Yesterday, Cuban chef Maykel Cook shared a 22-second video on TikTok revealing the recipe for the iconic Cuban guava popsicle, known as "durofrío." This homemade treat harks back to the childhoods of many Cubans, and the video has sparked a wave of nostalgia among those in the diaspora.
In the clip, Maykel greets his audience with, "What's up, my people? Today, Cuban kids might miss out on durofrío because of the power issues, but let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit our childhood."
The recipe stays true to its roots: blend guava pulp with water and sugar, pour it into a soda can cut in half, and insert a wooden stick before freezing for at least six hours.
Maykel reminisces, "You could buy these little popsicles on any corner for just a peso. They made them with guava, mango, chocolate, whatever you wanted," describing a dessert that was a staple for the Cuban people for decades.
He further explains, "The classic ones were made like this, with a can cut in half and a stick. This was the ice cream of Cuban kids, how we grew up, you know."
The video comes at a poignant time: that same day, Cuba's power generation shortfall exceeded 1,400 MW, with only 1,675 MW available against a demand of 2,486 MW.
Blackouts in Cuba can last up to 24 continuous hours in some areas, making it nearly impossible to keep food frozen at home. For those living on the island, homemade durofrío has become an unattainable luxury.
Yet, creativity persists. In November 2025, a Cuban woman in Holguín used rice water as an alternative base for making durofríos due to ingredient shortages.
Maykel's video is part of a broader trend of exiled Cubans sharing nostalgic childhood recipes on TikTok. From Cuban chiviricos to mouthwatering capuchinos, these videos elicit thousands of comments reminiscing about school snacks and childhood flavors.
Durofríos came in flavors like coconut, mango, guava, tamarind, and chocolate, and were also made with instant sodas like Toki. Its affordability—just one peso—made it the go-to dessert, even during the Special Period of the 1990s.
Maykel concludes his video with his signature sign-off: "Don't forget to follow me if you enjoy watching a Cuban improvise in the kitchen."
Nostalgic Cuban Recipes and Cultural Significance
What is a durofrío?
A durofrío is a homemade Cuban popsicle typically made with blended fruit pulp, water, and sugar, poured into a mold, and frozen. It is a nostalgic treat for many Cubans, reminiscent of their childhood.
Why are durofríos difficult to make in Cuba today?
Frequent and prolonged power outages in Cuba can last up to 24 hours, making it nearly impossible to keep foods frozen, thus complicating the process of making durofríos at home.
How have Cubans adapted to ingredient shortages for durofríos?
Some Cubans have turned to creative solutions, such as using rice water as a base, to make durofríos when traditional ingredients are scarce.