Amazing Desserts From South and Central America

Desserts from Brazil

Carolinas

Desserts from Chile

Kuchen

From Joanna of The world in my pocket

Kuchen in the German word for “cake”, so it is quite peculiar that it shares the same name with a traditional dessert from the cuisine of Chiloe Island, in Chile. Kuchen has been introduced in the Chilean cuisine around the 1850s, when the German immigrants settled in the South of the country. Whilst in Germany kuchen can be any type of cake, in Chiloe it refers to a type of fruit pie with a crumble, glaze or crust on top.

The most common fruit toppings for kuchen are apples, different berries or the local quince. The fun part is that no kuchen is the same, each family and each bakery having their own recipe. During my trip to the South of Chile I ate kuchen many times and it was always different. The fancier cafes are using more exotic fruits and even top it with cream. The berries crumble however remains my favorite.

Desserts from Colombia

Cholado

By Daniel James of Layer Culture

If you find yourself in Colombia, there is one Dessert you must try. Found in the Cali situated in the Valle del Cauca region the Cholado is a mix between a frozen dessert, fruit cocktail, and a drink. Usually sold in 3 sizes a Cholado is made up of a unique blend of fresh exotic Colombian fruits, shaved or crushed ice, condensed milk, passion fruit and can be topped with shredded coconut. A Cholado makes the perfect dessert to sit and enjoy on a blazing hot afternoon. You can find some of the best Cholados down at the Canchas Panamericanas located within the city of Cali.

Natilla

By Daniel James of Layer Culture

Whilst tasting the best desserts in South America you cannot afford to miss out on Natilla. A very sweet Colombian dessert usually served in a square block, that is consumed by many locals around Christmas time.

As a frequent traveler to Colombia, I see this dessert mostly on my trips to Medellin during December and the New Year. Natilla is sold mostly at street stalls and markets around the city, but many people also make it from home. Although the main ingredients remain the same, there are different variations of this popular Colombian dessert. Natilla is usually served with a buñuelo which is a deep-fried dough ball filled with cheese. Any trip to Colombia around the Christmas period is the perfect time to find Natilla, so what are you waiting for?

Desserts from Peru

Turrón de Doña Pepa

from Rai of A Rai of Light

The ideal dessert for the chocolate lover, Turrón de Doña Pepa is a nougat cake with a texture of a brownie and topped with quinoa and a homemade fudge sauce. This flavored pastry originates near the capital city of Lima, but is adored throughout Latin America and Mexico. Typically made of flour and honey, with a range of ingredients including anise, cinnamon, cloves, figs, and sprinkles that combine to create a unique flavour. Turrón itself can take on a variety of consistencies and appearances, but in Peruvian cuisine, it is generally soft and flavoured with anise. Traditionally prepared for the Señor de los Milagros religious procession in October it is however, enjoyed throughout the year.

Queso Helado

From Halef of The Round The World Guys

Queso Helado is one of the authentic Peruvian cuisine items that you must try! It is a frozen treat associated with the city of Arequipa in central Peru. Even though Queso Helado literally means “Cheese Ice Cream”, there is no actual cheese in the dessert.

Queso Helado’s origin can be traced back to the introduction of cattle by the Spanish in the Andes region. At that time, dairy milk became plentiful, which allowed for the invention of Queso Helado – a frozen combination of freshly boiled milk, chuno powder, cinnamo, vanilla, and other flavoring ingredients.

Everywhere you go in and around Arequipa, you can find several variations of the Queso Helado. Some use three types of milk, some add cinnamon sticks and coconut chunks in their recipe. Either way, enjoying Queso Helado in Arequipa is definitely a Peruvian pastime!

Which desserts from South America have you tried? Which is your favorite? Did we miss any? Please let me know in the comments.

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