Have you ever found yourself craving something sweet after a delicious Mexican meal? For many, the idea of indulging in traditional Mexican desserts can be intimidating, but fear not! With a little creativity and some easy-to-follow recipes, you can impress your family and friends with authentic flavors from south of the border.
From classic caramel flan to modern twists like strawberry, basil, and honey paletas, we’ve curated a list of 20+ mouth-watering Mexican desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. And the best part? Many of these treats can be prepared in no time at all, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or special occasions. So why not give your taste buds a fiesta and try one (or two, or three…) of these scrumptious sweets today?
Caramel Flan
Mexican flan, a custard-like dessert often mistaken for cheesecake, is a sweet treat that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. The combination of creamy caramel sauce and smooth flan is a match made in heaven. What makes flan truly special is the simplicity of its ingredients – most of which can be found in your pantry already. With just a few basic components, you’ll be whipping up a batch of this decadent dessert in no time. And for an added layer of sophistication, our recipe incorporates a touch of bourbon, elevating it to a whole new level of indulgence.
Pastel de Elote (Mexican Sweet Corn Cake)
While traditional Mexican sweet corn cakes, or pastel de elote, are often baked during holidays, there’s no rule that says you can’t indulge in this delicious treat any time of year. In fact, incorporating corn into baked goods is a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe takes it to the next level with three types of corn products: cornmeal, whole kernel corn, and cornflour. The bundt pan shape allows for beautiful ridges that can be filled with cajeta or caramel, adding an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. With its rich corn flavors, this cake is a true celebration of Mexico’s most prized crop. Top it off with whipped cream, cajeta, caramel, dulce de leche, powdered sugar, or even vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Contrary to popular belief, not all hot chocolates are created equal. In fact, nowhere does hot chocolate reign supreme like in Mexico. When it comes to a drink that warms the heart and soul, Mexican cooks set the bar high. The secret to their magical elixir? A combination of 100% unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This unique blend yields a comforting beverage unlike anything found elsewhere in the world. To take it to new heights, top with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Alternatively, use Mexican chocolate for an authentic experience.
Mexican Sweet Bread (Conchas)
Imagine strolling through a vibrant Mexican grocery store and being greeted by the majestic wall of colorful, shell-shaped or round bread – a staple that’s as ubiquitous as cupcakes are in the United States. Conchas, Mexico’s beloved sweet bread, are a treat for the eyes and taste buds. Typically, they’re adorned with an array of colorful sugar frosting and sometimes even sprinkles, making them a delightful addition to any bakery case. But it’s not just their appearance that sets conchas apart – the bread itself is surprisingly light and fluffy, while the sweet and crunchy topping adds a satisfying textural element. For a unique twist on this traditional Mexican treat, consider incorporating conchas into a decadent bread pudding.
Mexican Buñuelos
Inspired by churros, buñuelos share a similar texture to sugared donut holes, minus the donut foundation. The sweetness of these bite-sized treats is a result of their deep-frying process and the fruity flavor of piloncillo syrup. With two shapes to choose from – round with hollow centers or flattened – it’s no wonder buñuelos are a beloved snack in many Latin American countries. While round buñuelos reign supreme in some nations, Mexico tends to favor the crispy, flat variety.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mexican wedding cookies, also known as snowballs, polvorons, and butterballs, are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed beyond just a traditional Mexican celebration. The beauty of these little gems lies in their simplicity – they’re surprisingly easy to whip up at home. With their tender texture, sweet flavor, nutty undertones, and subtle hint of butter, each bite is a masterclass in harmonious flavors. It’s no wonder that indulging in these treats can be an otherworldly experience. Furthermore, the ingredients required are just as straightforward – a handful of pantry staples is all you need to create this sweet delight.
