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This is an easy recipe for quesadilla de Zapaca, a sweet cheese bread or pan dulce typical of the eastern region of Guatemala. Made with a combination of rice flour, cheese, and cream, Guatemalan quesadillas have a moist yet crumbly texture similar to cornbread. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy Guatemalan dessert recipe this is it.
Recreating Childhood Memories: Making Quesadillas de Guatemala at Home
As a child, I eagerly awaited our weekend road trips to Rio Dulce, Livingston, or Tikal and my favorite part of the road trip, aside from these amazing destination, was getting some Guatemalan quesadillas. It was a tradition to make a pit stop in Teculután on our way back, where we would find the most delicious quesadillas. The aroma of freshly baked rice cakes would fill the car, and we could not wait to get home to enjoy the sweet cheesy goodness. Since they are a bit crumbly, similar in texture to cornbread, we were not allowed to eat them in the car so we wouldn’t make a mess.
When I make quesadillas I love to accompany them with a glass of freshly made horchata or horchata. If the weather is cooler they’re great with a cup of Guatemalan coffee, chocolate caliente or or steaming hot horchata. They’re also ideal to enjoy as a dessert after a delicious Guatemalan tamal rojo.
What are Guatemalan Quesadillas
Guatemalan quesadillas, specifically the famous sweet quesadillas from Zacapa are a delicious and simple Guatemalan dessert. Quesadillas are among my favorite Guatemalan panes dulces along with champurradas and pan de manteca. These delightful rice based cakes are also known as Guatemalan quesadillas de arroz or rice quesadillas. They hold a special place in the hearts of most Guatemalans. Originating from the Estanzuela area of Zacapa, these quesadillas are now well known throughout the country no matter where you live.
With their crispy golden edges, lightly sweet taste and slightly crumbly texture, Guatemalan quesadillas have become synonymous with the rich culinary heritage of Guatemala. While now you can find them in many bakeries across Guatemala City, when I was growing up, they could only be found in Oriente, the eastern part of Guatemala.
What are the ingredients for Quesadillas de Zacapa
Guatemalan quesadillas are more like a dense cake or pan dulce (sweet bread) and are typically made with ingredients such as rice flour, butter, eggs, panela or brown sugar, and cinnamon. They have a soft and slightly crumbly texture with a sweet and aromatic flavor. Guatemalan quesadillas often have a distinctive shape, resembling a disc or a small pie, and are commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Their delightful taste and unique texture make them a beloved treat in Guatemalan cuisine.
Other Traditional Foods From Zacapa
In Zacapa, the art of making quesadillas has been passed down through generations. The recipe for these sweet cheese breads is closely guarded, ensuring an authentic experience. Made with rice flour, artisanal cheeses, and baked in a unique rectangular mold, Zacapa quesadillas are a thin and satisfying treat that delights at any time of day.
While quesadillas are the pride of Zacapa, the region offers a range of traditional dishes. Indulge in yuca with chicharrón, savor the sweetness of yolk bread, and explore the unique flavors of pepita fresh drink and ayote in milk. Don’t forget to toast to Zacapa’s rich heritage with a sip of world-renowned Ron Zacapa Centenario rum. Zacapa’s cuisine celebrates local ingredients and time-honored techniques, offering a culinary journey like no other.
How to Make Guatemalan Quesadillas
Now, with this easy recipe, you can recreate the magic of Guatemalan quesadillas in the comfort of your own kitchen in just about 40 minutes. Whether you have a nostalgic connection to Guatemalan food or are simply looking to explore Guatemalan traditional recipes, these quesadillas are sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients for making traditional Zacapa quesadillas:
- 3 oz Butter
- 1 Cup of sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Cup of milk
- 1 Cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of Mexican queso fresco (can be Farmer’s cheese)
- 1/4 cup of grated dry cheese (can be substituted for grated parmesan cheese)
- 2 Cups of rice flour
- 2 Tablespoons of baking powder
- Toasted sesame seeds for decoration
- Confectioner’s sugar for garnish
How to make Guatemalan Rice Quesadilla:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, and then add the sugar. Mix the ingredients well until smooth.
- Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate the rice flour into the mixture, constantly beating to avoid lumps.
- Add the cream, milk, and baking powder to the mixture and continue beating until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the queso fresco and grated dry cheese to the mixture, mixing until they are evenly distributed.
- Grease the molds with butter or shortening and dust with a little flour to prevent sticking.
- Pour the mixture into the molds and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes (or until firm and golden).
- Once the quesadillas are ready, remove them from the oven and sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
- Allow them to cool before removing from the molds and serving. Enjoy these delicious Zacapa quesadillas as a traditional Guatemalan sweet treat.
