Most typical Spanish summer sweets

Sweets are something we crave no matter what time of the year it is. Not even the Spanish summer heat is able to appease those sugar cravings that arouse so many passions, even if we have to be brave when it’s time to put on our swimsuits again.

The typical sweets of seasons such as Christmas or Easter, are reinvented in summer to cross the borders of the rising temperatures. In this way, the Spanish culinary tradition is still on the rise, and the options are wide and varied to satisfy our palates, even if the weather only invites us to drink under the umbrella.

Traditional summer sweets

1.- Nougat ice cream

Nougat is a traditional sweet made with almonds and honey. It is one of the great jewels of Spanish Christmas confectionery, but with the arrival of summer we seem to forget about it. However, transforming Christmas nougat into a wonderful nougat ice cream is the best way to continue enjoying its creamy texture and intense almond flavor.

The nougat ice cream has become one of the most popular ice creams and it is not complicated to prepare it by hand at home. To make a good nougat ice cream it is essential that the nougat is of good quality. In Casa Mira you can find one of the best nougat in Madrid all year round. We have been making it since 1855 in our workshop with a family recipe.Its sweets were so successful that they became a supplier of the Royal House during the reign of Isabel II, Amadeo de Saboya, Alfonso XII, the Regency of María Cristina and Alfonso XIII.

Casa Mira is the only active mid-nineteenth century nougat factory, and is one of the most significant nougat stores in Spain and Europe. In March 2022, Casa Mira was awarded the ACYRE Madrid Best Pastry Shop Award at the 49th edition of the Gastronomic Awards of the Association of Chefs and Pastry Chefs of Madrid.

Remember that the pastry offerings at Casa Mira may vary, so I would recommend that you check their menu or ask about the desserts available at the time of your visit. You can buy it in our store in the center of Madrid, or visit our online store and have it delivered to your home.

Here is the recipe to make your own nougat ice cream at home.

2.- Horchata ice cream

Another of the most refreshing typical summer sweets is the horchata ice cream. For anyone who has not had the pleasure of drinking a nice glass of cold horchata, you should know that horchata is a traditional drink, very popular especially in the area of Valencia. Its elaboration is based on tiger nut, water and sugar, and its smooth and creamy flavor is perfect to transform it into an irresistible ice cream. Enjoying a cone of horchata ice cream while strolling is a deeply rooted custom among Spaniards.

3.- Santiago Cake

Tarte de Santiago is a typical Galician dessert that is consumed throughout the year, including summer. This delicious cake is characterized by its moist texture and almond flavor. It is true that it is quite intense and doughy to the palate, so a small piece is enough to be more than satisfied. However, if you manage to contain your gluttony after the first bite, we assure you that you will repeat the experience, whether it is winter or summer. You can distinguish it from other almond cakes because it is decorated with powdered sugar in the shape of the cross of Santiago. It is a perfect sweet to accompany a cup of coffee after a meal outdoors.

4.- Meringue milk

One of the typical Spanish summer sweets. Milk meringue is a sweet and frothy drink that is consumed throughout the country during the warmer months. It is made with milk, sugar, cinnamon and egg white, served cold in a tall glass and straw, and is one of the great pleasures of Mediterranean snacks in summer. In addition, some places add a touch of lemon or even a dash of liqueur, giving it an even more special flavor. It can also be found in the form of ice cream.

5.- Pestiños

We have already told you about the famous pestiños. The pestiños are a traditional Andalusian sweet that is usually eaten at Easter, but they are also very popular in summer. It is a fried dough dipped in honey and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Their crunchy texture on the outside and tender on the inside, together with the sweetness of the honey, make them an irresistible treat to enjoy at any time of the day. Although summer is not a good time for pan sweets, the truth is that pestiños are usually eaten all year round.

Typical Spanish summer sweets are a reflection of the country’s rich culinary culture. Whether in their traditional form or transformed into creams, ice creams or milkshakes, the most important thing is to have quality ingredients and serve them well chilled.