Aruba Desserts Island Gourmet Magazine by Sue Campbell

Leave Room for Dessert

by Susan Campbell It might be difficult given this island’s exemplary cuisine, but do remember to save space to sample some incredible creations after the main meal.

Aruba’s desserts are always dushi (sweet) delights. Interesting twists on standards, and offbeat and creative combinations of ingredients, plus inspired presentations make for some seriously satisfying palate-pleasers.

No doubt this feast for your eyes will soon have you encompassed in cravings, so don’t forget to leave room for a delicious finale!

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Photo by Nicole Branan

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Dessert Tapas

Fresh Fruit Pancake

Coming in a kaleidoscope of cool flavors and colors, these two-bite treats will have your taste buds singing in many different languages including Papiamento since one is made with “ponche crema”, Aruba’s signature eggnog liqueur!

Enjoy a twist on the traditional pancake for dessert; “Dutch-style” means paper-thin and round yet not a crepe! And the sky’s the limit for sumptuous sweet toppings and fillings.

Courtesy of The Dutch Pancakehouse

Courtesy of Chef’s Tables

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Signature Mascarpone Tart Italy meets the Caribbean in this delightful duo of rich mascarpone cheese that collides with mango sorbet and coconut lovingly wrapped in rich dark chocolate.

Courtesy of L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House

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Strawberry Romanoff

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This classic Russian-American dessert gets an exotic twist from the Middle East with a blast of fresh saffron in strawberry cream, vodka, and lime juice.

Pan Bollo Bread Pudding

Courtesy of Amuse Bistro

Every Aruban family has its own highly coveted secret recipe of this bread pudding.

Papiamento’s is topped with vanilla sauce, eggnog liqueur, and/or ice cream.

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Courtesy of Papiamento Restaurant

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Oompaloompa Chocolate Mousse This chocolate mousse is as light and airy as Aruba’s gentle trade winds and sinfully loaded with enough rich chocolate to sate even Willy Wonka’s crowd.

Courtesy of Bingo! Cafe & Restaurant

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