Can You Suggest A Spanish Dessert That’s Both Elegant And Easy To Make?

If you’re in the mood for a delightful Spanish dessert that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity, look no further. This article presents a selection of mouthwatering Spanish desserts that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to create in your own kitchen. From the delicate Crema Catalana with its caramelized sugar crust to the indulgent Churros con Chocolate, prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey filled with flavors that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Spain. So, put on your apron, grab your whisk, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these effortlessly elegant Spanish desserts. Sure! I’d be happy to suggest some elegant and easy to make Spanish desserts for you. Spanish cuisine is known for its delicious and diverse desserts, and I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 that you’re sure to love. From creamy flan to crispy churros with chocolate sauce, these desserts are sure to impress your friends and family.

Let’s dive into the recipes for each dessert, starting with number 1 on our list: flan.

1. Flan

Flan is a classic Spanish dessert that is both elegant and easy to make. With its smooth and creamy texture, it’s the perfect way to end a meal. Here’s how you can make it:

1.1 Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.2 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Pour the caramelized sugar into a round baking dish, ensuring the bottom is completely covered.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture over the caramelized sugar in the baking dish.
6. Place the baking dish in a larger pan filled with water, creating a water bath.
7. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
9. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
10. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.

Now that you know how to make a delicious flan, let’s move on to our next Spanish dessert: churros with chocolate sauce.

2. Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Churros are a beloved Spanish treat that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Paired with a rich and smooth chocolate sauce, they make for a delectable dessert. Here’s how to make them:

2.1 Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2.2 Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring the water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil to a boil.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour, stirring until it forms a smooth dough.
3. Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the dough.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Carefully pipe strips of dough into the hot oil, using scissors to cut them to your desired length.
6. Fry the churros until golden brown, turning them to ensure they cook evenly.
7. Remove the churros from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
9. Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are coated.
10. Serve the churros warm with a side of melted chocolate for dipping.

Next up on our list is leche frita, a unique and delicious Spanish dessert that translates to “fried milk.”

3. Leche Frita

Leche frita is a traditional Spanish dessert made from a creamy custard-like mixture that is fried until golden and crispy. Let’s take a look at the recipe:

3.1 Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour for coating
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

3.2 Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. Gradually add the dry mixture to the steaming milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and resembles a custard.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated.
6. Pour the custard mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
7. Once firm, cut the custard into squares or rectangles.
8. Coat each piece of custard in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, coating it evenly.
9. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
10. Fry the coated custard pieces until golden brown on all sides.
11. Remove the leche frita from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
12. Dust the leche frita with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon zest if desired.
13. Serve them warm and enjoy!

Moving on to number 4 on our list: tarta de Santiago, a traditional almond cake from the region of Galicia.

4. Tarta de Santiago

Tarta de Santiago is a delightful almond cake that is both gluten-free and incredibly delicious. Here’s how to make it:

4.1 Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon sweet sherry or rum
• Powdered sugar for dusting

4.2 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour and granulated sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then stir in the lemon zest and sherry or rum.
4. Gradually add the egg mixture to the almond flour mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
8. Once cooled, carefully remove the cake from the pan and dust the top with powdered sugar.
9. Slice and serve the tarta de Santiago, savoring each almond-infused bite.

Now, let’s explore crema catalana, a luscious Spanish custard dessert similar to crème brûlée.

5. Crema Catalana

Crema catalana is a smooth and creamy custard dessert that is typically flavored with lemon and cinnamon. Here’s how to make it:

5.1 Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 6 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

5.2 Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until well combined.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
4. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the lemon zest and cinnamon stick.
6. Pour the custard into individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled and set.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each custard.
8. Using a kitchen torch or the broiler function in your oven, carefully caramelize the sugar until it becomes golden brown and forms a crispy topping.
9. Let the crema catalana sit for a few minutes to allow the caramelized sugar to harden.
10. Serve the crema catalana with a spoon, breaking through the caramelized sugar to enjoy the creamy custard beneath.

Moving on to number 6 on our list: polvorones, a traditional Spanish shortbread cookie.

6. Polvorones

Polvorones are melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies that are crumbly and delicious. They are a popular holiday treat in Spain and can be enjoyed year-round. Here’s how to make them:

6.1 Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

6.2 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
3. Add the softened butter to the dry mixture and use your hands to mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
4. Shape the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the dough balls onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to slightly flatten it.
7. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
9. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, store the polvorones in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
11. Enjoy these delightful shortbread cookies with a cup of coffee or tea.

Next up on our list is turron, a traditional Spanish nougat that is often enjoyed during the Christmas season.

7. Turron

Turron is a sweet treat made from almonds and honey that has been enjoyed in Spain for centuries. It comes in various flavors and textures, but the most traditional version is the hard and crunchy variety. Here’s how to make it:

7.1 Ingredients

• 2 cups whole almonds, toasted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 egg whites

7.2 Instructions

1. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a food processor, pulse the almonds until they are coarsely chopped.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, honey, and lemon zest over medium heat.
4. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture reaches a temperature of 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer, also known as the hard crack stage.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
6. Remove the sugar mixture from the heat and carefully fold in the beaten egg whites until well combined.
7. Stir in the chopped almonds until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the top.
9. Let the turron cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
10. Once firm, lift the turron out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang and cut it into small squares or rectangles.
11. Serve the turron as a sweet after-dinner treat or package it up as a holiday gift for friends and family.

Next on our list is buñuelos de viento, which is essentially a Spanish version of cream puffs.

8. Buñuelos de Viento

Buñuelos de viento are light and airy cream puffs that are typically filled with a sweet cream or custard. They are a popular dessert in Spain, especially during festivals and celebrations. Here’s how to make them:

8.1 Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

8.2 Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the flour until it forms a smooth ball of dough.
3. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
4. Preheat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Beat the eggs one at a time into the dough, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
6. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with the dough.
7. Carefully pipe small, round dollops of dough into the hot oil, cutting them with scissors to your desired size.
8. Fry the buñuelos until they are golden brown on all sides, turning them as necessary.
9. Remove the buñuelos from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
10. Dust the buñuelos with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
11. Serve the buñuelos de viento as a delightful treat that will surely impress.

Finally, our last Spanish dessert on the list is natillas, a creamy and silky custard that is often flavored with cinnamon and lemon.

10. Natillas

Natillas are a smooth and rich Spanish custard that is delicious on its own or served with a topping of your choice. Let’s take a look at the recipe:

10.1 Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 6 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Ground cinnamon for sprinkling

10.2 Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, and half of the granulated sugar over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until well combined.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
4. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the lemon zest and cinnamon stick.
6. Pour the custard into individual serving dishes and let them cool to room temperature.
7. Once cooled, transfer the natillas to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.
8. Just before serving, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of each natilla for added flavor and visual appeal.
9. Serve these creamy custards as a delightful ending to any meal.

I hope you enjoy trying out these elegant and easy to make Spanish desserts! Whether you choose to make a classic flan, crispy churros with chocolate sauce, or any of the other delightful treats on this list, you’re sure to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Happy cooking!