What Types Of Alfajores Are There And When Are They Eaten?
Although they were popularized in Latin America, more precisely in Argentina, alfajores share origin between Andalusian cuisine and Arabic cuisine. Popularly, the alfajores are simple: two lids of baked dough with varied filling and often with some edge of another food or covered with a glaze or chocolate coverage.
There are many variants of alfajores, depending on the Latin American country you are visiting. Some make the dough with some coloring or special ingredient such as coconut, walnut or flavorings such as vanilla and cocoa. Other countries differ not in their doughs, but in the fillings and toppings: there are them glazed, with chocolate topping, with grated coconut or colored granules.
If we go a little further, we will find that there are also low-quality and premium lines, so they are excellent companions for snacks and coffees, but also authentic desserts for demanding palates.
How many types of alfajores are there?
We will take Argentina as a general guide, but do not forget that each country of the Southern Cone has its own variants., There are different types of alfajores, which are distinguished by region. Namely:
Chocolate alfajores:
Also called "alfajores marplatenses”, the alfajor tapas are chocolate-flavored, filled with dulce de leche, cream or chocolate mousse. All this covered with a soft layer of chocolate topping. The most well-known are usually commercial, with brands such as Jorgito and Havanna, and you can find them on Latinafy.
The basic tops of any alfajor, whether chocolate or vanilla, are filled with some jam. Fruit alfajores of quince, pear and strawberry, among others, are very common. The coverage can be sugary and even have none.
Cornstarch alfajores:
The tops of this alfajor are made with a dough containing corn starch (cornstarch) and are usually filled with dulce de leche, covering the edges with grated coconut as a finish.
Depending on the place where the recipe comes from, we can find alfajores with thin dough tops, filled with dulce de leche and covered with glaze. Sometimes they have a border that covers the dulce de leche or the filling composed of chopped nuts with sugar and honey. In many cases, the dough can be puffed.
When and where to eat alfajores?
Due to their size and variety, alfajores are craved at all times of the day. They are usually eaten as a snack and even the children take them to school.
For example, if the alfajores are fruity or filled with dulce de leche, they can be accompanied by some infusion such as coffee or tea to taste them. Just one is enough... in theory, because the truth is that they are addictive.
Are the alfajores only found in Argentina or can I get them in other countries?
Alfajores are very popular in Argentina and other Latin American countries, but little by little they are expanding to the world. From Latinafy we take alfajores to wherever you want in the world.
In fact, one of the best-selling products on Latinafy are the Havanna Alfajores. If you live in the United States, Canada, Israel, France, the United Kingdom, Australia or any other country in the world, you can stop by our store and in a few days we will take your alfajores to your doorstep!