Catalan cuisine is a top tourist attraction in its own right thanks to an extensive and varied menu that has gained more and more recognition over the years. Among some of the best dishes in town you’ll find esqueixada, calçots, escudella and suquets de pescado.
But what about the best Catalan desserts…? You’ll find all these fantastic delicacies and more in the best Barcelona bakeries ready to enchant those tastebuds. Take a look below at all the best and tastiest Catalan desserts you can try!
1.Mel I Mató
Probably the simplest dessert in the Catalan cookbook, but also one of the most popular, it consists of a type of fresh cheese, low fat, of course, and very light, with a jet of honey added for a shot of flavour. The mild flavour of the ‘mató’ blends perfectly with the strong sensation of the ‘mel’ honey, creating a beautiful texture in your mouth. What’s more, some bakers add chopped nuts on top, such as walnuts, pistachios or almonds, for an extra boost.
And did you know this particular dessert can be traced back to medieval times? A number of historic records show it has been served at the dinner table for centuries now. The perfect way to round off any lunch or dinner!
2. One of the most famous Catalan desserts: La Crema Catalana
La Crema Catalana is one of the most revered and recognised desserts in the entire region, even internationally. It’s made of cream from milk and egg with lemon and cinnamon. It’s quite similar to custard, except the burnt sugar on top gives it its own distinctive flavour. Normally, if you’re looking for the authentic touch, it will be served in a traditional terracotta dish.
3.The flagship of Catalan cuisine: Braç de Gitano
Among the best Catalan desserts, one of the most well-known and highly prized throughout the country has to be the Braç de Gitano, a cake usually filled with cream but sometimes also with chocolate. It comes in an oval shape with a layer of caramelised or powdered sugar on top, perfect for any special occasion! Kids love this one, since it’s one of the sweetest desserts you’ll find in Catalan cuisine.
