Many foodies don’t come to Barcelona looking for desserts, as tasty tapas plates and generous servings of fresh seafood tend to take center stage. However, as you’ll learn on my Barcelona food tours, this city has plenty to offer in terms of sweet treats!
Throughout this guide, I’ll let you in on my favorite Barcelona desserts, which include local classics and quirky or contemporary alternatives.
Traditional Catalan Desserts to Start With
Crema Catalana
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A must-try Barcelona food for those with a sweet tooth, crema Catalana is a Spanish take on crème brûlée. The two are very similar, featuring a velvety custard base under a hardened layer of caramelized sugar. It’s especially popular on St. Joseph’s Day, which is the Catalan equivalent to Father’s Day.
Try it at: For this specific must-try dessert, you have to check out Restaurant Miño, a charming eatery with mouthwatering servings of crema Catalana.
Mel i Mató
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Mel i mató is a simple but super flavorful Barcelona dessert made of mató, a cheese similar to ricotta. Traditionally, mató is made from goat’s milk and is served with a drizzle of honey on top. This particular dish can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when goat’s milk was a cheaper alternative to cow’s milk.
Try it at: Pastry-focused cafes like Granja M. Viader offer some of the finest mel i mató in the city.
Braç de Gitano
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Braç de gitano is a type of sponge cake that’s covered in cream and rolled into a cylindrical shape. Some say this traditional Catalan and Spanish dessert was brought to the country from Egypt by a monk, but it’s also believed to have roots within Spain’s Roma community.
Try it at: Pastisseria Baixas, a fantastic bakery for old-school and modern desserts.
Coca
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You’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise, but coca is a Barcelona dessert made with fluffy, brioche-style pastry and candied fruits rather than chocolates. Locals usually enjoy coca on St. John’s Eve, which is celebrated each June in Catalonia.
Try it at: Turris, a beloved bakery with several locations in Barcelona.
Xuixo
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Xuixo is a heavenly confection of fried, cylinder-shaped dough with a rich crema Catalana or custard filling. For extra sweetness, the pastry is coated in crunchy sugar. These delights have been feeding Catalans since their invention in the 1920s.
Try it at: One of Barcelona’s most acclaimed pastry shops, La Colmena, prepares typical and innovative styles of xuixo.
Must-Try Sweets by Local Favorite Spots and Bakeries
Photo credit: Bubó
Bubó – The team at this cafe is known for their legendary chocolate cake.
Demasié – A hip spot located in El Born that specializes in huge cookies and cinnamon rolls.
Takashi Ochiai – This Japanese-inspired bakery prepares creative and modern desserts with local ingredients.
Escribà – For quality croissants, this stylish cafe is a must-visit.
Ice Cream and Gelato Worth the Hype
Photo credit: Cloud
OGGI Gelato Barcelona – A buzzing gelateria famous for its ricotta, pistachio, and hazelnut flavors.
Cloud – An authentic Italian gelato shop located in the enchanting neighborhood of Gràcia.
Caju Gelato – This Ciutat Vella spot is among the best ice cream and gelato places for plant-based diners looking for a mix of classic and unexpected ingredients.
Rocambolesc – The go-to gelato shop for those who like decadent ice cream topped with whimsical garnishes.
Barcelona’s Most Popular Desserts (According to Reviews)
If you dive into Barcelona dessert reviews and rankings, you’ll likely find that international or contemporary treats can be just as popular as many of the old favorites.
Those of you wishing to branch out from the typical confections might find the following desserts appealing!
Chocolate mousse cake – Chök Carme is a fantastic pastry shop for all things chocolate, and their indulgent cakes are to die for.
Basque cheesecake – The creamy cheesecakes at Jon Cake could easily rival those in Basque cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao.
Homemade tarts – Pastelería Tartisse whip up a range of incredible desserts, but their fruit-covered tarts are tough to beat.
Croissants – Origo Bakery takes croissants to the next level, with sensational chocolate and almond-filled varieties.
Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Allergy-Friendly Options
Photo credit: Jansana
Foodies with specific dietary preferences and requirements will have plenty of options in Barcelona, as the city is packed with spots offering dairy-free, gluten-free, or plant-based treats.
Hanai Vegana – Every baked good up for grabs in this allergy-safe, pint-sized pastry shop is entirely vegan and gluten-free. However, you’d never guess when you sample their cakes, cookies, and chocolate-covered delights!
Jansana – A popular cafe for anyone on the hunt for celiac-friendly foods, Jansana is a one-stop shop for wheatless desserts, breads, and cakes.
Gea The Healthy Bakery – This cozy cafe has an assortment of freshly baked snacks and pastries, most of which are vegan, gluten-free, or both.
CrudiCakes – No matter what your dietary requirements, there’ll be a suitable treat available at CrudiCakes. The talented team here can prepare goodies free from refined sugar, dairy, nuts, soy, eggs, and just about any other allergen.
Late-Night and Unique Dessert Experiences
Photo credit: DeLaCream
While many of the best Barcelona dessert spots close early in the evening, there are a few that stay open a little later for anyone craving a late-night sugar kick.
Some of the top recommended dessert spots and bakeries for an after-hours snack include:
Chocolat-Box – Open every night until 1:00 am, this quaint cafe serves everything from artisanal chocolates to silky gelato.
DeLaCrem – Feast on some heavenly ice cream until after midnight at this beloved gelateria.
Amapola – A hub for baked goods that serves appetizing snacks until 12:00 am each night.
Final Tips for Dessert Lovers in Barcelona
- Dessert is typically consumed after lunch or dinner, or occasionally as an afternoon snack, which locals refer to as a ‘merienda.’
- Look out for seasonal favorites, like panellets in the fall or torrós during winter.
- For the complete experience, choose a suitable pairing, such as crema catalana with cava or churros with chocolate.
- Depending on the establishment, you’ll often have the option to sit in or get your dessert to go.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/
Dunn, K. (2022, December 12). Barcelona food guide: The 20 best dishes and drinks to try. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/barcelona-food/
TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Mino – Barcelona restaurant reviews. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d6480593-Reviews-Mino-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
Granja M. Viader. (n.d.). Granja M. Viader. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from http://www.granjaviader.cat/
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Hana i Vegana. (n.d.). Hana i Vegana. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.hanaivegana.com/
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Gea Healthy Bakery. (n.d.). Gea Healthy Bakery. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.geahealthybakery.com/
Crudicakes. (n.d.). Crudicakes – Raw & vegan cakes. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://crudicakes.com/en/home
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Delacrem. (n.d.). Delacrem. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://delacrem.cat/
Amapola Coffee. (n.d.). Amapola Coffee. Instagram. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/amapola.coffee/
- Daily
- 3.5 Hours
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