Peruvian cuisine is famous worldwide, and its sweet side is no exception. Born from a blend of Andean, Spanish, African and Asian influences, Peruvian desserts are creamy, fragrant and full of history. If you travel to Peru, here is your list of must-try sweets.

1. Suspiro a la limeña

The quintessential Lima dessert: a base of manjar blanco (dulce de leche) topped with a port-wine meringue. Creamy, sweet and elegant.

2. Picarones

Peru's "doughnuts": rings of fried squash and sweet potato dough soaked in chancaca syrup (raw cane sugar). Crisp outside, soft inside — a street-food classic.

3. Mazamorra morada

An Andean-Creole dessert made from purple corn, fruit and spices, thickened to a jelly-like texture. Often served alongside arroz con leche.

4. Arroz con leche

Creamy rice pudding with cinnamon and a hint of lemon zest. Simple, comforting and found on every Peruvian table.

5. Alfajores

Two soft cookies filled with manjar blanco and dusted with icing sugar. Perfect with a coffee.

6. Turrón de Doña Pepa

A traditional sweet tied to the Lord of Miracles festival in October: layers of anise dough soaked in syrup and topped with colourful sprinkles.

7. Tejas and King Kong

Tejas (from Ica) are bonbons of manjar and nuts coated in fondant; King Kong (from Lambayeque) is a large alfajor filled with manjar, pineapple and peanuts.

8. Andean sweets

In the highlands you will find sweets made from quinoa, kiwicha and local fruit, plus chicha morada to drink alongside.

Where to try them

At dulcerías and markets (such as San Pedro in Cusco), in Creole restaurants and at street stalls (especially picarones). Many food tours include a sweet stop.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most typical Peruvian dessert?
Suspiro a la limeña and picarones are among the most iconic; mazamorra morada with arroz con leche is a classic pairing.

What is chancaca syrup?
A thick syrup made from chancaca (unrefined cane sugar) and spices; it is what coats the picarones.

Where can I try Peruvian desserts in Cusco?
In dulcerías, Creole restaurants and markets such as San Pedro, as well as street stalls.

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