Cuban pastries are a cherished staple of Florida’s vibrant food culture. These delectable treats masterfully blend sweet and savory flavors, offering a taste of the region’s rich history and tropical influences. The artistry of Cuban desserts is celebrated statewide, with traditional favorites like pastelitos and flan captivating the hearts of both locals and visitors.
In this post, we delve into the world of Cuban desserts in Florida, uncovering the culture behind these iconic pastries, the variety of options available, and the unique ways they are enjoyed across the Sunshine State.
Craving authentic Cuban pastries in St. Augustine? Visit Paladar Cuban Eatery to experience traditional pastries made fresh daily!
1. The Role of Pastries in Cuban Culture
In Cuba, Food is a part of the soul, not just a source of nourishment. As for pastry, also known as “pastelitos,” they are similar in taste. They are woven into daily life in Cuba for breakfast, snacks, and even to celebrate. The Cuban pastry represents the integration of diverse cultures that create Cuba-Cuban: Spanish, African, and Caribbean ingredients and methods.
- Family Tradition: Most of the pastry recipes in the Cuban family are passed on, allowing the tradition to live with each new generation. Whether freshly baked at home or store-bought from a neighborhood bakery, the pastelito de guayaba offers comfort and familiarity.
- Street Foods and Cafeterías: Most Cuban pastries are found in small eateries around a neighborhood or from street vendors. These are quick-eating spots and social hotspots where locals come together, chat, and catch up on everything over a cup of Café Cubano and a pastelito. Pastry in everyday life in Cuba accompanies their famous coffee.
Want a taste of this authentic culture? Stop by Paladar Cuban Eatery in St. Augustine for a café experience.
2. Sweet Cuban Pastries
When it comes to sweet flavors, Cubans excel at pastries. Flaky pastries filled with a combination of fruits and custards, many delicacies are made with basic but flavorful ingredients.
Let’s look at some of the most popular sweet Cuban pastries.
A. Pastelito de Guayaba (Guava Pastry)
This particular puff pastry is filled with guava paste, the star of all Cuban pastries and just one of my many obsessions. Just one of the many tropical fruits that make up Caribbean guava is a more common fruit utilized in some Cuban Desserts. The flaky layers of this pastry contrast nicely with the sweet and sticky interior of the guava filling. You often pair the pastelitos de guayaba with cream cheese, which makes the guava’s sweet, slightly tart taste all the more irresistible. Pastelito de guayaba y queso is the combination that Cubans love.
Try it today at Paladar Cuban Eatery, where our pastelitos are baked fresh daily!
B. Pastelito de Coco (Coconut Pastry)
One of the most beloved sweet treats among Cuban pastries is the pastelito de coco, a flaky dough filled with sweet, shredded coconut. Coconut plays a central role in Cuban pastry traditions, reflecting the tropical abundance of the islands where it’s a staple ingredient.
The pastelito de coco offers a dense, chewy interior perfectly balanced by a crisp, flaky exterior. While guava pastries might be more common, this coconut-filled delight is equally irresistible. Its tropical and refreshing taste makes it a must-try for any coconut lover exploring the world of Cuban pastries!
C. Flan
Flan is a caramel custard dish that is popular not just in Cuba but all of Latin America. Once melted in your mouth, it is richer than a Cuban flan has ever dreamed of being, so soft and creamy. It’s most commonly made using condensed milk and is one of the denser types of flan available.
Another thing is that flan and good news are practically synonymous. So, this dessert is always associated with something to celebrate. Top all of that with this sweet caramel, and now you have my interest—or at least it will be added to the must-try list for you Cuban sweets enthusiasts.
Enjoy our homemade Cuban flan here at Paladar Cuban Eatery!
D. Churros
Another vegan option found in Florida is the Cuban churro, a twist on the traditional Spanish snack. Cuban churros are thicker than the typical Other version and are often coated with sugar or served with a rich chocolate sauce. These churros are a popular street food, especially enjoyed during fairs and as a late-night snack.
