10+ Costa Rica Desserts Recipes to Delight Your Sweet Tooth

Costa Rica is known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, but it also offers a rich array of desserts that delight the taste buds. From sweet treats made with fresh fruits to creamy confections, these desserts reflect the warmth and hospitality of Costa Rican traditions. You will discover delicious recipes that are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Many Costa Rican desserts have roots in local ingredients like sugar cane and tropical fruits, which make them unique and flavorful. Whether you are enjoying a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these recipes can bring a taste of Costa Rica into your kitchen.

Your journey to creating these delightful desserts will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also connect you with the culture of this beautiful country.

Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a delicious dessert popular in Costa Rica. It is moist and sweet, soaked in three kinds of milk. This makes it extra rich and tasty.

To make Tres Leches Cake, you will need basic ingredients. The cake is fluffy and soft, and the milk soak gives it a unique texture. You can enjoy it plain or topped with whipped cream.

Gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps to create this delightful dessert. It’s a perfect treat for gatherings or special occasions. Once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again!

Ingredients

• 4 eggs (separated)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then add yolks one by one.
3. Mix in sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Bake for about 30 minutes.
5. Let it cool, then soak with a mix of the three milks evenly.
6. Top with whipped cream and serve.

Arroz con Leche

Arroz con Leche is a beloved Costa Rican dessert. This creamy rice pudding is simple to make and full of flavor. You’ll enjoy the warm spices like cinnamon and the richness of milk.

To prepare this dish, you’ll start by cooking rice until it’s tender. Then, you’ll mix in milk, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Some people like to add raisins for texture.

Let it simmer until it thickens. The result is a comforting dessert that is often enjoyed warm or chilled. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 3.5 cups water
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Optional: raisins

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine rice, water, cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of salt.
2. Boil until the water is mostly absorbed.
3. Add milk and sugar, stirring constantly.
4. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until creamy.
5. Serve warm or chill before enjoying.

3) Coconut Flan

Coconut flan is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. It is creamy, sweet, and full of rich coconut flavor. This treat is perfect for any gathering or special occasion.

To make coconut flan, you will need a few simple ingredients. The main components are coconut milk, eggs, condensed milk, and sugar. These blend together to create a smooth texture.

Start by making a caramel for the bottom of your baking dish. Melt sugar with a little water until it turns golden. Pour this into the dish and let it cool.

Next, mix the coconut milk, eggs, and condensed milk in a blender. Blend until smooth, then pour this mixture over the cooled caramel. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until set.

Once done, let it cool before flipping it onto a plate. Enjoy this delightful Costa Rican dessert!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 4 eggs
• 1 can condensed milk
• 1 cup sugar (for caramel)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt sugar with a little water to make caramel.
3. Pour caramel into the baking dish and let it cool.
4. Blend coconut milk, eggs, and condensed milk until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture over the cooled caramel.
6. Bake for about 50-60 minutes until set.
7. Let it cool, then flip onto a plate to serve.

4) Chorreadas

Chorreadas are delicious traditional Costa Rican corn pancakes. They are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, usually paired with coffee or sweet drinks like agua dulce.

These pancakes are notable for their simple ingredients. Originally, they were made only with fresh corn, known as elote. Over time, recipes have evolved to include flour and eggs for added texture.

Making chorreadas is easy and fun. You can find them at local fairs and in many homes across the countryside. Their warm, sweet flavor makes them a true treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh corn (or canned corn)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Sugar to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend the corn until smooth.
2. Mix in flour, egg, milk, and salt until well combined.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
4. Pour batter into the skillet, cooking until golden brown on both sides.
5. Serve warm with toppings of your choice.

5) Cajeta Crepes

Cajeta crepes are a delightful treat that brings a taste of Costa Rica to your kitchen. These thin pancakes are filled with a sweet caramel sauce made from goat’s milk called cajeta. It’s rich and delicious.

To make cajeta crepes, you start with a simple batter. You’ll need a few key ingredients, which include flour, milk, eggs, and butter. The batter should rest for a bit to ensure your crepes turn out perfectly smooth.

Once your batter is ready, heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Pour some batter in and swirl it to coat the pan. Cook until the edges lift slightly, then flip and cook the other side until golden.

