National Dessert Day falls on October 14, a sweet excuse to honor the âgrand finaleâ of any meal. While the holidayâs exact origins are unclear, itâs widely observed across the U.S. and the word dessert itself traces to the French desservir (âto clear the tableâ), the final course served after dishes have been removed. In other words, this day exists to celebrate treats in all forms, from cakes and custards to pastries and puddings.
Cuban Desserts: A Quick Guide
Cuban pastry and sweets draw on Spanish technique, Caribbean produce, and tropical pantry staples. If youâre mapping out National Dessert Day, hereâs a compact tour of Cuban desserts youâll encounter around the city
- Pastelito de guayaba: flaky puff pastry layered with sweet guava paste; sometimes balanced with cream cheese.
Natilla: a spoonable custard scented with cinnamon and vanilla, served chilled. - Arroz con leche: slow-cooked rice pudding with milk, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of citrus peel.
- Buñuelos: festive yuca or sweet-potato fritters finished in light anise syrup.
- Torrejas: Cuban-style French toastâsweet bread soaked, fried, and glazed with syrup.
Casquitos de guayaba con queso: candied guava shells paired with soft white cheeseâsimple, nostalgic, perfect with coffee.
Celebrate in South Beach or Las Vegas
If youâre looking for Cuban desserts in Miami or Las Vegas, Havana 1957 makes it easy; bringing 1950s Havana ambiance, espresso service, and a curated rum list to both destinations. In Miami Beach, youâre steps from the sand with locations on Ocean Drive and Española Way, ideal for a quick sweet course after a beach walk or a sit-down finale with coffee. In Las Vegas, find us inside Flamingo on the Strip open daily, with live entertainment on select eveningsâso you can pair dessert with music before or after plans on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Havana 1957 Desserts You Can Order Today
For National Dessert Day, streamline your choice by starting with the house classics. Full lineup and pricing live on the [Desserts Menu]; hereâs what to expect on the plate and how to pair each one from [Drinks] (coffee or rum):
TĂraselo TĂș (Cuban TiramisĂș) â A playful, tableside nod to tiramisu you finish with a pour of hot coffee. Expect coffee-soaked sponge or ladyfingers layered with a mascarpone-style cream and a dusting of cocoa. Pair with: a straight espresso to amplify the coffee notes, or a light rum cocktail if you want a little sweetness.
Cuban Flan â The classic caramel custard: eggs, milk, sugar, and a glossy bittersweet caramel top that releases when unmolded. Silky, balanced, and not overly sweet. Pair with: espresso for contrast or a small pour of aged rum to echo the toffee finish.
Coconut Flan â Everything you love about flan, with coconut milk/shreds for a tropical lift. Pair with: a cafecito or coconut-leaning rum if you prefer a spirit.
Tres Leches â Soft sponge soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cream, often crowned with whipped cream. Lush yet airy. Pair with: a latte or flat whiteâthe milk-on-milk pairing is classic.
Guava Cheesecake â Rich cheesecake brightened with guava (paste or coulis) on a graham-style crust; sweet-tart fruit keeps the slice in balance. Pair with: espresso or a subtle amaro/liqueur for a clean finish.
Ultimate Chocolate Cake â A layered chocolate classic (cocoa + ganache/frosting) for guests who go straight for chocolate. Pair with: a mocha or an espresso-martini-style coffee cocktail for a decadent close.
National Dessert Day: Why It Sticks
Food holidays resonate when they invite low-effort joy, and National Dessert Day fits that brief. The date (October 14) is widely observed across the U.S., and the idea is timeless: pause the table for something sweet, whether thatâs a heritage recipe like flan or a modern twist like TĂraselo TĂș. For South Beach, itâs also a moment to celebrate Cuban flavors that have long defined the neighborhoodâs dining scene.
Plan Your Visit
National Dessert Day gets busy, especially at lunch or dinner time. To keep things smooth, book ahead and note whether you prefer indoor or patio seating. If your plans include coffee pairings or a rum digestif, skim the drinks list in advance so you can place your order right away.
Make National Dessert Day a little sweeter at Havana 1957. Browse the Desserts Menu, pick your coffee or rum, and secure your table hereâthen enjoy classic Cuban desserts in South Beach or Las Vegas!