Traditionally, churros are deep-fried and served fresh and hot—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They make for a fantastic snack any time of day and pair perfectly with a cup of coffee.
Want a taste of these sweet Cuban treats? Visit Paladar Cuban Eatery today to enjoy a warm plate of churros!
3. Savoury Cuban Pastries
While these Cuban pastries offer sweet versions, their savory versions enjoy equal fame and are genuinely loaded with flavors. These pastries comprise quick snacks or light meals because they contain meats, spices, and cheese wrapped in the flakiest dough possible.
A. Pastelito de Carne (Meat Pastry)
The savory sibling of the pastelito de guayaba is the pastelito de carne. Instead of the sweet filling inside the pastry, it is packed with a well-seasoned ground beef mixture called picadillo. The beef is often flavored with a spice mix that can be made with cumin, garlic, and sometimes raisins or olives for added sweetness and tang. These pastry meat items are among the commonly grabbed snacks in Cuban cafeterías and represent a satisfying, flavorful option for those who want something savory.
B. Empanadas
Empanadas are one of the most iconic Cuban sweets, beloved for their hand-held convenience and mouthwatering flavors. These pies come with a variety of fillings, such as beef, chicken, or ham and cheese. Cuban-style empanadas stand out for their unique spice blends, often incorporating olives into the meat filling for a distinctive twist.
Filled with savory delights like picadillo or shredded chicken seasoned with onions, peppers, and garlic, these empanadas are baked to a golden crisp or fried to perfection. A staple at family gatherings and social events, they represent the heart of Cuban culinary traditions.
For a taste of authentic Cuban empanadas, visit Paladar Cuban Eatery—perfectly paired with any meal of the day and a must-try for lovers of Cuban sweets!
C. Croquetas (Croquettes)
Ham, chicken, and fish are cooked in creamy mixtures before being wrapped and fried. The most famous Cuban version is the croqueta de jamón-a ham croquette. The breading and frying give them a super crispy exterior while maintaining their soft, savory inside. These delicious little morsels are important in Cuban bakeries and often appear as appetizers or light snacks. They are super popular due to their ease and rich taste.
Craving croquetas? Stop by Paladar Cuban Eatery and try our famous croquetas de jamón today!
4. Cuban Pastries Around the World
Cuban pastries have spread across the island, particularly in cities with large Cuban communities, such as Miami and New York. Little Havana, for example, has a street lined with Cuban bakeries that serve fresh pastelitos, empanadas, and croquetas every day. These pastries have captured the hearts of many tourists who visit Cuba or Cuban neighborhoods abroad and bring back recipes. As a result, Cuban-style bakeries can be found all across Latin America and Europe.
Are you looking to try some authentic Cuban pastries? If you happen to be in St. Augustine, then make sure you visit Paladar Cuban Eatery to try out the best Cuban pastries outside Cuba.
5. Pairing Cuban Pastries with Coffee
No Cuban pastry overview would be complete without mentioning Café Cubano, a powerful and sweet espresso that seems to ooze from every inch of Cuban culture. It is not odd for Cuban coffee to be served in little cups. It’s a bold flavor that goes great with sweet and savory pastries. Indulge in a pastelito paired with Café con Leche, a milky coffee that balances the pastry’s sweetness, whether sweet or savory. A cup of Cuban coffee complements your pastry.
Want to complete your Cuban experience? Have a fresh cup of Café Cubano with your pastelito or croqueta at Paladar Cuban Eatery!
6. Conclusion
Cuban pastry is more than food; it’s one way of exalting culture and history through flavor. From sweet delicacies like pastelitos de guayaba and flan to savory snacks like pastelitos de carne and croquetas, a little something exists for everyone in these delicate pastries. Whether sipped with a hot shot of Café Cubano or shared with family, Cuban pastries are delicious reminders of the rich tradition inside Cuba’s cuisine.
Ready to taste these Cuban delights? Paladar Cuban Eatery in St. Augustine serves fresh, authentic Cuban sweets daily. Satisfy your cravings with the delightful taste of Cuba and the fantastic culture of this island!