Liberales are a traditional Colombian bakery sweet: pieces of sponge cake with one side dipped in red and sprinkled with sugar, sandwiched in pairs with arequipe (dulce de leche).
People enjoy them as an afternoon snack, during Colombian coffee breaks, or with hot chocolate and milk. Their sugared red tops and the arequipe joining the two pieces make them instantly recognizable in Colombian bakery windows.
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Colombian Liberales
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Colombian
Ingredients
For the dough
- 375 g all-purpose flour (3 cups)
- 150 g granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- 50 g unsalted butter, softened (3 tablespoons)
- 1 large egg
- 250 ml warm whole milk (1 cup)
- 5 g salt (1 teaspoon)
- 5 g baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- 5 ml vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
For coloring and filling
- 4 g red gel food coloring (½ teaspoon)
- Water to dissolve the coloring
- Sugar for sprinkling
- Arequipe (dulce de leche), to taste, for spreading and joining the pieces
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C / 350 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the dough, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Add the butter and rub it in with your hands until the mixture has a sandy texture. Gradually add the egg, vanilla, and warm milk, and knead for 5 minutes until you have a smooth, even dough that feels moist but easy to shape.
- Shape and bake the pieces, divide the dough into 16 portions of about 50 g, shape them into slightly flattened ovals, and place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until firm and only lightly golden underneath, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Color them red, dissolve the food coloring in a little water in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each piece on its top side only, set it red side up, sprinkle it with sugar, and let it dry for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the liberales, pair up pieces of similar size: spread arequipe to taste on the flat side of each one, join them, and press gently.
Chef’s tips
- Use gel food coloring: a very small amount turns the water deep red.
- Dip only the top side, and do it quickly, so the pieces do not soak up too much liquid.
- Do not overbake the pieces; they should stay soft to contrast with the arequipe.
- Assemble the liberales only once the pieces are completely cool, so the arequipe does not run.
Traditional variations
In many Colombian bakeries the same name is also used for the rollo rojo: a rolled sponge cake with a red surface and a guava paste filling. Both versions share the red surface and the sweet filling.
How to serve
Serve liberales at room temperature on a tray of sweets or alongside other Colombian baked goods. They are ideal for breakfast, coffee breaks, and family snacks.
Recommended accompaniments
- Coffee with milk
- Colombian hot chocolate
- Hot panela drink
- Cold milk
- Colombian oat drink
A culinary curiosity
Although the exact origin of liberales is unknown, they are one of Colombians’ favorite bakery treats. Their red color makes them stand out at first glance in the bakery window.
Frequently Asked Questions
The baked sponge pieces are quickly dipped on one side only in water tinted with red food coloring and then sprinkled with sugar. That is why only the top is red and sugared.
They are sandwiched in pairs with arequipe (dulce de leche). In the rolled version, known as rollo rojo, the filling is guava paste.
You can bake and color the pieces the day before and keep them in an airtight container. Assemble them with the arequipe shortly before serving so they keep their texture better.
Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. In very warm weather, refrigerate them for up to 3 days and let them sit for 15 minutes before serving.
