Dulce Vida: Tres Leches Cupcakes to Coconut Ice Cream Sandwiches

Sometimes you just need a little extra sweetness in your life. After a hard day, a great day, or even a workday, sweet treats make everything better. Go on, live la dulce vida! Enjoy the sweet life!

When dessert is mentioned, most people undoubtedly think of chocolate. Smooth, creamy, and versatile, cacao giving each type of chocolate its unique depth in flavor, a fun way to spice up your chocolate is to add some coconut spread and chili to your favorite chocolate bar, melt it down, and enjoy your very own velvety Chili Chocolate Ganache. A dip for strawberries and bananas, or drizzled as a sauce on top of some coconut ice cream, this is one rich and decadent dessert. For more chocolate flavor—this time with cake—try Chili Chocolate Cake Truffles, made with the above-mentioned ganache, and chocolate cake rolled in a cacao-chili powder.

So, you’re not a chocolate person? We understand.  How about something simple and sweet that complements a strong cafecito? Look no further than Biscocho con Arárandanos, a dense cake bursting with blueberry and lemon flavors, simply dressed with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh blueberries. For a nod to tradition, delight children of all ages with Tres Leches Cupcakes topped with fresh cinnamon whipped cream. Go ahead; have two! We dare you.

When you’re dreaming of the tropics, and are looking for some frozen deliciousness, we suggest Coconut Lime Surprise Ice Cream Sandwiches. Yes; they taste as good as they sound made from coconut lime ice cream sandwiched between two graham crackers. What’s the surprise? Oh, just chunks of white chocolate.

So, the next time you feel like liking la dulce vida, these five sweet treats aim to please.

Chili Chocolate Ganache

• 8 ounces of dark chocolate
• ½ tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream

Click here for the full recipe.

Chili Chocolate Cake Truffles

• 2 plain chocolate cupcakes
• 1/2 cup of chili chocolate ganache
• 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of cacao

Click here for the full recipe.

Biscocho con Arárandanos

• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup  all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of lemon extract
• ½ cup of blueberries

Click here for the full recipe.

Tres Leches Cupcakes

• 6 large eggs, separated
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon  vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon

Milk Mixture:

• 1 14-ounce can evaporated milk
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup light or dark rum

Whipped Cream:

• remaining heavy cream (from 1 liter carton)
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon

Click here for the full recipe.

Coconut Lime Surprise Ice Cream Sandwiches

• 1 cup cream of coconut
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ cup toasted unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 lime zested and juiced
• ¼ cup of white chocolate chunks
• graham crackers – about 16

Click here for the full recipe.