20 Best Desserts from the Dominican Republic: Quick Guide
Today, let’s explore a sweeter side of the Dominican Republic. These delicious desserts honor the diverse culinary heritage of the island. Indulge in the variety and richness of Dominican treats, whether you’re a food connoisseur or a dessert lover.
From the iconic Bizcocho Dominicano to the comforting essence of Arepa, each dessert tells a unique story, blending Taino, African, and European influences in every bite.

Before we delve into this sugary journey, have a look at other delicious recipes from around the world like the Best Ecuadorian Desserts, the Best desserts from Bolivia, or the Best Mexican desserts.
Habichuelas Con Dulce
Habichuelas Con Dulce is a beloved dessert in the Dominican Republic. This sweet treat is made with red kidney beans and spices like cinnamon and is sweetened with sugar.
You’ll find it cooked with coconut milk, evaporated milk, and raisins, making it a thick and creamy dessert. It’s especially popular during Lent and Holy Week.
Dulce de Leche
You might have already heard of Dulce de Leche, but did you know it’s also popular in Dominican culture?
This rich caramel treat, made by heating sweetened milk, is incorporated into various desserts such as cakes, pastries, and even ice cream. Enjoy its creamy and sweet flavor as you indulge in traditional Dominican dishes.
Dominican Arepa
Dominican Arepa is a one-of-a-kind cornmeal cake that you won’t want to miss. Made with a blend of cornmeal, coconut, and sugar, this dessert offers a dense and flavorful experience.
It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat that’s a holiday favorite. The unique taste of cornmeal, coupled with its soft, moist texture, makes the Dominican Arepa cake a hit at any gathering.
Share it with family and friends, and you’ll all be reaching for seconds!
Majarete
Majarete is a sweet corn pudding that showcases the versatility of corn in Dominican dishes. Made with corn, sugar, cinnamon, coconut milk, and evaporated milk, Majesty is a creamy dessert that’s worth trying.
Don’t miss out on this comforting dish that’s truly a testament to Dominican ingenuity.
Bizcocho Dominicano
Bizcocho Dominicano, also known as Dominican Cake, is similar to a traditional Victoria sponge cake. This airy, moist cake typically contains about a third of its ingredients as butter, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor.
Often enjoyed with guava or other fruit fillings, this cake is a popular choice for celebrations.
Dulce De Coco (Coconut Candy)
For coconut lovers, Dulce De Coco is your dream come true. This popular coconut candy is made with grated coconut, sugar, cinnamon, and sweet potato, then cooked until thick and sticky. Feel free to savor this dessert as a standalone treat or use it as a topping for cakes and pastries.
Experience these traditional Dominican desserts as you immerse yourself in the rich flavors and culture of the Dominican Republic. With their pleasant mix of spices, milk, and sugar, you’ll undoubtedly find a new favorite among these classic desserts.
Tres Leches Cake
When it comes to classic Dominican desserts, Tres Leches Cake is a must-try. To make it, you’ll need standard ingredients – flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
After baking the cake, you’ll pour the combined evaporated milk, condensed milk, and regular milk over it, allowing it to soak in before garnishing with whipped cream and any other desired toppings.
Paleta de Coco
As a coconut lover, you shouldn’t miss out on trying Paleta de Coco – delicious coconut popsicles. They are made by combining shredded coconut, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Once frozen, these popsicles provide a sweet, refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot days in the Dominican Republic. Plus, they’re easy to make at home and require just a few simple ingredients.
Empanadas De Yuca (Cassava Empanadas)
For a dessert that also works as an on-the-go snack, try Empanadas De Yuca. Made from cassava flour, these empanadas are filled with a sweet or savory filling. Sweet options like guava paste or cream cheese are popular choices for dessert empanadas. To prepare them, you’ll need to mix cassava flour with water, salt, and sometimes butter, creating a dough that is filled, folded into a pocket, and then fried or baked until golden brown.
Guava Empanadas
Guava Empanadas are another tasty example of pastries commonly found in the Dominican Republic. Similar to the Empanadas De Yuca, these treats have a flaky pastry filled with guava paste, making them a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors. Enjoy these along with a cup of coffee during your afternoon or as a dessert after a delicious Dominican meal.
