Aruba isn’t just about sandy beaches and sunny days—its desserts are equally tempting, offering a delightful mix of tropical flavors, traditional recipes, and a little something extra for the adventurous sweet tooth. Whether you’re in the mood for a custard, cake, or candy, Aruban sweets have something special waiting for you.
🍮 Custard Creations
Aruba’s love for custards and puddings is undeniable, with many recipes passed down through generations.
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Kesio: A rich, crème caramel-style custard, often flavored with coconut, pineapple, or papaya. It’s a must-try!
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These desserts are cherished and often made from secret family recipes handed down through the years.
🍰 Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too
Arubans love bolo (cakes) in every shape and form, and you’ll find several varieties to indulge in:
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Kashupete (Cashew Nut Cake): A sweet and nutty treat, often homemade and found at places like Taste My Aruba.
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Bolo di Glas: A colorful gelatin-stained glass cake with vibrant hues.
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Bolo Borracho: A cake soaked with alcohol, giving it an extra kick!
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Bolo Preto: A rich, liquor-infused black cake made with dried fruits soaked in spirits for months.
For something truly unique, check out Drunk’s Denial in Paseo Herencia—they offer alcohol-infused mini-Bundt cakes, including pistachio rum cakes, chocolate red wine cakes, and drunken fruits to top your desserts.
🍭 Candy is Dandy & Cool Treats
For a quick sugar fix or something fun, local candy and cool creamy treats are the way to go:
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Kos Dushi: Local sweets like dushi di tamarind (a sweet and sour candy ball), chupa bebes (homemade lollipops), and cocada (colorful coconut candy).
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Sunchis: Bright, colorful meringue kisses you can find in local stores.
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Cool down with homemade coconut ice cream or unique popsicle flavors like kiwi-watermelon at The Butterfly Farm’s Nectar Café.
🇳🇱 Dutch Delights
Aruba’s Dutch heritage brings a delightful array of Dutch-style sweets:
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Dutch Pancakes: Over 20 varieties of pancakes at The Dutch Pancake House—sweet and savory options await!
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Poffertjes: Mini pancakes served with melted butter and powdered sugar—perfect for a quick snack from Pofferdorie, located by the Hilton Resort and ArubaMade.
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Stroopwafels: Thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup—a traditional Dutch treat, often sold at Poffertjes van Pofferdorie and Quinta del Carmen.
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Oliebollen: Seasonal Dutch-style doughnut holes stuffed with raisins and currants, perfect for the holiday season.
🍩 Pofferdorie
For an artisanal sweet experience, try Pofferdorie’s traditional Dutch mini pancakes. Made fresh on a special copper plate, these treats are served with melted butter and powdered sugar or customized with toppings like chocolate, syrups, and more. They’re an easy grab-and-go snack to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Find Pofferdorie in front of the Hilton Resort and at Aruba Made in Oranjestad.
Photo credits : https://www.myarubaguide.com/blogs/seeking-unique-sweets