Pineapple Empanadas
Savory empanadas are a staple for many, often served as a quick snack or main course and typically filled with meat, potatoes, and spicy sauces. However, when they take on a sweet twist, they become an irresistible treat. Imagine the allure of a pineapple empanada that’s equivalent to the classic American fried apple pie. The combination of flaky dough and sweet pineapple filling is hard to resist. This recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it with your preferred preserves or jams. For instance, you can substitute the pineapple preserves with other flavors you already have on hand. Alternatively, consider using pineapple-flavored cream cheese from the grocery store to give your empanadas an extra layer of flavor.
Sweet Mexican Corn Cake
In Mexico, Christmas Eve celebrations wouldn’t be complete without the sweet indulgence of traditional corn cake. This beloved dessert stands out from other recipes due to its use of three distinct corn products – cornmeal, cornflour, and whole kernel corn. The result is an incredibly moist and sugary treat that showcases the importance of corn in Mexican cuisine. A staple ingredient in many authentic dishes, corn plays a vital role in defining the country’s culinary identity.While traditional Mexican corn cakes are best served with a variety of toppings, simplicity can be achieved with a scoop of ice cream or taken to new heights with caramel or cajeta. For a quicker and easier option, powdered sugar sprinkles add a delightful touch. With its rich history and cultural significance, this sweet treat is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Horchata
While compiling a list of traditional Mexican dessert recipes wouldn’t be comprehensive without mentioning horchata, this beloved beverage often gets overlooked by those who only associate it with high-end Mexican restaurants. However, the truth is that making horchata at home is remarkably straightforward. Not only can you customize it to your taste preferences, but you’ll also avoid any additives or preservatives that might be present in commercial versions. The best part? You likely already have most of the required ingredients stocked in your pantry. With a can of sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, real vanilla extract, and rice, you’re well on your way to brewing up a batch of homemade horchata. Feel free to enjoy it as is or, for a more adult twist, add a shot of rum for an extra layer of flavor. The original recipe inspiration comes from cookingclassy.com.
Churros
Imagine indulging in crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated cookie dough balls dipped in rich caramel or Mexican chocolate sauce. Sounds irresistible? It is! Churros are the perfect treat – crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make at home. When it comes to these sweet fried treats, freshness matters. So, what’s the secret to a truly divine churro? Using only the finest ingredients, like real unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract. The result is a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more.
Dulce de Leche
The Mexican dessert repertoire is often associated with crispy sopapillas, crunchy churros, and traditional wedding cookies. Yet, dulce de leche stands out as a sweet masterpiece that elevates the nation’s culinary tradition. Directly translated from Spanish as ‘sweetened milk’, this indulgent treat embodies the essence of condensed milk on steroids. To craft this caramel-like delight, you can simply spread a can of sweetened condensed milk into a pan and let it bake for a couple of hours. The resulting creamy sauce is nothing short of sublime. Enjoy your dulce de leche as a topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt, or incorporate it into cakes and cookies. For a unique twist, drizzle it over roasted sweet potatoes for a surprising flavor combination.
Sopapillas
Sopapillas are a staple in many Mexican restaurants, and it’s not uncommon for servers to bring out a batch of these fluffy treats at the end of a meal, accompanied by a drizzle of warm honey and a pat of butter. While some sopapillas may be made with tortillas, this traditional Mexican dessert is typically crafted from basic pantry ingredients. What sets this recipe apart is its use of coconut oil – a healthier alternative to shortening or butter – that adds a unique flavor profile. Of course, there’s no wrong way to enjoy your sopapillas; you can drizzle them with honey for a classic treat or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a sweet indulgence. For an added Mexican flair, try mixing your powdered sugar with cinnamon – a spice commonly used in many traditional recipes. This delightful dessert is sure to please people of all ages.
Strawberry, Basil, and Honey Mexican Paletas
Popsicles are always a refreshing treat, but what takes them to the next level is when they’re made with fresh fruit and spices. Mexican paletas are particularly renowned for their unique flavor combinations. Those who’ve strolled through parks or residential areas have likely spotted paleteros (ice cream men) wheeling around carts filled with these frozen delights.
