Alfajor

An alfajor is a traditional confection that is found in some regions of Spain and in countries of Latin America including South America, Central America and Mexico. Its basic form consists of two round sweet biscuits joined together with dulce de leche or jam and covered with powdered sugar. In most alfajores there are two layers of cake, and a filling in between.

In South America alfajor is found most notably in Uruguay, Chile, Argentina and Perú. Though the food has been popular in Buenos Aires Argentina, and Uruguay since the mid 19th century, it has its roots in the Middle East. The name alfajor is derived from Arabic, which means "fancy" or "great" sweets. The archetypal alfajor entered Iberia during the period of al-Andalus.