A Sweet Tour: Traditional Nicaraguan Desserts

Nicaraguans have a serious sweet tooth. The country’s desserts are rich, sugary, and often feature milk, corn, or local fruits. Here are a few you must try.

Tres Leches Cake

While claimed by many Latin American countries, Nicaragua makes a strong case for having the best Tres Leches. This sponge cake is soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. It is topped with a fluffy meringue and a cherry.

Pio Quinto

This is a boozy, custard-topped cake. The base is a torta soaked in rum syrup (sopa borracha), covered with a layer of vanilla custard (manjar) and dusted with cinnamon. It is a holiday favorite.

Buñuelos

These are not your typical donuts. Nicaraguan buñuelos are made from a dough of yuca and cheese, fried until golden, and then drenched in a warm syrup made from cinnamon and raw sugar cane.