Batata con Canela
Batata con Canela is a delectable vegan dessert made from sweet potatoes and cinnamon. To prepare this dish, you need to boil sweet potatoes with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and a pinch of salt. The result is a deliciously spiced dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during Lent or any time of the year.
Dulce Frío
Dulce Frío is a refreshing vegan dessert that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day. This no-bake treat consists of layers of cookies, fruit, and flavorful coconut cream. The cream is made by combining coconut milk with sugar, vanilla, and optional spices.
Layer the cookies and cream in a dish, refrigerate it for a few hours, and your Dulce Frío is ready to be served. Its delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures creates a mouthwatering experience.
Maiz Caquiao
Another popular Dominican dessert is Maiz Caquiao, a vegan dish made by cooking corn with spices, coconut milk, and sugar. While corn is the star ingredient, the inclusion of cloves, cinnamon, and ginger adds depth and warmth to the dish.
To prepare Maiz Caquiao, simply cook the corn in water with the spices and sugar, then add coconut milk to achieve a creamy richness. This dessert is perfect for sharing with friends and family during Lent or any other occasion.
Caramel Flan
If you’re a fan of caramel, then the Caramel Flan is a must-try dessert from the Dominican Republic. Similar to the Dominican Flan, the main difference is that the Caramel Flan has a more intense caramel flavor.
To achieve this, make sure to cook your caramel until it reaches a deep amber color before adding it to the bottom of your mold. After baking, allow the flan to cool and set in the refrigerator before serving to relish its luscious, caramel-rich.
Pudín de Pan
Pudín de Pan, also known as Spiced Bread Pudding, is another popular dessert in the Dominican Republic. This delightful treat combines bread, sugar, milk, spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, as well as eggs to create a firm yet tender texture.
After baking, the Pudín de Pan is often topped with a syrup made from sugar and water, giving it a delightful sweetness that will have you craving more.
Pudín de Pan can be easily customized by adding fruits, nuts, or other ingredients in your pudding mix.
Tembleque (Coconut Pudding)
Tembleque is a must-try dessert from the Dominican Republic for those who love coconut. This creamy pudding is made from coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
Once cooked and cooled, the pudding is topped with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. Tembleque’s light, delicate coconut taste will have you reaching for seconds!
Dulce de Leche
You can’t miss trying the classic Dominican dessert Dulce de Leche during Easter time. This creamy and delicious treat is made with slow-cooking milk and sugar, creating a luscious caramel-like consistency.
You’ll love the richness of the combination of flavors featuring raisins and rum. Rest assured, this dessert is a must-try during your visit to the Dominican Republic.
Dulce De Papaya
Dulce de Papaya is a traditional dessert that features the unique flavor of papaya. It’s a refreshing and light treat typically served during festive occasions in the Dominican Republic.
With the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, Dulce de Papaya is an excellent choice to cap off a delicious Dominican meal.
Dulce De Guayaba (Guava Jam & Guava Paste Recipe)
Who can resist the captivating taste of Dulce De Guayaba? This delightful dessert is made with guava paste or guava jam, offering a scrumptious and fruity flavor.
Known for its incredible versatility, you can enjoy Dulce De Guayaba on its own or as a filling in various pastries, making it one of the most beloved desserts in the Dominican Republic.
Morir Soñando (Orange and Milk Juice)
Lastly, no festive or seasonal celebration is complete without a refreshing Orange and Milk Cocktail. This unique combination of citrus and creamy milk creates a harmonious blend that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Popular in the Dominican Republic, this delightful concoction is a must-try when you’re searching for a refreshing dessert to cool down with during your visit.
Conclusion
In the Dominican Republic, dessert is more than a sweet finish—it’s a celebration of the island’s rich flavors and traditions. From creamy classics like Habichuelas Con Dulce to cornmeal marvels like Dominican Arepa, each treat is a bite of cultural history.
Coconut-infused gems like Dulce De Coco sit alongside unique creations like Empanadas De Yuca, offering something for every palate. So whether you’re in the Dominican Republic or experiencing its cuisine elsewhere, make sure to save room for dessert.