Famous Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado and ceviche are likely to spring to mind when you think of Peruvian cuisine. However, locals will tell you that Peru's desserts are just as important to the country's soul. Peru's confections, which range from colonial-era treats to Andean-inspired creations, are a delectable fusion of indulgence, culture, and history.
These traditional Peruvian desserts will make an impression whether you're a family discovering Peru's culinary legacy, an experienced tourist yearning for regional cuisine, or an adventurous foodie on a quest. Allow us to take you on a sugary tour of ten traditional Peruvian treats, some made in family kitchens for generations and others sold by street vendors.
Are you prepared to cap off your Peruvian feast with something sweet? Let's get started.
1. Alfajores – Buttery Cookies with a Caramel Soul
Cluster: Customary Pastries
Manjar blanco, Peru's famous caramel, fills these tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, which are then sprinkled with powdered sugar. Simple yet decadent, alfajores are a mainstay at any celebration and make the ideal afternoon snack with coffee.
Advice: Try making them yourself using just butter, flour, cornstarch, and egg yolks, or purchase them from nearby bakeries.
2. Lucuma Ice Cream – A Superfood Dessert
Cluster: Fusion & Superfood-Inspired Sweets
Meet Lucuma, the golden fruit of the Andes. Often described as tasting like butterscotch or maple, lucuma is a superfood that’s especially popular as a rich and creamy ice cream flavor.
Perfect For: Hot summer days in Lima or Cusco. Pair with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for a decadent twist.
3. Suspiro de Limeña – The Sigh of Lima
Cluster: Fusion & Superfood-Inspired Sweets
Meet Lucuma, the golden fruit of the Andes. Often described as tasting like butterscotch or maple, lucuma is a superfood that’s especially popular as a rich and creamy ice cream flavor.
Perfect For: Hot summer days in Lima or Cusco. Pair with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for a decadent twist.
4. Arroz con Leche – Peru’s Creamy Rice Pudding
Cluster: Family Favorites & Comfort Foods
Creamy, spiced, and nostalgic—arroz con leche is a dessert loved by both children and adults. It’s made with rice, condensed milk, cinnamon, and raisins, often served warm or chilled.
Variation: Add citrus zest or substitute with nut milk for a dairy-free version.
5. Turrón de Doña Pepa – The October Classic
Cluster: Festival Sweets & Street Treats
A uniquely Peruvian nougat cake topped with colorful sprinkles and filled with chancaca syrup (made from raw sugarcane), this dessert is most famous during October’s Señor de los Milagros festival in Lima.
Did You Know? It was invented by an Afro-Peruvian woman seeking healing—now it's an October tradition.
6. Ranfañote – A Sweet Toast to the Past
Cluster: Old-World & Rustic Sweets
This traditional bread pudding combines toasted bread, nuts, cheese, and sweet chancaca syrup. A rare find in restaurants today, it’s worth seeking out in local markets or family kitchens.
Flavor Tip: The mix of port wine, orange zest, and queso fresco adds a savory-sweet balance that’s unforgettable.
7. Picarones – Peru’s Street Donuts
Cluster: Street Food Delights
Peru’s answer to doughnuts—but healthier and more flavorful. Made with sweet potato, squash, and flour, these ring-shaped fritters are deep-fried and drizzled with a sweet anise-and-clove syrup.
Traveler's Tip: You’ll find the best picarones at street stalls in Miraflores (Lima) or San Pedro Market (Cusco).
8. Mazamorra Morada – The Purple Corn Pudding
Cluster: Unique Peruvian Ingredients
A jewel-toned dessert made from purple corn, apples, pineapples, and warming spices. Mazamorra morada is both refreshing and hearty, often served cold and paired with arroz con leche.
Fun Fact: Purple corn is native to Peru and packed with antioxidants.
9. Crema Volteada – The Peruvian Flan
Cluster: Latin-Inspired Cream Desserts
A smooth caramel flan with a red-gold crust, this creamy treat is found on most Peruvian dessert menus. It's often infused with cinnamon, vanilla, or coconut.
Try It With: Quinoa flour or fruit puree for a healthier spin.
10. Quinoa con Leche – A Nutritious Sweet Finale
Cluster: Superfood-Based Alternatives
Swap rice for quinoa in this nutrient-packed version of arroz con leche. Naturally gluten-free and full of protein, quinoa con leche is a smart, tasty alternative with a slightly nutty flavor.
For Families: Kids love the texture—especially with a drizzle of honey or fruit compote.
Honorable Mentions: More Peruvian Sweets to Explore
Cocadas (Coconut Balls): A tropical candy made with grated coconut.
Torta Helada (Frozen Cake): A layered, jelly-topped chilled dessert.
Peruvian Panetón: A festive sweet bread enjoyed during the holidays.
Exploring Peru's flavors is more important than simply seeing Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain. Dessert is an experience in and of itself, whether you're in Arequipa enjoying lucuma ice cream or sampling picarones on the streets of Cusco.
Peruvian desserts are more than sugar and spice they’re stories of resilience, creativity, and love. Every bite tells a tale passed down through generations. So, if you’re planning your next trip to Peru, don’t forget to leave room for dessert.
If you feel like trying one of these recipes, please share your experience with us; we'd love to hear it!