10+ Costa Rica Desserts Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

When you explore the flavors of Costa Rica, desserts play a delightful role. From creamy rice pudding to rich chocolate cake, these treats embody the spirit of “Pura Vida.”

You will discover a variety of dessert recipes that capture the essence of Costa Rican culture and tradition.

Costa Rican desserts are often simple yet satisfying, making them perfect for any occasion. With fresh ingredients and unique flavors, you can bring a taste of this beautiful country into your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for something light and fruity or a decadent treat, there’s a recipe waiting for you to try.

1) Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. This cake is known for being very moist because it is soaked with three types of milk. It has a light texture and sweet flavor that many people enjoy.

To make this cake, you’ll start with a simple sponge cake. After baking, you soak it in a mixture of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. This gives the cake its famous taste.

Tres Leches is often topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. It’s perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. In another bowl, mix egg yolks, sugar, and flour.
4. Fold in the egg whites gently.
5. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Once cooled, poke holes in the cake with a fork.
7. Mix the three milks and pour over the cake.
8. Refrigerate for a few hours.
9. Top with whipped cream before serving.

2) Costa Rican Chocolate Cake

To make a delicious Costa Rican Chocolate Cake, you will need simple ingredients that create rich flavors. This cake is perfect for special occasions or just to satisfy your sweet tooth.

You’ll start with 4 eggs and 1 cup of butter at room temperature. Then, mix 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 ½ cups of sugar for sweetness.

Next, add 1 cup of sour cream to keep the cake moist. Don’t forget 1 cup of cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup butter (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cocoa powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat the eggs and butter until creamy.
3. Mix in the vanilla and sugar until well combined.
4. Stir in the sour cream and cocoa powder.
5. Pour the batter into a greased pan.
6. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

3) Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding)

Arroz con leche is a classic Costa Rican dessert that is both creamy and sweet. It brings warm comfort and is perfect for a cozy evening.

To make this dish, you’ll need rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. You can serve it warm or let it cool and enjoy it cold.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 6 cups milk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the rice, 6 cups of milk, and the cinnamon stick.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until creamy and thickened.
5. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Enjoy!

4) El Churchill

El Churchill is a popular dessert in Costa Rica, especially enjoyed in the warm weather. This tasty treat is similar to a snow cone and is made from shaved ice topped with delicious flavors.

To make your own El Churchill, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. It’s often served with sweetened condensed milk and flavored syrups, making it a delightful way to cool down.

You can find different variations, including adding marshmallows and powdered milk. It’s fun to make and customize to your taste!

Ingredients

• 1 cup shaved ice
• 1 tablespoon powdered milk
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup flavored syrup

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by placing shaved ice in a bowl or cup.
2. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the ice.
3. Drizzle flavored syrup on top.
4. Sprinkle powdered milk for extra sweetness.
5. Add marshmallows if desired. Enjoy!

5) Tamal de Maicena

Tamal de Maicena is a delightful Costa Rican dessert. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a gentle vanilla flavor. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for sweet cravings.

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients, making it a great recipe for any level of cook. The key is to stir constantly while cooking to avoid lumps.

This dessert is a lovely treat that combines the softness of a cake with a taste similar to flan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cornstarch
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, mix the cornstarch and sugar.
2. Gradually add milk, stirring to combine.
3. Cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat and mix in eggs and vanilla.
5. Pour into a greased dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes.

6) Rosquillas

Rosquillas are a delightful Costa Rican treat made from corn and cheese. These crunchy cookies are perfect for snacking and pair well with coffee or hot chocolate.

To make rosquillas, you will need masa, which is a type of corn flour, mixed with cheese. This combination gives the cookies their unique flavor and texture. Many recipes also include sugar for sweetness.

Ingredients

• 3 cups masa (like Maseca)
• 1 cup pecorino cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 cups hot water

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine masa, cheese, and sugar.
3. Gradually add hot water, mixing until smooth.
4. Form small rings with the dough.
5. Place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

7) Melcochan

Melcochan, also known as Melcochas de Natilla, is a delightful Costa Rican candy. This treat is made from just two main ingredients: sour cream and sugar. It has a sweet, chewy texture that many enjoy.

To make melcochan, you will need to cook the ingredients until they reach the right consistency. Once ready, you can pour the mixture into a mold and let it cool. This candy is often enjoyed during festivals or as a snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine sour cream and sugar.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 10 minutes).
3. Pour the mixture into a greased mold.
4. Let it cool completely before cutting into pieces.

8) Budin

Budin is a delightful Costa Rican dessert that combines bread and sweet flavors. It resembles bread pudding but has its own unique taste. You can make it easily with some simple ingredients.

You will use stale bread, usually a French loaf, to create the base. The mixture includes milk, sugar, and eggs to form a creamy texture. Adding spices like cinnamon can enhance the flavor.

This dessert is often served warm, but it can also be chilled for a refreshing treat. It’s perfect for gatherings or just to enjoy at home.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of stale French bread, sliced
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 cube butter
• 4 egg yolks
• 4 egg whites
• Spices (like cinnamon) to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter and mix it with water and sugar.
3. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks and add milk.
4. Combine the bread, egg mixture, and spices.
5. Pour into a baking dish and bake for about 45 minutes.
6. Let it cool before serving.

9) Torta Chilena

Torta Chilena is a delightful dessert from Costa Rica, known for its rich layers. This cake features 6-8 layers of crispy pastry, all filled with sweet dulce de leche.

Each layer is baked to golden perfection, giving it a delicious crunch. The cake is often topped with a light merengue, adding a lovely finish.

You will enjoy making this treat for special occasions or just to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup dulce de leche
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix the flour, butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into thin layers.
4. Bake layers for about 15-20 minutes until golden.
5. Let layers cool before stacking with dulce de leche in between.
6. Top with merengue and sprinkle powdered sugar before serving.

10) Mazamorra

Mazamorra is a delicious corn pudding popular in Costa Rica and many Latin American countries. It has a sweet and comforting flavor that makes it a favorite dessert.

To make it, you will need fresh or thawed corn kernels, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a few other ingredients. The dish is often cooked slowly to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

You can serve mazamorra warm or cold, making it a versatile treat. It’s great for family gatherings or just as a sweet snack at home.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh or thawed corn kernels
• 3 cups brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup corn starch

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend the corn kernels in a blender until smooth.
2. In a pot, mix the blended corn with milk and cook over medium heat.
3. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until dissolved.
4. In a small bowl, mix corn starch with water to create a slurry.
5. Stir the slurry into the mixture and cook until thickened.
6. Serve warm or cold.
7. Enjoy!