Guide · Sweets
Yemas del Tajo and Ronda’s traditional sweets
Yemas del Tajo are Ronda’s best-known sweet: little balls of egg yolk and syrup rolled in sugar. The recipe is linked to the Las Campanas bakery on Plaza del Socorro, which registered it in 1934. They are sold in boxes to take away or give as a gift.
What yemas del Tajo are
They are a small, very sweet, soft mouthful made with egg yolk, sugar and water, with a dash of brandy, finished in icing sugar. The name ties them to the Tajo, the gorge that defines the town.
According to Guía Repsol, the first records of these yemas in Ronda date from 1920 and are linked to a confectioner at Las Campanas, a bakery opened in 1849; the recipe was registered in 1934. That is why the name “yemas del Tajo” belongs to that shop, although you will find similar yolk sweets elsewhere.
Where to buy them
Las Campanas is on Plaza del Socorro, in El Mercadillo, Ronda’s shopping centre, a short walk from the Puente Nuevo. They sell boxes in several sizes; ask about keeping them if you are taking them home.
Ronda’s convents are also known for their sweets. If you want to buy from them, ask the tourist office which convents sell and when, as it changes through the year.
Other Ronda sweets
The Turismo de Ronda food guide lists rosquillas de alfajor, almond “cheeses”, wine rings, olive-oil or honey tortas, mantecados, suspiros, gañotes, pestiños and magdalenas, traditionally served with local anís and aguardiente. Las Campanas also makes bienmesabe with meringue and piñonate.
For the rest of Ronda’s cooking, from stews to cured meats, see what to eat in Ronda.
A sweet stop and a long lunch
Yemas are a counter sweet to take away: they fit neatly into a walk past Plaza del Socorro towards the Puente Nuevo, as part of Ronda in one day or a weekend in Ronda.
We do not serve yemas del Tajo at La Pilastra; if you eat with us, dessert goes another way: chocolate coulant, cheesecake, pistachio or white chocolate cake, and vanilla ice cream with extra virgin olive oil and sea-salt flakes.
Desserts at La Pilastra
If you would rather finish at the table, these are the desserts on the menu.
Chocolate fondant
€7.90With fresh fruit.
Cheesecake
€7.50Pistachio cake
€7.50Vanilla ice cream with olive oil
€7.50With extra virgin olive oil and unrefined sea salt flakes.
Call to reserve
After the walk, a table
If your day in Ronda includes lunch or dinner by the Puente Nuevo, book at La Pilastra by phone or WhatsApp and we will confirm your table.
We will confirm availability by phone or WhatsApp. · Opening hours 12:00 — 23:00
Get directions on Google MapsFrequently asked questions
Do yemas del Tajo contain alcohol?
The recipe described by Guía Repsol includes a dash of brandy. If that matters to you, ask at the bakery.
Does La Pilastra serve yemas del Tajo?
No. Our desserts are restaurant desserts: chocolate coulant, cakes and vanilla ice cream with olive oil.