Gareth in Granada: Sweets Treats of Granada

Written by Gareth Danaher

Piononos, a typical sweet treat from Santa Fe close to Granada.

Apart from the Alhambra and Granada’s moorish heritage, it is certainly known for its gastronomy with a long standing tradition thanks to its Arab descent.

Piononos de Santa Fe, the most typical sweet of Granada

This small cake is a delight to anyone who gets their hands on it, quite hard to forget. A very thin layer of moistened pastry rolled up into a cylinder, filled with a unique cream and cinnamon.

It’s origin is credited to Ceferino Isla, he created it as a tribute to Pope Pius IX (Pio Nono in Italian). Ceferino set up his workshop in Calle Real de Santa Fe (which he called it Casa Isla). Due to his great faithfulness to the

Virgin Mary, he decided to create a sweet for the Pope who had proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

It’s shape is reminiscent of the Pope not only by name but also by its shape. It is short and kind of chubby.

The most popular spots to buy Piononos in Granada:

1. Casa Isla: located on Calle Reyes Católicos, in the center of the city, it is probably the most famous bakery in Granada to buy piononos. Founded in 1890, Casa Isla has been making pioneers for over a century.

2. La Isla: located in Plaza Bib-Rambla, it is known for its delicious piononos, as well as other sweets and pastries typical of the region.

3. Confitería López-Mezquita: located on Gran Vía de Colón street, near the Cathedral of Granada, it is a family confectionery that has been making piononos since 1960.

4. Alhambra Pastry Shop: located in the Albaicín neighborhood, on Calle Pagés, it offers a wide variety of typical Granada sweets and cakes, including its famous piononos.

5. San Nicolás Pastry Shop: located in the Albaicín neighborhood, on Carrera del Darro street, it is another popular option to buy piononos in Granada.

6. Varela Pastry Shop: located on Ángel Ganivet street, it is another option to try Granada's piononos.

7. José Luis Bakery: located on Torre de Comares street, it offers piononos and other typical Granada sweets.

Soplillos de la Alpujarra

These light, airy meringue-like cookies are made primarily from egg whites, sugar, and almonds. The texture is delicate and crispy on the outside while soft and chewy on the inside. Sometimes, they are flavored with a hint of lemon or cinnamon.

Soplillos de la Alpujarra are a traditional sweet from the Alpujarra region of Andalusia, specifically in the mountainous area near Granada.

The name soplillos comes from the Spanish word soplar, meaning "to blow," referring to how the egg whites are "blown" up into a fluffy texture during preparation. These treats are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, and they are a popular dessert for holidays or special occasions in the region.

Torrijas

This special seasonal dessert is traditionally served during Semana Santa, the Spanish Easter period and is essentially a Spanish take on French toast. Bread is the central ingredient, which we soak in milk, dip in egg and fry. You then coat the thick, moist slices with a delicious mix of cinnamon and sugar and you often serve them with generous helpings of thick honey.

The best thing about this wonderful Spanish treat is how easy it is to make at home!

Tip: Apparently the best way to make these is with 3-day-old bread - a great way to use up the stale stuff!

Best Pastry Shops in Granada:

1. Monasterio De San Bernando

2. Pastelería El Sol

3. Pastelería Casa Isla

4. Pastelería López-Mezquita

5. Pastelería Flamboyant