Granada’s culinary heritage goes far beyond tapas and hearty dishes. The city’s desserts are steeped in tradition, blending Moorish influences with Spanish flavors to create a rich array of sweets that are hard to resist. From the famed piononos to lesser-known treats like soplillos, Granada offers something to satisfy every sweet tooth. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places for sweets in Granada, and introduce you to the traditional Andalusian desserts you simply must try.
Key Takeaways
- Piononos are Granada’s signature dessert, best enjoyed at Casa Isla or Pastelería López-Mezquita with a cup of coffee.
- Soplillos de la Alpujarra offer a taste of Moorish sweets in Granada, made from almonds and honey, and found in specialty shops.
- Torrijas are a fried, sweet treat popular during Semana Santa, available year-round at places like Pastelería El Sol.
- Lágrimas de Boabdil are almond-based sweets with historical significance, symbolizing Granada’s Moorish past.
- Hidden gems like pestiños and torta real de Motril showcase more regional Andalusian desserts.
What are the best traditional Andalusian sweets to try in Granada?
The best traditional Andalusian sweets to try in Granada include piononos, small sponge cakes soaked in syrup and topped with toasted cream, found at Casa Isla and Pastelería López-Mezquita. Other must-try sweets include soplillos de la Alpujarra, a Moorish-inspired almond meringue treat, and torrijas, fried bread soaked in cinnamon and milk, available year-round at Pastelería El Sol.
Piononos: Granada’s Signature Treat
A trip to Granada wouldn’t be complete without trying piononos, the city’s most famous dessert. These small sponge cakes are soaked in syrup, rolled, and topped with toasted cream.
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Originally from the nearby town of Santa Fe, piononos were created in honor of Pope Pius IX, and their unique flavor makes them a must-try when visiting Granada.
- Where to Try: For the best piononos in Granada, head to Casa Isla, a bakery known for perfecting this sweet treat. Pastelería López-Mezquita also serves excellent piononos, making it another top spot for dessert lovers.
- Tip: Pair your piononos with a coffee for an afternoon snack, and enjoy them like a true Granadino.
Soplillos de la Alpujarra: A Moorish Delight
Soplillos de la Alpujarra are light, meringue-like sweets made from almonds, sugar, and honey, drawing strong influence from Granada’s Moorish past. These delicate treats are a testament to the region’s agricultural bounty, particularly the almond orchards of the Alpujarras region.
- Where to Try: While these sweets originate from the Alpujarra villages, you can find them at local pastry shops in Granada, especially those that specialize in Moorish sweets. Look for them at places like La Mariana or Pastelería López-Mezquita.
- Why Try Them: These treats are not only delicious but also offer a taste of Moorish Granada, a reminder of the city’s historical ties to Islamic Spain.
Torrijas: Spanish-Style French Toast
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Although typically associated with Semana Santa (Holy Week), torrijas are served year-round in Granada’s pastry shops. This sweet, fried bread is soaked in milk, cinnamon, and sugar, then fried to golden perfection, making it one of the most indulgent Andalusian desserts.
- Where to Try: Pastelería El Sol is renowned for its traditional torrijas, offering them as a breakfast or dessert option. This pastry shop has perfected the art of turning stale bread into an irresistible treat.
- Tip: Enjoy torrijas with a glass of sweet wine for the ultimate experience.
Lágrimas de Boabdil: A Sweet with History
Named after Boabdil, the last Moorish king of Granada, lágrimas de Boabdil are delicate, almond-based pastries flavored with a hint of raspberry. The name translates to “Boabdil’s tears,” symbolizing the sorrow of losing the city to the Spanish in 1492.
- Where to Try: You can find these historical sweets at bakeries like Pastelería López-Mezquita, which specializes in traditional Granada pastries. These treats are both delicious and offer a bite-sized piece of history.
- Why Try Them: With their rich almond flavor and symbolic backstory, lágrimas de Boabdil offer a deeper connection to Granada’s past.
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Andalusian Sweets
Granada is also home to several lesser-known Andalusian desserts that are worth seeking out:
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- Pestiños: A deep-fried pastry coated in honey and sesame, often eaten during Christmas and Easter. You can find them at local bakeries, especially during the holiday season.
- Torta Real de Motril: An almond cake originating from the coastal town of Motril, it’s a crumbly, flavorful dessert you won’t want to miss.
- Huesos de Santo: Marzipan rolls filled with egg yolk, traditionally eaten on All Saints’ Day, can be found at specialty shops throughout the city.
These lesser-known sweets provide a more diverse sampling of Granada’s rich dessert culture.
Taste the Sweet Side of Granada
From piononos to torrijas, Granada’s dessert offerings provide a delightful glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural influences. Whether you’re strolling through the city or visiting a pastry shop in the Alpujarras, these traditional sweets will leave you with a taste of Andalusia’s culinary heritage.
