The world would be a perfect place if I could travel all the time, eating wonderfully delicious South American desserts whenever my heart desired. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an option. But on the days when I’m DYING to travel and eat food from around the globe, I get creative.
Sometimes, I’m filling the urge to travel. Other times, I’m just tired of all of my normal recipes. When these times hit, I know that I can feel the excitement of travel from my kitchen. I can change up my normal recipes and experiment with something new!
That’s when I break out these South American Desserts! These desserts are awesome to make at home, because it feels like they give me a taste of the world without ever having to leave my house. I can keep my recipes exciting; I can change up my normal flavors.
Hello Reader! I try my hardest to research recipes as best as I can before posting to ensure I am representing each culture correctly. If this recipe is from your country and I have made a mistake or you have suggestions for how o make it more authentic, I would love to hear! Please leave a comment below letting me know what should be different, and I will rework the recipe. It is always my intention to pay homage and respect to each cultural dish that I cook. Thanks for reading!
Travel by Food: South American Desserts
South America (as a generalization) LOVES it’s sugar. These recipes are unique and delicious and so sweet. I love how there’s a little bit of everything in this mix. Caramel-y goodness, chocolate galore, cookies, coconut… and even some… cheese?!?
You’ll see that many of these recipes have a common ingredient: dulce de leche or sweetened condensed milk. These are two very important ingredients to many of the countries in South America, and after trying these South American desserts, I can see why!
Yes, these South American Desserts are ones that you do NOT want to miss. So, if you’re lucky enough to travel, don’t forget to try them while you’re abroad. And if you’re stuck at home, take the time to whip up one or more of these recipes. Then close your eyes, take a bite, and be transported far, far away.
Alfajores from Argentina
Alfajores are an obsession amongst Argentinians. Two shortbread cookies are sandwiched with a delicious dulce de leche filling in the middle. Sometimes they are rolled in coconut, and sometimes they’re eaten plain.
If you want to try dulce de leche, you can try my recipe, or you can buy the store bought version. Either way, make sure that you try these cookies. And make a lot– you’re going to need them.
Cocadas from Bolivia
Cocadas are a three-ingredient cookie recipe from Bolivia, though this cookie recipe is unique: It has no flour! This cookie features coconut, condensed milk, and an egg. The cookies form a chewy texture with a crispy bottom. My oh my <3 This recipe also features macadamia nuts for a salty, crunchy finish.
Brigadeiros from Brazil
Brigadeiros are special to many Brazilians and it’s not hard to see why. These chocolate balls taste almost like balls of fudge. Sweetened condensed milk cooks down with cocoa powder and butter to create a chewy, gooey fudge ball. Brigadeiros normally come decorated with colorful sprinkles. Many children’s birthday parties feature these as a treat instead of cake!
Brazo de Reina from Chile
If you’ve ever wanted to try the South American version of a Swiss roll cake, this is your chance… Except that this recipe is even better than the Swiss version. This Brazo de Reina is a sponge cake that is filled with dulce de leche filling and then rolled into a spiral. I chose to coat the outside of this South American Dessert with dulce de leche and coconut so as to create a more beautiful and delicious dessert.
Hot Chocolate with Cheese from Colombia
This Colombian twist on an old classic is definitely something to try! Many Colombians love hot chocolate and drink it quite frequently. Often, they will add mozzarella cheese to the bottom of the cup, which melts while you are drinking your hot chocolate. The cheese then creates a sweet and salty combination at the bottom of your drink! This is the most unique South American dessert, and is definitely something that you can make and try quickly at home.
Other Ideas of South American Desserts to Try
Have you made any of these recipes? Is there another South American dessert that needs to be on this list? Leave me a comment below telling me what needs to be added and what you think of my current options. Now go try one! Thank you for reading.
For more recipes from around the world, check out:
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