Desserts in Aruba: Where to Head for a Tropical Craving

Whether you're wrapping up a beach day or ending a seaside dinner, there's always room for something sweet. From the best pancakes on the island to mouthwatering Dutch-style confections, Aruba's dessert scene is a journey worth exploring at any time of the day. Join us as we’ll dive into the sweet side of this vibrant island, featuring desserts and hotspots that elevate your dining experience. Are you ready to savor the best desserts in Aruba and make your trip even more memorable?
 

These are the best desserts in Aruba

Aruba's dessert scene is a tantalizing blend of traditional local sweets, Dutch-influenced delicacies, and innovative takes on international favorites. Here are some of the island's most renowned desserts that are sure to delight your taste buds:

Crème Caramel

Aruba's Crème Caramel, or "Quesillo," as it's locally known, is a smooth, creamy dessert that's a favorite on the island. It features a soft, rich custard base with a top layer of caramel that's as delicious as it is appealing. This dessert is a testament to Aruba's Latin American influences and is a perfect way to round off your meal.

Dutch Pancakes

In Aruba, Dutch pancakes are more than a breakfast item - they’re a sweet treat enjoyed at all times of the day. These pancakes are traditionally smaller and thinner than American pancakes, but are packed with flavor. They can be topped with a variety of ingredients, from syrup and powdered sugar to fruits and nuts, allowing for endless variations.

Cashew Cake

Cashew Cake, or "Bolo di Cashupete," is a traditional Aruban dessert with a deep-rooted history. Made from the cashew nuts that grow abundantly on the island, this cake is a local favorite for celebrations and gatherings. The process of making it is time-consuming and requires expertise, which makes it an extra special treat to enjoy. The end product is a rich, moist cake, full of cashew flavor, often decorated with whole cashews on top.

Dutch Pancake House Aruba 

Treat yourself to a trip to the Dutch Pancake House! Open from 8 AM to 9 PM, this bustling establishment in the heart of Oranjestad is renowned for its extensive menu that boasts over 75 (!) variations of pancakes and poffertjes. Our best tip? Go for their mouth-watering apple cinnamon pancake. Whether you're craving a breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere make the Dutch Pancake House in Aruba a must-visit location.

Gelato & Co

For an after-dinner treat, nothing beats a creamy, authentic gelato from Gelato & Co. Operating from 8 AM to 11 PM, this charming spot in Palm Beach offers a delectable selection of Italian gelatos and other dessert treats. Their pistachio gelato is a crowd favorite, but the rotating selection of flavors means there's always something new to try. Let Gelato & Co be your next sweet stop.

Linda's Dutch Pancakes

Experience some of the best pancakes in Aruba at Linda's Dutch Pancakes, a cozy venue open Wednesday - Sunday from 8 AM - 2 PM. Located in Noord, Linda's specializes in traditional Dutch pancakes with a twist. The standout is the strawberry and whipped cream pancake - a sweet sensation that is bound to leave you asking for more. Linda's is the perfect spot for a delightful start to the day or a midday treat.

Pofferdorie Food Truck

For a truly local dessert experience (and one of the best desserts in Aruba), look no further than Pofferdorie Food Truck. Open from 6:30 PM to 10 PM, this popular food truck offers the best poffertjes (small Dutch pancakes) on the island. Topped with powdered sugar, butter, and syrup, these bite-sized treats are not to be missed. Make sure to keep an eye out for their location updates on Instagram and Facebook!