Indulge in South American sweetness
This week, we focus on the accents of South America, taking a culinary journey to countries known for their unique flavors and aromas. Each day of the week brings a different sweet inspiration from a selected country, offering a chance to discover the distinct dessert traditions of South America. From coconut muffins from Brazil to banana pancakes from Peru, each recipe is a small adventure with local ingredients and traditions.
Throughout the week, we will treat you to sweet inspirations from America, presenting various flavors that frequently appear in South American cuisine. Sweet baked goods and desserts play an important role in this part of the world, being an integral part of both culture and diet. Each of them has its unique features that will delight even the most discerning gourmets.
In this culinary overview, we focus on the most popular South American countries, each of which serves as an inspiration for creating a unique sweet treat. From coconut muffins from Brazil to banana bread from Colombia, and a delicious chocolate cake from Venezuela – each day is a new opportunity to taste the flavors of South America. These exceptional recipes are a perfect opportunity to experience the taste of America in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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Coconut crush
Sweet Brazilian delights with coconut
Brazil is truly a paradise for coconut lovers. In Brazilian cuisine, coconut plays a significant role, both in sweet and savory dishes. Popular sweets such as beijinho (coconut balls) and quindim (a dessert made from egg yolks and coconut) are symbols of the Brazilian approach to coconut flavor. Their delicate texture and sweetness make them beloved by both locals and tourists.
Coconut muffins, which often appear on tables in Brazil, could be inspired by the popular dessert bolo de coco. This is a moist coconut cake that combines the flavor of coconut with the softness and lightness of the cake. Brazilians love to serve it on various occasions, from family gatherings to holidays. These baked goods are full of flavor and wonderfully reflect the spirit of Brazilian cuisine.
Brazil is the largest producer of coconuts in the world, and it also has an incredibly diverse cuisine. In Brazil, coconut is used not only in desserts but also in savory dishes, such as moqueca (Brazilian fish stew), where coconut milk adds depth of flavor.
Discover the properties of coconut muffins ingredients
Coconut muffins
Ingredients
for 12 muffins
- 2 cups wheat flour
- 1/2 cup xylitol
- 1/2 cup coconut shavings
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coconut muffins
Preparation method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan or conventional heat).
- In one bowl, mix the flour, sugar, shredded coconut, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: egg, coconut milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the muffins dense.
- Spoon the batter into cupcake liners in a muffin tray, filling them up to 3/4 of their height.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let them cool on a wire rack and enjoy!
Bom apetite 🙂
Nutritional facts for one coconut muffins
Oh banana!
Taste the heart of Colombia
Colombia is famous for its bananas, which are present in the cuisine both as sweet fruits and savory plantains. Bananas are a staple ingredient in many dishes, especially in regions where banana cultivation is common. In Colombian cuisine, they are used in various ways – both in desserts and savory dishes, such as fried plantains or soups.
Pan de banano (banana bread) is a classic dish that fits perfectly into Colombian culinary tradition. It is a moist and aromatic bread that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of bananas with various spices. Cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom are typical ingredients that can be added to this baked good, giving it a unique Colombian character.
Adding local spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, makes the banana bread not only richer in flavor but also reflects Colombia’s culinary identity. This combination of sweet bananas and aromatic spices is a perfect way to experience the heart of Colombian cuisine, full of intense flavors and aromas.
Discover the properties of banana bread with peanut butter ingredients
Banana bread with peanut butter
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better – natural sweetness!)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat or oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- a pinch of salt
Banana bread with peanut butter
Preparation method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Add the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently mixing just until combined (avoid over-mixing!).
- Transfer the batter to the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes (check with a toothpick, it should come out clean).
- Let it cool, slice, and enjoy your healthy snack!
The bread is naturally sweet thanks to the bananas – it pairs perfectly with peanut butter or yogurt! We recommend spreading the bread with about 15g of peanut butter.
Buen provecho 🙂
Nutritional facts for one slice of banana bread with peanut butter
Lovely Aroma
Exploring the flavors of Chile
Chile is a country of remarkable cultural and geographical diversity, playing an important role in South American agriculture. It is one of the leading producers of peaches on the continent, making this fruit an integral part of the local cuisine. In Chile, peaches are used in both savory and sweet dishes, with one of the favorite desserts being pastel de durazno – peach cake, which combines the freshness of the fruit with a light, fluffy cake.
Chile is known for its diverse culinary traditions, which reflect the influences of indigenous peoples, Spanish colonizers, and other immigrant cultures. Peaches in Chile are used in many desserts, where their natural sweetness perfectly complements delicate creams, sponge cakes, or chocolate. Your cake could draw inspiration from these traditions, combining peaches with light sponge cake or a delicious filling.
