Obleas con Arequipe – Wafers with Colombian Caramel
A street-food favorite across Colombia, obleas con arequipe are thin, crisp wafers layered with creamy caramel spread. Vendors often add toppings like shredded cheese, fruit jam, or sprinkles to create a sweet snack that’s crunchy, gooey, and irresistible. They’re simple to make at home and perfect for parties or a quick dessert.
Ingredients (makes about 8 sandwich cookies)
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16 thin wafer rounds (store-bought obleas or large plain wafers)
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1½ cups homemade or store-bought arequipe (Colombian dulce de leche)
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Optional toppings:
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½ cup grated mild white cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella)
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¼ cup fruit jam (guava or strawberry)
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Shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or chocolate sprinkles
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Instructions
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Prepare Fillings
Place the arequipe and any optional toppings in small bowls for easy assembly. -
Assemble
Lay out half of the wafer rounds. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of arequipe evenly on each. -
Add Toppings
Sprinkle grated cheese, a spoonful of fruit jam, or your choice of extras over the caramel. -
Finish
Place the remaining wafers on top to create sandwiches. Press gently so the filling spreads to the edges. -
Serve
Enjoy immediately for the best crunch, or wrap individually for later.
Serving Tips
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Pair with a cup of Colombian coffee or hot chocolate for an authentic street-food experience.
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Offer a topping bar so guests can customize their own obleas.
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Dust with powdered sugar for a festive look.
Pro Tips
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Use Thin Wafers: Traditional obleas are paper-thin; look for large wafer rounds in Latin markets.
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Don’t Overfill: A thin layer of arequipe keeps the wafers crisp.
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Mix & Match: Try combinations like coconut + nuts or guava jam + cheese for a sweet-savory contrast.
Storage
Serve immediately for maximum crunch. If needed, keep assembled obleas in an airtight container for up to 6 hours at room temperature. Refrigeration will soften the wafers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my own wafers?
Yes, but it’s time-consuming. Store-bought wafers give authentic texture with minimal effort.
What’s the best cheese for the sweet-savory version?
A mild, slightly salty cheese such as queso fresco or mozzarella pairs beautifully with the caramel.
Can I use dulce de leche instead of arequipe?
Absolutely—dulce de leche is nearly identical and works perfectly.
