10 Must-Try Barcelona Desserts Beyond Churros – 2026 Guide
I've wandered Barcelona's sun-dappled streets for over a decade, chasing flavors that whisper of ancient Catalan kitchens rather than tourist traps. Churros? Fine for a quick sugar hit, but they barely scratch the surface of this city's sweet soul. If you're plotting a 2026 escape, seeking out these local favorites will elevate your trip from good to unforgettable. From almond-crusted bites that crunch like autumn leaves to cheeses drizzled in wildflower honey, they reveal the heart of Catalonia. No deep-fried dough here—just pure, poetic indulgence. Let's dive in, pastry by pastry.
1. Orelletes: Anise-Laced Whispers of the Old Town
Twilight on Carrer de Petritxol, the narrow Gothic lane alive with locals slipping into tiny forns after a day sketching at the Picasso Museum. That's when the scent hit me—anise perfume wafting from Forn de la Glòria. One bite of their orelletes, and time folded: the delicate fried dough shatters with a golden crunch, yielding to a floral anise essence that lingers like a secret kiss, not too sweet, just enough to pair with a cortado from the bar next door. The crunch gives way to that perfumed softness, evoking misty mornings in forgotten orchards.
These thin, ear-shaped pastries trace back to medieval fairs, a Lenten treat evolved into everyday poetry. My family's old Catalan recipe—passed from my grandmother's Barcelona cousin—involves resting the dough overnight for that ethereal lift, infused with star anise soaked in orange liqueur for extra depth. But here it's flawless without the fuss. Pro move: Grab a dozen during the evening passeig; they're crispest fresh from the fryer, and at €1.50 each, hoard without guilt. Pair with herbal tea or a splash of muscatel to cut the anise—it transports you straight to Nonna's kitchen on a Petritxol twilight walk. Forn de la Glòria, Carrer de Petritxol, 51, 08001 Barcelona. Open Tue-Sun 9am-8pm (closed Mon).
2. Panellets: Marzipan Magic in the Gothic Quarter's Shadows
Pastisseria Regàs, deep in the Gothic Quarter at Carrer dels Lledó, 15—this is the haunt for panellets after a boozy bar crawl through shadowy plaças. One foggy November dawn, post-vermut haze, their ratafia-infused marzipan balls stole the show. Warm from the oven, studded with pine nuts or boniato, the exterior crackles before melting into nutty bliss. A sly cherry liqueur kick in the ratafia ones chases the night's edge perfectly, the almonds' earthiness grounding the boozy lift.
Traditional for All Saints but stellar year-round, these showcase Catalonia's nut obsession, born from Moorish influences with ground almonds bound by sugar syrup. I once smuggled a batch home in my coat pockets, only for my kids to devour them before customs check—lesson learned, buy extra. Insider nudge: Ask for the mixed tray (€2.20 per piece), savor slowly with a glass of muscatel; the wine's floral notes amplify the pine nuts' resinous pop. Hours stretch late on weekends for night owls. Pastisseria Regàs, Carrer dels Lledó, 15, 08002 Barcelona. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-3pm.
3. Tortell de Reis: Kings' Cake Under El Born Rooftops
A rooftop perch at Forn Balcells in El Born at sunset hooked me forever—golden light spilling over the harbor as I cracked into their tortell de Reis. This ring-shaped brioche, light as a dream with subtle citrus zest, hides a fève inside for the "king" finder. Flaky layers begged for a glass of Priorat red from the table below, wine staining my lips amid laughter with old friends on that balmy evening. The tender crumb soaked up the robust notes, turning a simple bite into sunset magic.
Crowning Epiphany festivities, it's now a bakery staple with candied fruit contrasting the airy dough. Family-style sharing amplifies the fun—split one (€18-25/kg) and let the hunt begin. My tip: Visit fresh-baked mornings for peak fluffiness; add a drizzle of local honey if you're feeling fancy. Pro pairing: That Priorat or a crisp cava elevates the zest. Forn Balcells, Carrer de Vidre, 1, 08003 Barcelona (rooftop access via shop). Open daily 7am-9pm.
4. Crema Catalana: Torch-Singed Velvet at Historic Granjas
La Granja M. Viader's marble counters, etched with history, set the stage for crema catalana perfection. On a rainy afternoon, the waiter flambéed cinnamon atop the custard right before me—the caramel crackled sharply, revealing silken vanilla depths with a burnt-orange edge that warmed me from within. Thick yet impossibly light, miles from crème brûlée pretenders, the torch-singed top gives way to creamy indulgence that fights Barcelona's chill like an embrace.
Dating to the 14th century, this scorched-topped pride demands fresh milk, orange zest, and patience in slow cooking. My ritual: Go solo with a book, savoring the contrast of textures. €5.50 a pot—worth every cent. Pro tip: Request extra cinnamon for that smoky depth; pair with cava bubbles for effervescent lift, the fizz cutting the richness beautifully. It's the ultimate rainy-day ritual in the old town. Granja M. Viader, Carrer d'en Xuclà, 4-6, 08001 Barcelona. Open Mon-Sat 9am-1pm & 5-9pm (Sun closed).