Tips for the Best Zacapa Quesadillas
- Note that depending on the humidity level, some temperature and time adjustments may be necessary.
- Mexican crema can be used as a substitute for Guatemalan cream in this recipe. Mexican crema has a similar texture and flavor to Guatemalan cream, which is different from sour cream. It adds a creamy and smooth element to the quesadillas.
- Cheese substitutions: If you cannot find the specific Guatemalan cheeses mentioned in the recipe, you can substitute them with other cheeses. Mexican queso fresco can be replaced with Farmer’s cheese, which has a similar crumbly texture and mild flavor. Grated dry cheese can be substituted with grated parmesan cheese, which adds a savory and nutty taste to the quesadillas.
- Allow the quesadillas to cool slightly before removing them from the molds to avoid breaking or crumbling.
- These Zacapa quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your desired level of sweetness. You can also sprinkle the quesadillas with cinnamon powder if desired. These quesadillas are best enjoyed when fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.
Easy Recipe for Guatemalan Quesadillas: A Sweet Dessert
Ingredients
- 3 oz Butter
- 1 Cup of sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Cup of milk
- 1 Cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of Mexican queso fresco (can be Farmer's cheese)
- 1/4 cup of grated dry cheese (can be substituted for grated parmesan cheese)
- 2 Cups of rice flour
- 2 Tablespoons of baking powder
- Toasted sesame seeds for decoration
- Confectioner’s sugar for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, and then add the sugar. Mix the ingredients well until smooth.
- Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate the rice flour into the mixture, constantly beating to avoid lumps.
- Add the cream, milk, and baking powder to the mixture and continue beating until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the queso fresco and grated dry cheese to the mixture, mixing until they are evenly distributed.
- Grease the molds with butter or shortening and dust with a little flour to prevent sticking.
- Pour the mixture into the molds and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes (or until firm and golden).
- Once the quesadillas are ready, remove them from the oven and sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
- Allow them to cool before removing from the molds and serving. Enjoy these delicious Zacapa quesadillas as a traditional Guatemalan sweet treat.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 419Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 441mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gProtein: 8g
Other Guatemalan baked desserts you might like
Here are some great recipes for some of the most popular Guatemalan baked desserts. And if you’re craving a different sweet treat that brings back memories of Guate make sure to check out my full list of Guatemalan desserts.
Empanadas De Manjar De Leche (Filled With Custard)
Empanadas de manjar are hand pie-like pastries filled with a milk-based creamy filling. If you want to surprise your loved ones with this delicious Guatemalan dessert, here is a quick recipe for you to prepare.
Bocado De Reina
Bocado de Reina is a delicious Guatemalan cake made with leftover bread. It is remarkably similar to bread pudding but has more of a cake consistency. It is an amazingly easy and quick dessert that goes great with any meal!
Guatemalan Cocadas Recipe: Coconut Cookies
With just a few simple ingredients these cocadas recipe is perfect for making it with your kids or for a crowd. Guatemalan cocadas are one of the easiest and most delicious Guatemalan dessert recipes. These coconut cookies, very similar to coconut macaroons, are so simple and quick and they taste amazing. This coconut cookie recipe is also a great Guatemalan recipe to make for school as it’s always a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
Easy Guatemalan Pineapple Empanadas
These easy-to-make Guatemalan pineapple empanadas make for a great dessert or an easy sweet snack. I like that empanadas are perfect for entertaining and also travel well. They are ideal snacks for bringing to picnics, BBQs, or potlucks. I also love putting them in my kid’s lunchboxes.
Easy Recipe for Guatemalan Quesadillas: A Sweet Dessert
Ingredients
- 3 oz Butter
- 1 Cup of sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Cup of milk
- 1 Cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of Mexican queso fresco (can be Farmer's cheese)
- 1/4 cup of grated dry cheese (can be substituted for grated parmesan cheese)
- 2 Cups of rice flour
- 2 Tablespoons of baking powder
- Toasted sesame seeds for decoration
- Confectioner’s sugar for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, and then add the sugar. Mix the ingredients well until smooth.
- Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate the rice flour into the mixture, constantly beating to avoid lumps.
- Add the cream, milk, and baking powder to the mixture and continue beating until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the queso fresco and grated dry cheese to the mixture, mixing until they are evenly distributed.
- Grease the molds with butter or shortening and dust with a little flour to prevent sticking.
- Pour the mixture into the molds and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes (or until firm and golden).
- Once the quesadillas are ready, remove them from the oven and sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
- Allow them to cool before removing from the molds and serving. Enjoy these delicious Zacapa quesadillas as a traditional Guatemalan sweet treat.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 419Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 441mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gProtein: 8g
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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