After cooking, fill your crepes with cajeta. You can fold them or roll them up. Drizzle some extra cajeta on top before serving for an added touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Cajeta sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. In a blender, mix flour, eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
4. Pour 1/4 cup batter into the skillet; swirl to coat.
5. Cook until edges are golden, then flip and cook the other side.
6. Remove and repeat with remaining batter.
7. Fill each crepe with cajeta and drizzle extra on top.

6) Plantain Tarte Tatin

Plantain Tarte Tatin is a delicious twist on the classic French dessert. This recipe features sweet plantains, which are cooked until caramelized. The combination of buttery pastry and sweet plantains creates a rich, tasty dish.

To start, you will need an oven-safe skillet for cooking. You will melt sugar until it turns golden brown, which adds a lovely caramel flavor. Then, arrange the ripe plantains in the skillet.

Next, cover the plantains with puff pastry and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden. When it’s done, flip the tart onto a plate for a stunning presentation. This dessert is great for impressing guests or enjoying with family.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe plantains
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• Optional: cinnamon for extra flavor

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt sugar in an oven-safe skillet until golden brown.
3. Slice and arrange plantains in the skillet.
4. Spread butter on top of the plantains.
5. Cover with puff pastry and bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. Let cool slightly, then flip onto a plate. Enjoy!

7) Suspiro de Tico

Suspiro de Tico is a delightful Costa Rican dessert. It’s a light meringue cookie that melts in your mouth. The name comes from the Spanish word “suspiro,” meaning sigh, which reflects its airy texture.

To make these cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. They are often flavored with vanilla, but you can get creative with other flavors like mint or chocolate if you like.

Now, let’s look at the ingredients you need.

Ingredients

• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add the sugar, mixing until stiff peaks appear.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag.
6. Pipe small rosettes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours until the cookies are dry and crisp.

8) Roscón de Reyes

Roscón de Reyes is a festive bread traditionally enjoyed on Three Kings Day. This sweet treat is shaped like a ring and often decorated with colorful candied fruits. You might also find it filled with cream or other delightful fillings.

To make Roscón de Reyes, you’ll typically use ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The dough is flavored with orange zest for a fresh taste. It’s a fun experience to make, as you can decorate it in creative ways.

On January 6th, families often share the bread to celebrate the Epiphany. It’s common to hide a small toy or figurine inside, adding an element of surprise for the person who finds it.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• Zest of 1 orange
• Candied fruits for decoration

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix warm milk and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, and orange zest.
3. Add eggs and melted butter to the flour mixture.
4. Pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
6. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Shape the dough into a ring and place on a baking sheet.
8. Decorate with candied fruits.
9. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes.

9) Papaya Delight

Papaya Delight is a simple and refreshing dessert you can easily make at home. This dish features sweet papaya cooked in a syrup that adds a burst of flavor.

To start, combine water and sugar in a pot. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then add chopped papaya, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook until the papaya becomes tender.

Once cooked, transfer the fruit to dessert plates. Then, simmer the syrup until it thickens and pour it over the papaya. You can chill this dessert before serving for a cool treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups papaya, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and sugar in a pot until dissolved.
2. Add papaya, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cinnamon.
3. Cook until the papaya is fork-tender.
4. Transfer papaya to dessert plates and set aside.
5. Boil the syrup until reduced by half.
6. Pour the syrup over the papaya and chill before serving.

10) Empanadas de Chiverre

Empanadas de Chiverre are a delightful Costa Rican treat, especially popular during Easter. These empanadas are filled with a sweet mixture made from chiverre, which is a type of squash.

To make the filling, you will need miel de chiverre, which has a sweet and unique flavor. You can buy this ingredient or make it from scratch. The crust is typically made with corn dough, giving it a nice texture.

These empanadas are usually enjoyed warm and can be served as a dessert or snack. The combination of sweet filling and flaky dough makes them a favorite among many.

Ingredients

• 2 cups corn flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Filling: miel de chiverre

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine corn flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add warm milk and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
4. Place a spoonful of miel de chiverre on each circle.
5. Fold and seal the edges.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden.