10 Traditional Haitian Desserts

Haiti is famous for its vibrant, colorful dishes packed with big, bold flavors. And guess what? Their desserts are just as amazing! While they might not be spicy like some of their savory dishes, Haitian sweets are still super colorful and full of flavor.

1.Haitian Lemonade

Desserts don’t always have to be decadent and full of chocolate and other over-the-top ingredients. Sometimes they can be as simple as a refreshing, sugary glass of lemonade.

Haitian lemonade is more lemony and different from most, thanks mainly to the addition of vanilla extract. The mint is optional, but it gives it a fresh, clean taste that I love.

2.Haitian French Toast

Haitian French toast is a thicker, more vibrant twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Made with a hearty baguette, it’s infused with the bright, citrusy flavor of orange zest.

Rich, decadent, and utterly delicious, this French toast offers a unique taste experience that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a special morning treat!

3.Coconut Candy (Tablet Kokoye)

These candies are sticky, but they’re also crazy delicious. While you’ll catch hints of cinnamon and brown sugar, coconut is the real star here. They’re so addictive that you’ll want to make a big batch–because one just isn’t enough!

4.Haitian Beignets

Beignets are a delicious treat that’s loved in places like New Orleans and Haiti alike. These golden goodies boast a crispy exterior, a fluffy interior, and a burst of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in every bite.

Now, let’s talk about the Haitian twist–these beignets are made extra special with the addition of ripe bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The result? A flavor that’s both familiar and unique, with a sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

When you take a bite, the combination of textures and tastes will have you hooked from the very first mouthful.

5.Haitian Orange Cake

This simple cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make, and it’s a Haitian favorite for good reason. Prep time is just 15 minutes, and it bakes in 40 minutes.

All you need are some basic ingredients like butter, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, orange peel, orange juice, vanilla extract, and rum. If you’ve got these on hand, you’re all set to whip this up effortlessly.

The result? A light, soft cake bursting with delicious orange flavor.

6.Krema

This tasty dessert drink is especially popular during the holiday season. It’s pretty much the equivalent of spiked eggnog, though krema has a lot more going on and can easily be made vegan-friendly.

The lengthy ingredients list turns some people off, but the drink takes only 15 minutes to make, and it’s incredibly delicious – smooth, creamy, spicy, and strong.

If you want an alcohol-free version, simply leave out the rum. It’s just as yummy, but it may not be quite as much fun. 😉

7.Haitian Hot Chocolate

Cozy up with a mug of Haitian hot chocolate, a rich and creamy drink that’s perfect for chilly winter nights. This unbelievably chocolatey treat is made even more special with a hint of cinnamon and a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.

What really sets it apart is the unique flavor of star anise, giving it a twist you won’t find in regular hot chocolate. It’s a delicious way to warm up and end your day on a cozy note.

8.Caribbean Coconut Sugar Cakes

These bright red treats are a fun twist on a classic favorite. With a crunchy exterior and a chewy interior, they’re a delightful texture combination. The ingredient list might seem a bit unusual–sugar, coconut, ginger, cream of tartar, almond essence, and red food dye–but don’t let that fool you.

And the best part? They’re way more delicious than you’d expect from that ingredient list!

9.Coconut Flan

Looking for a tropical twist on a classic dessert? This coconut flan is here to transport your taste buds to paradise! Made with sugar, condensed milk, evaporated milk, milk, eggs, and shredded coconut, it’s a creamy, dreamy treat.

The texture is silky smooth, and the coconut flavor shines through in every bite. Just remember to plan ahead–it needs to chill overnight, so don’t start making it last minute.

Your patience will be rewarded with a dessert that’s as rich as it is refreshing. Your taste buds will thank you!

10.Haitian Sweet Potato Bread

This sweet treat is more like a custard pie than bread, offering a delightful twist on traditional desserts. While it requires some time–1 hour to prepare and 3 hours to bake–each bite will convince you it’s worth the wait.

The crumbly crust gives way to a thick, pudding-like filling that’s simply irresistible. Though sweet potatoes are in the mix, their flavor is subtle, allowing the banana, cinnamon, raisins, molasses, nutmeg, and brown sugar to take center stage.

It’s reminiscent of banana bread but with a pie-like texture that sets it apart.