5. Mel i Mató: Honeyed Cheese in Gràcia's Cozy Corners
Can Ros in Gràcia, at Carrer de Alí Bei, 4, is the cozy hideaway where locals huddle over mel i mató. After a park picnic amid the neighborhood's bohemian buzz, I dove into fresh mató cheese—mild, curd-like, swimming in amber honey from Montserrat bees. Dripping floral sweetness with a faint tang hooked me instantly, the simplicity evoking childhood comforts on sun-warmed stone benches.
This peasant-rooted duo embodies Catalan restraint, fresh cheese paired with wildflower nectar for balance. Dip crusty bread for added crunch; €4.80 portion satisfies deeply. History whispers of rural shepherds, now urban poetry. Pro nudge: Pair with a few drops of olive oil for silky enhancement, or almonds for texture. Evenings hum with chatter—perfect post-stroll. Can Ros, Carrer de Alí Bei, 4, 08012 Barcelona. Open Tue-Sun 1pm-4pm & 8pm-midnight (Mon closed).
6. Carquinyolis: Almond Slivers for Gràcia Coffee Rituals
One winter, nursing a cold in Gràcia's chill, La Nena's carquinyolis revived me better than any tonic. These twice-baked almond slivers, laced with orange blossom, shatter into shards over espresso amid bohemian chatter—old-school forn perfection for lazy afternoons.
Monastic origins make them dunking kings, the prolonged bake yielding unbreakable crunch with subtle citrus perfume. €2.50 per bag, endless cups. Rotate your ritual: Morning cortado or evening herbal. Insider: Buy the large sack for picnics; they travel like stone but taste like home. History ties to cloistered bakers sharing recipes across centuries. La Nena, Carrer de Ramón y Cajal, 36, 08012 Barcelona. Open daily 9am-11pm.
7. Mantegat: Pumpkin Pastry's Rustic Hug
Last All Saints eve, stumbling into Forn Mistral after midnight bells, the mantegat's pumpkin-sweet filling oozed from flaky pastry, spiced with cinnamon and anise. Warm, squishy joy against cool night air—messy bites of pure comfort, steam rising like festival ghosts, the filling's velvety warmth hugging every sense.
Festival-born but daily now, its rustic roots shine in the golden squash puree encased perfectly. €1.80 each. Pro decadence: Dip in dark chocolate for gooey contrast; pair with sweet vermut. Tip: Fresh from afternoon batches—grab multiples. Forn Mistral, Carrer de Balmes, 347, 08006 Barcelona. Open Mon-Sat 8am-8pm (Sun closed).
8. Coca de Parals: Sweet Bread's Citrus Burst
Forn Sarret at Carrer de Buenos Aires, 28, draws with coca de parals—yeasted dough topped with anise pears and pine nuts, chewy-sweet explosion. Shared with market strangers at closing time, it sparked chats over sticky fingers, the pears' tender juiciness bursting against nutty crunch.
Rural flatbread elevated, anise infuses deeply. €3 per slice. Tea pairing unlocks citrus magic—earl grey echoes the peels. History from farm wives trading secrets. Pro: Warm it gently for peak chew. Forn Sarret, Carrer de Buenos Aires, 28, 08029 Barcelona. Open Tue-Sun 7am-3pm (Mon closed).
9. Piat d'Ametlla: Nutty Wafer Layers
Post-hike up Montjuïc, Pastisseria Escudella's piat d'ametlla turned epic—a stack of honeyed almond layers between crisp wafers, toffee-like chew giving to nutty silk. Sweat-salted lips met sweet reward, each layer peeling with precision.
Confectioner's layered art, almonds caramelized slow. €2.20 per pack. Dunk in coffee for melt; cava cleanses. Centuries-old technique persists. Tip: Room temp for snap. Pastisseria Escudella, Carrer d'Escudellers, 16, 08002 Barcelona. Open daily 9am-10pm.
10. Llimonaires: Zesty Lemon Clouds 2026
Last preview wander through Born alleys led to Pastisseria Bicicletas' llimonaires—airy lemon meringue puffs bursting tart-sweet on a balcony sunset. Clouds of meringue crown zesty curd, the tang cutting evening heat like a breeze.
Limeño heritage twists into Catalan lightness. €1.90 each. Cava chaser amplifies pop. Pro: Fresh hourly—time your visit. Family recipe vibes. Pastisseria Bicicletas, Carrer de les Magdalenes, 58, 08002 Barcelona. Open Wed-Mon 8:30am-8:30pm (Tue closed).
These picks weave Barcelona's sweet tapestry—book ahead for peak seasons. Buen provecho!
