Mallorca doesn’t just captivate you with its crystal-clear beaches, charming villages, and picture-postcard landscapes. It also captivates your palate, and more specifically, with its traditional pastries. If you’re one of those who can’t resist a sweet treat, get ready to fall in love with the island’s sweetest side.
From the iconic ensaimada to the rubiols and crespells, each Mallorcan sweet tells a story, a tradition, and a flavor that has been passed down from generation to generation. In this article, we take you on a journey through Mallorca’s typical sweets. We tell you where to find them, how to prepare them, and what role they play in the island’s most cherished celebrations.
Ensaimada, the queen of Mallorcan sweets
Origin and history
Talking about Mallorca means talking about ensaimada, the island’s most emblematic sweet and one of the most exported. Its name comes from “saïm” (pork fat in Mallorcan), a key ingredient in its spongy and crunchy spiral-shaped dough.
It dates back to the 17th century, and although it was originally an everyday food, over time it became a festive treat and a gift, especially for those returning from Mallorca who wanted to take a piece of the island with them.
Types of Ensaimadas
- Classic: Just sprinkled with icing sugar.
- Filled with angel hair: The most popular along with the classic.
- With cream, whipped cream, or chocolate: Ideal for those with a sweet tooth.
- With sobrasada or apricot: They combine sweet and savory, a spectacle of flavor.
Where to buy a good ensaimada?
Some of the best pastry shops to buy ensaimadas in Mallorca are:
- Forn des Teatre (Palma): Famous for its modernist façade and its artisan ensaimadas.
- Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo (Palma): The oldest ice cream shop in Mallorca, with a traditional flavor that will captivate you.
- Forn Fondo (Palma): One of the most renowned bakeries, with delicately baked ensaimadas and authentic flavor.
Other typical Mallorcan sweets you should try
Crespells: a favorite with the little ones
They are cookies Sweets with fun shapes (stars, hearts, flowers, etc.) that are mainly made during Holy Week. They are made with flour, sugar, butter, and egg yolk. Their texture is crunchy and their flavor is very mild. Crespells are usually prepared as a family, a tradition passed down from grandparents to grandchildren.
Rubiols: Sweet Empanadas with Filling
Also typical of Holy Week, Mallorcan Rubiols are sweet empanadas filled with angel hair, cottage cheese, jam, or even chocolate cream. Their dough is thin and crispy, and they are sprinkled with icing sugar once baked. They are perfect with coffee or a snack.
Almond Gató: The Flourless Cake
Gató is a sponge cake made exclusively with ground almonds, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. It is gluten-free, making it suitable for celiacs. Its texture is moist and dense, and it is usually served with a scoop of almond or vanilla ice cream.
Seasonal and Holiday Sweets
Panades and Cocarrois, Between Sweet and Savory
Although they are not strictly desserts, panades (empanadas) and cocarrois (vegetable empanadas) are also part of traditional Mallorcan pastries, especially during Easter. Some versions of panades, such as those made with cottage cheese and sugar, fall into the “savory with a touch of sweet” category so popular on the island.
Turrones and Sweets at Christmas
During the Christmas holidays, it’s common to find artisanal nougat, neules (thin wafers), and all kinds of almond and sugar sweets in markets and bakeries decorating tables on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
How can you integrate these sweets into your visit to Mallorca?
Local Markets
A great way to try traditional sweets is to visit the markets in Mallorcan towns. In many of them, you’ll find stalls with homemade products made by local bakeries or even by local families.
Fairs and Festivals
Events like the Fira Dolça de Esporles (the Sweet Fair) or the Easter celebrations in the villages are ideal times to discover new flavors and recipes. Many bakeries prepare special sweets for these holidays that you won’t find the rest of the year.
Would you like to make them at home?
Even if you’re not on the island, you can bring a little piece of Mallorca into your home with these traditional recipes. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with the family.
Conclusion: A sweet journey through Mallorcan tradition
The island’s pastries are much more than just the ensaimada (although this remains the star). The typical sweets of Mallorca are a reflection of its history, its festivities, and its love of homemade recipes. Whether you’re buying an ensaimada at a bakery in Palma, trying a rubiol during Holy Week, or making crespelles at home with the little ones, every bite is a way to connect with the island’s culture.
Would you like to sweeten your trip (or your cooking) with these Mallorcan flavors?
Bon appétit and bon profit!