15 Traditional Guatemalan Desserts

Ever tried Guatemalan desserts? They might not be as familiar to you as the sweet treats from Mexico, Spain, Greece, or Italy. That’s probably because Guatemalan food hasn’t quite hit the mainstream in the U.S.–except in certain areas where you can find authentic spots.

1.Arroz con Leche

Arroz con leche, or rice pudding, is a beloved dessert across many Hispanic and Latin countries. It’s creamy, delicious, and super satisfying. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

All you need is water, white rice, milk, sugar, salt, and a cinnamon stick. Prep time is just 5 minutes, though you’ll need to soak the rice for 30 minutes and cook for about 45 minutes to get that perfect pudding texture.

It’s a simple, comforting treat that’s worth the wait!

2.Guatemalan Squash Cake

This spiced orange cake is a dense, vibrant treat that captures the warmth of fall. With hints of sweet potato and pumpkin pie, it’s flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, offering a delightful twist on classic desserts.

The edges are crisp, and the center is soft, making each bite a pleasure. Drizzled with a sticky-sweet glaze made from powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, almond milk, and a touch of dark rum, this cake is a must-try for anyone seeking a rich, comforting dessert.

Perfect for the holidays or any cozy gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite.

3.Tres Leches Cake

Imagine a cake so moist and fluffy, it’s almost impossible to stop at just one slice. This tres leches cake is made with three types of milk–regular milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk–which gives it that fantastically addictive texture.

But wait, there’s more! On top, you’ll find a layer of sweetness made with sugar, whipping cream, and a hint of vanilla extract. And for the perfect finishing touch? Add some sliced strawberries on top.

They bring a pop of color and a bit of tartness to balance out all that sweetness. It’s the ultimate dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth!

4.Rellenitos de Plátano

Ready for a twist on traditional plantains? These sweet treats are stuffed with a rich mixture of black refried beans, water, cocoa powder, and sugar. Each bite offers the perfect mix of sweet and savory.

For an extra indulgent touch, serve them with a drizzle of bean chocolate sauce.

5.Guatemalan Bananas With Sweet Cream

15-Minute Cinnamon Sugar Banana Dessert This quick and delicious dessert comes together in just 15 minutes with only seven ingredients: butter, bananas, whole milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Bananas are already a naturally sweet treat, but when you drizzle them with a glaze made from brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, they transform into something truly special.

Enjoy them on their own, layered on top of fluffy pancakes or waffles, or smothered in creamy vanilla ice cream. No matter how you serve them, they’re sure to impress!

6.Torrejas

These Guatemalan sweet breads are a breeze to make. With just eggs, flour, brioche or pan dulce, and a bit of vegetable oil, you’re halfway there. The real magic happens in the syrup, which is packed with warm, aromatic flavors like allspice, orange, cinnamon, and cloves.

Plus, it’s loaded with raisins, sugar, and prunes for extra sweetness and texture. When it’s time to serve, sprinkle on some extra sugar (colored sugar makes it even prettier) and add a prune for a pop of flavor and presentation.

Not only does it taste amazing, but it also fills your home with a cozy, fall-inspired scent that’s sure to impress.

7.Champurradas

These thin, crispy cookies are buttery and reminiscent of homemade shortbread. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a satisfying crunch without overpowering the flavor.

They’re perfect for dunking in your morning coffee or tea, and the best part? They’re not overly sweet. While they do take a bit of time to make, the process is simple and straightforward, using basic ingredients.

The end result is well worth the effort for these delicious, easy-to-make treats.

8.Borracho Cake

Meet the borracho cake, also known as the drunk cake–a sweet, textured dessert that’s sure to intrigue your taste buds. This treat is made with dark rum, pitted prunes, whipping cream, sugar, and other delicious ingredients that will leave you wanting every last crumb.

The combination of rich, sweet flavors and a light, spongy texture makes it hard to pick a favorite part. And don’t worry, it won’t actually get you drunk–sorry if that’s a letdown!

But it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

9.Buñuelos

Buñuelos and sopapillas are often mixed up, but they have their own unique charm. Both are crispy, golden tortillas sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.

The key difference? Buñuelos are thinner and crisper, while sopapillas have those airy, open centers. Think of buñuelos as sweet, crunchy fritters that are irresistible.

They’re the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet with a satisfying bite.

10.Guatemalan Pineapple Empanadas

Who doesn’t love a good empanada? No matter where you’re from, these pastries are a universal delight. Imagine a warm, flaky pastry crust topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Inside, you’ll find a sweet and tangy tropical pineapple filling that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a treat you’ll want to enjoy morning, noon, or night.

11.Polvorosas

These sweet treats are a bit messy, but trust us, they’re worth it! With just five simple ingredients–flour, cornstarch, sugar, butter, and shortening–you can create something truly special.

Each bite is a perfect mix of warm, buttery shortbread and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. It’s rich, it’s decadent, and it’s absolutely irresistible.

Get ready to savor every crumb of this heavenly treat!

12.Pan de Banano

Guatemalan banana bread is a fresh twist on the classic you know and love. It’s got that same sweet, comforting vibe but with a couple of key differences: it’s extra moist inside and has a delightful crispy exterior that adds a nice texture contrast.

To make it, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients like butter, sugar, ripe bananas, salt, cinnamon, a squeeze of lemon juice, eggs, flour, and baking powder.

The result is a loaf that’s lightly sweet, loaded with banana flavor, and just begging for a drizzle of honey on top. It’s the perfect treat to brighten up your morning or satisfy your afternoon cravings!

13.Quesadilla De Arroz

Get ready to rethink what you know about quesadillas with this Guatemalan sweet treat! Unlike the flat, savory versions you might be familiar with, this quesadilla is a thick, fluffy cake that’s as delightful as it is surprising.

Made with whole milk, heavy cream, and a delicious Latin cheese, it’s creamy, rich, and utterly indulgent. Imagine a dessert that looks a bit like cornbread but is lighter and softer, with a golden, crunchy sesame seed topping that adds the perfect texture.

This sweet quesadilla is a must-try for anyone looking to mix things up and experience a taste of something new!

14.Chancletas

Ever heard of Chancletas? They might look like stuffed peppers, but they’re actually something even more special–chayote squash filled with sweet treats like raisins, almonds, cinnamon, sugar, and coconut.

These little gems are a breeze to make and fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Plus, they taste even better than they smell! The recipe suggests using sweet bun breadcrumbs, but if you’re a coconut lover, try swapping that out for an extra boost of flavor–it makes the dish even more robust.

Chancletas are a delightful mix of sweet and spice, perfect for anyone looking to try something new and tasty.

15.Magdalena Cake

Meet the Magdalena cake, a one-of-a-kind treat that blends the richness of a pound cake, the sweetness of an orange roll, and the comfort of a coffee cake.

With its vibrant orange and vanilla flavors, plus a buttery, airy texture, this cake is a delight to the senses. Pair it with a bold cup of coffee or a soothing cup of tea for the ultimate morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

Top it with a light dusting of powdered sugar for simplicity, a drizzle of sweet sticky glaze for extra flavor, or go all out with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.

However you choose to enjoy it, the Magdalena cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more.