee creates an incredibly complex and warm flavor profile that’s hard to resist. And let’s not forget the star of the show: the filling.
While it’s already perfect as is, I firmly believe that a few slices of fresh banana would elevate it to new heights of deliciousness.
Alfajores Cupcakes
Beyond the classic combination of dulce de leche and cookies, these cupcakes take it to a new level by incorporating the light and airy texture of alfajores into their delicate structure, all while being topped with a generous dollop of whipped coconut cream. The filling and drizzle of dulce de leche are not only the main event but also elevate the overall flavor profile.
While I personally enjoy the coconut cream on top and would further enhance it with toasted coconut flakes for added texture, you can easily substitute it with regular whipped cream if that’s your preference.
Authentic Tortas Fritas Recipe
Zeroing in on something deliciously simple, there’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy fried dough ball smothered in sugar. While they bear some resemblance to flat donuts, the main difference lies in their leavening agent – these sweet treats are made without yeast, making them quicker to prepare than you might think.With just 30 minutes from start to finish, a batch of these tasty morsels can be on your table in no time.
No-Bake Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
Keeping my love for cheesecake out of the shadows is quite a challenge, as I’ve confessed my obsession on multiple occasions. My preference for baked cheesecake still stands, but I’m more than willing to experiment with no-bake recipes when the temperature rises and the warm weather calls for lighter desserts. The addition of pretzels in the crust and almond brittle adds an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist.
However, if you’re short on time, this cheesecake still packs a punch without requiring such elaborate preparation. I highly recommend allowing it to set overnight, so make sure to prepare it the day before you need it.
El Submarino (Argentinian Hot Chocolate Drink)
Not only does this drink get its name from how it’s made, but also it requires careful attention to detail – specifically when it comes to the quality of dark chocolate used. For an authentic experience, I highly recommend investing in premium dark chocolate, and don’t be shy about adding extra squares; after all, more is indeed merrier!
If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to adjust the sugar level in the milk, and consider serving it with toasted mini-marshmallows for added texture and fun.
Dulce de Leche Brownies
Zeroing in on the ultimate dessert indulgence, we find ourselves face-to-face with a sweet conundrum. What’s better than a rich sugar cookie base smothered in the velvety goodness of dulce de leche? The answer lies in the depths of fudgy brownies, generously slathered in the same decadent sauce. Whether you choose to rely on a convenient box mix or whip up your own favorite recipe from scratch, the process is remarkably straightforward.
Simply pour half of the batter into a pan and make room for your dulce de leche, carefully piping it onto the surface if desired. Keep in mind that this brownie mixture is thick enough to be somewhat finicky, requiring gentle care to avoid tearing at the surrounding batter. In the face of such an irresistible treat, we often find ourselves unable to resist the temptation of taking a bite, even when conventional wisdom suggests waiting for them to cool and set.
Dulce de Leche Cronuts
Personally, I’ve always been intrigued by the Dominique Ansel Bakery’s cronut, but unfortunately, my travels never took me there to try one in person. The lines have become an iconic part of its appeal, with people still willing to wait around the block after more than seven years. For those of us who don’t live in New York City, making our own cronuts at home can be a satisfying alternative.
If you’ve already mastered the art of making croissant dough from scratch, you’ll find that you’re halfway there. Even store-bought frozen croissant dough has improved significantly over time. Once you’ve achieved the perfect layers of flaky, golden goodness, adding a dulce de leche glaze can take them to the next level.
20 Traditional Argentinian Dessert Collection
Zest up your dessert table with the rich flavors and aromas of traditional Argentine sweets. With a focus on indulgent textures and bold flavors, these popular desserts are sure to transport your guests to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires. From decadent dulce de leche and creamy flan to innovative cronuts infused with local twists, each treat offers a unique taste of Argentina.
Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or a casual gathering, these Argentine desserts are sure to impress and delight your guests.
Instructions
Gathering a few essential ingredients and following a simple recipe can lead to a delicious and authentic taste of Argentina, all within half an hour. Choose a recipe that resonates with you, then meticulously gather every required component. With these basics covered, it’s time to embark on the 30-minute culinary journey.
