Treats, togetherness, and taste – these are the foundations of Argentinian cooking. With roots in lively European cultures, like Italy and Spain, Argentinians are experts at coming together for meals, especially on relaxed Sundays, when families grill asado and then speak for hours in what is known as “sobremesa”.
As the weekend winds down with laughs and grilled cuts of meat, there’s a yearning for something sweet to top off the meal. That’s where desserts come in, and here I want to present you with the 5 most popular Argentinian desserts so you can try them out!
Discover the irresistible delights of Argentina’s top 5 desserts, with or without dulce de leche! 😉
Pasta Frola is a traditional Argentinian dessert that, shockingly, does not include dulce de leche. Instead, it’s made of a tender, crumbly crust and a delicious fruit filling, typically membrillo (quince).
The crust is typically made from a mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes eggs, resulting in a delicate yet sturdy base. Meanwhile, this filling is made with quince paste and sugar, so it might not be everybody’s cup of tea.
The filling is spread evenly over the crust before being topped with lattice strips of dough. Another variation of pasta frola includes one made of dulce de leche, which is also delicious!
Chocotorta is one of the most unique desserts Argentina has to offer. Made with layers of chocolate cookies called chocolinas soaked in coffee or milk, the protagonist of chocotorta is a creamy filling made from dulce de leche and cream cheese. These simple yet delicious ingredients come together to create the most delicious cake you’ll ever taste.
In Argentinian culture, Chocotorta holds a special place, making it a staple at family gatherings, birthday parties, and social events. Its simplicity and irresistible taste make it a go-to dessert!
It’s very easy to make Chocotorta at home (though the most difficult thing would be to find chocolinas or similar cookies):
Originally introduced to Argentina by Spanish settlers, flan has a smooth texture and delicious sweetness brought about by (you guessed it!)… dulce de leche. The classic flan is made with a simple mixture of eggs, sugar, and milk, though many people today use other ingredients like coconut, chocolate and even dulce de leche to create new flavors.
In Argentina, flan is often served alongside a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream. It’s easy to prepare, but watch out for the number of eggs! Some recipes go as high as using 12 eggs, guaranteeing a soft and smooth texture for your flan.
Torta Rogel is believed to have been inspired by Hungarian Dobos Torte and brought to Argentina by European immigrants, where it became something unique over time. Today, this dessert is comprised of layers of crisp pastry, sandwiched together with a spread of dulce de leche These layers are then stacked high, creating a stunning tower topped with meringue.
The contrast between the pastry and dulce de leche is something unique you’ve probably never tasted before. As it’s quite difficult to prepare, Torta Rogel is often reserved for special occasions in Argentina, such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Last but not least, if you’re looking for a delicious yet simple dessert after your grilled T-bone or mud-oven pizza, then panqueques con dulce de leche is a perfect choice.
To make this irresistible treat, thin pancakes are filled with lots of dulce de leche, then rolled up and served with a drizzle of cream. The number of ingredients – flour, eggs, milk, and dulce de leche – makes it a fast and simple option to prepare. That’s why they are a popular choice for both casual family meals and more formal occasions.
Variations of panqueques abound in Argentina, with some adding sliced bananas or strawberries to the filling, or even topping the dessert with chocolate sauce for an extra touch.
All in all, whether you’re indulging in the rich layers of Torta Rogel or would like to prepare the simple yet delicious panqueques con dulce de leche, these iconic desserts are a must-try addition to any fan of Argentine cuisine. Why wait any longer?
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