The use of peaches in Chilean cuisine is just one example of how fruits and vegetables are incorporated into daily meals. Traditional dishes in Chile often rely on simple yet tasty ingredients, blending fresh produce with a variety of spices. Peaches, being one of the most important ingredients, give desserts a unique flavor and are a key part of the country’s rich culinary tradition.
Discover the properties of cake with peaches ingredients
Cake with peaches
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches (or 1 can of peaches in their own syrup, drained)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup xylitol
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or butter
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (can be substituted with whole wheat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Cake with peaches
Preparation method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the baking pan with parchment paper or grease it.
- Beat the eggs with xylitol until fluffy and light.
- Add the oil (or melted butter) and vanilla extract, then mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Cut the peaches into small pieces and gently fold them into the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool, then slice into pieces. You can sprinkle the cake with almond flakes.
Que aproveche 🙂
Nutritional facts for one slice of cake with peaches
Obvious feast
Discover the rich flavors of Venezuelan cocoa
Venezuela is one of the most important cocoa producers in the world, and its local cocoa is considered some of the best in the world. The cocoa in Venezuela is grown in excellent climatic conditions, and its quality allows for the production of luxury chocolate that is highly regarded worldwide. Venezuela has a rich chocolate tradition, which also includes famous chocolate-based drinks and desserts.
A Venezuelan-inspired chocolate cake could contain intense dark chocolate, whose flavor fully reflects the character of this Venezuelan ingredient. The addition of cherries could enhance the depth of the chocolate flavor. Such a cake would surely surprise with its intense, full flavor.
Venezuela is a country that stands out not only for its cocoa production but also for its culinary diversity. Local recipes often feature spices and tropical fruits that give dishes a unique flavor. Venezuelan cuisine is a blend of indigenous influences, Spanish colonizers, and African culinary traditions, creating a distinctive and flavorful culinary offering.
Discover the properties of chocolate cake with cherries ingredients
Chocolate cake with cherries
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup xylitol
- 1/2 cup oil (e.g. coconut or canola oil)
- 1 cup whole wheat or whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk (cow’s or vegetable)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Topping:
- 100 g dark chocolate (min 70% cocoa)
- 2 tbsp. xylitol powder
- 2 tbsp. milk (any milk)
Chocolate cake with cherries
Preparation method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a cake pan (e.g., a 20 cm round pan) or line it with parchment paper.
- Beat the eggs with xylitol until the mixture becomes fluffy.
- Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until the batter is smooth.
- Transfer the batter to the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- After baking, cool the cake on a wire rack.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving. Enjoy! The cake is intensely chocolatey and perfect for those avoiding sugar.
Preparation of the topping:
- Melt the chocolate in a water bath or microwave.
- Add xylitol and milk, stirring until the glaze becomes smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and spread it evenly.
Disfrute de su comida 🙂
Nutritional facts for one slice of chocolate cake with cherries
Real simple pleasure
Exploring Peru’s exotic fruits
Peru is a country full of exotic fruits, and passion fruit (maracuyá) is one of the most popular. In Peruvian cuisine, passion fruit is often used in desserts and baked goods, giving them a unique, refreshing taste. This fruit is valued for its health benefits as well as its intense, tangy flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. Passion fruit is an important element not only in food but also in drinks, juices, and smoothies.
Banana pancakes with passion fruit could be an interesting variation of traditional Andean snacks. Banana, a staple ingredient in many dishes in the region, combines perfectly with passion fruit to create an ideal flavor pairing. Such snacks often blend local fruits and ingredients, resulting in unique dishes that are both delicious and nutritious.
Peruvian cuisine is full of diversity, with fruits and vegetables being an integral part. Peru is a country that blends the influences of indigenous people, Spanish colonizers, and other cultures, creating a mixture of unique flavors and culinary traditions. The use of local fruits like passion fruit allows for the creation of dishes that reflect the rich history of Peru’s culinary identity.
Discover the properties of spelt and banana pancakes with passion fruit yoghurt ingredients
Spelt and banana pancakes with passion fruit yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 100 g pulp or 4 fresh passion fruit
- 1 cup spelt flour
- 1 egg
- 500 g yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk (cow’s or vegetable)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter (for frying)
- pinch of salt
Spelt and banana pancakes with passion fruit yoghurt
Preparation
method
- Mash the banana into a smooth puree.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed banana, egg, milk, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the spelt flour, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently stir until a smooth batter forms.
- Heat a pan with a small amount of coconut oil or butter.
- Spoon the batter onto the pan, forming small pancakes. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruits, yogurt, or maple syrup.
Yoghurt sauce with passion fruit:
- Mix yogurt with passion fruit pulp or fresh passion fruit. You can sweeten it with honey or xylitol.
Que aproveche 🙂
Nutritional facts for spelt and banana pancakes with passion fruit yogurt