10 Argentinian Must-Try Desserts
Desserts are, without a doubt, a very important part of Argentinian cuisine. As good descendants of Italians and Spaniards, Argentines are lovers of after-dinner talk, especially on Sundays when family gatherings abound.
If we look for a common denominator in Argentinian desserts, we discover that most of them have a star ingredient: dulce de leche. This is a sweet made from milk and sugar that is characteristically added to many of my country’s desserts.
Here, I list ten of the most typical desserts that you should try if you visit Argentina.
1. Dulce de Leche Pancakes
Argentinian pancakes are an adaptation of American pancakes, known in Spain as tortitas. What sets them apart is the recipe. The pancakes should be thinner than American ones but thicker than French crepes. In addition, the way they are served is also different: the pancakes are served rolled up as if they were cannelloni.
Of course, the most popular Argentinian pancake is the dulce de leche, and its recipes are many. It is a very popular dessert with children.
2. Balcarce Cake
The Balcarce cake is one of the most historical and typical Argentinian desserts. When it was created, it was known as “Imperial Dessert.”
Its creator was born in the city of Balcarce in the Buenos Aires province. For those who like car racing, it is the hometown of former Formula 1 World Number One, Juan Manuel Fangio.
The recipe was sold to a baker from Mar de Plata, who renamed this popular dessert “Balcarce cake” in honor of its creator. The cake is based on sponge cake, meringue and—unsurprisingly—dulce de leche, and this delicious cake is a must-try dessert when in Argentina.
3. Alfajores
It would be wrong not to include the renowned alfajores on this list. These consist of two cookies joined together by a dulce de leche filling.
Alfajores are eaten at all hours in Argentina and can be found in any store, from large supermarkets to newsstands. It is practically impossible to find a person who does not like alfajores, since these are found in an infinity of variants and tastes.
One variant is the cornstarch alfajores, in which the cookies are not cookies but cornstarch dough, which in turn usually contains dulce de leche and grated coconut.
4. Bread Pudding
It is a dough based on stale, hard bread, butter, eggs and sugar. After baking, it acquires a consistent shape and a darker color and must be cooled for a few hours before serving.
It is usually accompanied with dulce de leche or cream, and it is commonly eaten after a meal as dessert. This dish was brought to Argentina by immigrants who came from starvation and war, which is why everything is used in the recipe.
5. Torta Rogel
Rogel is a classic Argentinian dessert, consisting of numerous thin layers of dough, that is topped with a creamy dulce de leche spread. The cake traditionally includes eight layers, with the top usually decorated with Italian meringue.
Although not much is known about its origins, rogel is a staple at every special occasion in Argentina. It is also known as alfajor rogel, due to its similarity to alfajor cookies.
6. Pasta Frola
This quintessential Argentinian cake is enjoyed at celebrations, parties and birthdays and is made with a dough covered with quince jelly, sweet potato or dulce de leche.
Although its origins stem from the crosata, an Italian cake, the combination and elaboration of this cake with quince paste gives it its unique South American character.
It can be ordered as a dessert, but it is also very common to find it served with a round of mate (a traditional South American drink) and shared with friends.
7. Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
As you might have guessed—in Argentina we adapt everything to the flavor of our favorite sweet, dulce de leche. That is why this dessert, generally combined with red fruits and with an acidic flavor, takes on a light-brown color and a sweater taste in Argentina.
We prepare it with a base of mascarpone cheese and dulce de leche. Instead of red fruits, we add chocolate flakes.
8. Cheese and Sweet or “Postre Vigilante”
Rarely missing from the fridge of any Argentine family, this is a dessert that helps us resist the temptation to eat something even sweeter, any time of day.
What is it? It’s a very simple dessert: just a slice of soft cheese and a slice of something sweet, which can be quince, sweet potato or sweet potato with chocolate. On the menu of most restaurants you can find this dessert under the name “Postre vigilante.”
9. Don Pedro Cup
When we choose to end our meal with something cool and fresh, we think of ice cream, but in this case it has been given a more sophisticated touch. The Don Pedro Cup is based on the best American cream ice cream, with a measure of whiskey and nuts.
It is a delicious dessert, but not suitable for children.
10. Chocotorta
And we leave the best for last: our emblem cake, which was chosen as the best dessert in the world in 2020 by Taste Atlas, which tracks and rewards the best in local ingredients, typical foods and specialized restaurants.
Argentina’s flagship cake took first place in the dessert category, beating pistachio ice cream from Italy and apple pie from Germany.
The most classic of classic desserts, Chocotorta was chosen as the favorite by children and adults alike.
A well-known brand of cookies made it famous by describing the recipe step-by-step on packaging and, from there, it rose to fame. Layers of chocolate chip cookies, cream cheese, and, of course, dulce de leche, joined by any and all toppings imaginable. There are those who add strawberries or bananas, those who put ice cream on top, those who decorate it with whipped cream and those who put grated chocolate or meringue on top of the cake.
Definitely, when in Argentina, you should try the tasty treats on this list of Argentinian desserts!
Related: 15 Most Popular Argentinian Foods