The beauty of paletas is that they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. This simple recipe uses strawberries and lime juice, elevated by a generous amount of fresh basil for added depth. Honey serves as the traditional sweetener, commonly used in many Mexican desserts.
What’s truly great about this recipe is its versatility – once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with various fruits to create unique flavor profiles. With practice, you’ll be whipping up delicious paletas like a pro!
Dulce de Leche Donuts
Indulge in the sweet indulgence of Krispy Kreme’s iconic dulce de leche donuts without leaving your kitchen! The process is surprisingly straightforward, requiring only basic ingredients and some simple preparation. By crafting this velvety filling at home, you’ll unlock a world of possibilities for creative donut-making. Fluffy, soft, and generously filled with the rich, caramel-like goodness of dulce de leche, these bite-sized treats are almost too divine to resist. Sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an added layer of magic, if that’s even possible. As you take a bite, you might just swear you’ve taken a brief trip to culinary heaven!
Chocoflan Impossible Cake
Despite its title, ‘chocoflan impossible cake’ is surprisingly achievable and doesn’t require any extraordinary skills to create. This delightful dessert consists of a layer of creamy vanilla flan and rich, velvety chocolate cake, topped with an indulgent cajeta drizzle. The name ‘impossible’ is attributed to the cake’s incredible flavor profile – it’s truly impossible not to be delighted by its heavenly taste. Moreover, the process of making this cake involves a unique layering technique where you pour in the cajeta first, followed by the cake batter, and finally the flan mixture. This seemingly unconventional approach results in a remarkable transformation: the layers reverse themselves, with the flan emerging on top and the cake at the bottom. The end result is a rich and decadent dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake, a beloved Mexican dessert, is a staple at nearly every celebration of families from the region. The name ‘tres leches’ translates to ‘three milks’ in Spanish, and the three types of milk used to make this stunning cake are evaporated milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk. It’s hard to imagine how anything incorporating these three types of milk could be anything less than extraordinary. Furthermore, despite its impressive presentation, this cake is surprisingly simple to prepare. For those familiar with sponge cakes, making a tres leches cake will be a breeze. What’s more, this cake can be made ahead and frozen for future use, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Interestingly, the recipe doesn’t require butter or oil, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.
Rice Pudding
Rice is an integral part of Mexican cuisine, and its versatility has made it a staple in many traditional recipes. One such classic dessert is arroz con leche, a creamy rice pudding that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The simplicity of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredient list: milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and an optional splash of rum for added sophistication. What’s more, the dish can be prepared ahead of time using leftover rice or cooked fresh just before serving. Whether served warm or chilled, arroz con leche is a timeless treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Fried Ice Cream
Do you recall the initial encounter with fried ice cream? It’s a culinary experience that often leaves people perplexed. The concept may seem paradoxical at first, but trust us, it’s an absolute delight. Fried ice cream, also known as ice cream balls, is a beloved Mexican dessert that has captured hearts and taste buds alike.
To create this scrumptious treat, you’ll simply need to pan-fry the mixture to achieve a crispy crust. The key lies in using crushed corn flakes, an ingredient commonly found in most pantries. Like many traditional Mexican recipes, this one cleverly incorporates cinnamon and caramel flavors to elevate the experience.
Buñuelos
We’re wrapping up our exploration of Mexico’s sweet treats by diving into the world of round buñuelos. These crispy fried dough balls are a staple in many Latin American countries and bear a striking resemblance to donut holes from back home. While we previously shared a recipe for traditional flat Mexican buñuelos, the round variety is just as popular, if not more so, in Mexico. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, requiring only an easy-to-whip-up dough that’s fried to perfection. And let’s not forget the fun part – topping these bite-sized treats with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of dulce de leche, or a rich chocolate sauce is the perfect way to add an extra layer of flavor and fun.
Summary
These recipes are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re gathering with family or friends, they’re perfect for sharing a delightful meal together. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these delectable dishes!
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.