When you think of Mexico there are probably some traditional desserts you think of immediately. You may think of Churros, Sopapillas, or Flan.
Mexico is a big country and has a wide variety of dessert options. Here we have 17 of the most popular Mexican Desserts from Churros to Buñuelos, Ice Cream to Hot Chocolate, and more.
Whether you are looking for dessert for just one, your family, or a party full of people, these recipes can be adapted to fit any size group.
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17 Mexican Dessert Recipes
These 17 Mexican Dessert Recipes come from all regions of Mexico. Whether you are looking for something warm or cold, cake or pudding, these recipes offer something for everyone.
1. Flan
Flan began its life as a popular dessert in Spain. It came with the Spanish to the new world and developed flavors unique to Central and South America.
Try one of these great flans next time you are hosting Taco Tuesday. You can make one large flan or make individual custard dish flans. Serve with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
2. Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche is a sauce popular as both a dessert by itself as well as with churros, sopapillas, and buñuelos. Dulce de leche can also be mixed with warm milk for a hot drink.
Dulce de leche is easy to make and so versatile it is a great dessert to keep in your fridge for emergencies. Make your ice cream or cake special by adding dulce de leche on top or on the side.
3. Churros
Churros are one of Mexico’s most popular dessert options. These delicious fried dough sticks are covered in cinnamon sugar and often served with chocolate, dulce de leche, or caramel sauce.
Despite their reputation, churros are actually quite easy to make. The biggest mistake most make is over-kneading the dough. The good news is that Gluten Free Churros cannot be over-kneaded since Gluten getting over-kneaded is the problem.
4. Tres Leches Cake
Tres Leches is a popular and creamy dessert option. This dessert is one of the easiest to make. You can make one or more large cakes, or you can make smaller cupcake sized cakes.
Tres Leches is often served with fresh fruit on the side. This cake is a great choice if you are going to a party because it is easy to make it ahead of time.
5. Sopapillas
If you have been to a Mexican Restaurant, you may think that Sopapillas are cinnamon sugar covered tortillas. These are actually closer to Buñuelos. Sopapillas are more like New Orleans Beignets.
Sopapillas are pillow-like and sweet. They can be stuffed but are often not stuffed. Instead, they are eaten by tearing off a corner and spreading butter, honey, and/or sauce on or inside.
6. Buñuelos (Mexican Cinnamon Sugar Fry Bread)
Buñuelos are a Mexican Cinnamon Sugar Fry Bread. They are very similar to elephant ears. They can be soft like an elephant ear or crunchy like the “sopapillas” in many Mexican restaurants.
Buñuelos can be eaten plain or with sauces like those served with churros or sopapillas.
7. Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones)
Mexican Wedding Cookies can be eaten any time of the year, not just at weddings. They are easy to make and you can make dozens of them ahead of time if you are in charge of dessert at a party.
Mexican Wedding Cookies are often eaten alone. However, they can be served beside a bowl of ice cream or with a dipping sauce.
8. Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche)
Rice Pudding is another delicious Mexican Dessert. Known as Arroz con Leche, Mexican Rice Pudding can be both a dessert and a breakfast item.
In addition, Rice Pudding is great for a party because it can be made and served hot, or it can be made ahead of time and served cold.
9. Dessert Empanada
When you think of Empanadas you probably think of meat, bean, or cheese-stuffed empanadas. However, they are also a popular dessert option.
Pineapple Empanadas are the most common, but any fruit can be used as a substitute. If you choose a fruit like a mango, it is common to add a sprinkle of chile pepper or Tajin seasoning.
10. Mexican Sweet Bread (Conchas)
Conchas or Mexican Sweet Bread is a common celebration bread in Mexico. It can be served with breakfast or as a dessert.
While Pan Dulce (Sweet Bread) is often shaped like conchas (shells), it does not have to be. Conchas or Pan Dulce are sometimes served with coffee or hot chocolate.
11. Paletas (Popsicles)
Paletas is the name for popsicles in Mexico. Mexican Paletas are typically made with tropical fruits; pineapple, mango and chile, coconut, and more.
You can also make Mexican Chocolate Paletas, Horchata Paletas, or use any other fruit you enjoy. Paletas are not usually served with anything. They are great for an outdoor party where people may be moving around.
12. Mexican Ice Cream (Helado)
Helado is a popular Mexican dessert. Helado Frito, or fried ice cream, is a US-Mexican creation. In Mexico, it is more common to find tropical fruit flavors as well as classic flavors.
Ice cream is a great party dessert. You can serve it with churros, dessert empanadas, or toppings and sauces.
13. Bionicos (Mexican Dessert Fruit Salad)
Fresh Fruit is popular all over Central and South America. It is served with every meal. Bionicos is a Mexican Dessert-Style Fruit Salad.
It is usually made with mango, pineapple, cantaloupe, and cream. You can substitute fruits in and out and customize this recipe to fit your needs. Bionicos can be served with ice cream or on the side of rice pudding.
14. Platanos Fritos (Fried Sweet Plantains)
Fried Plantains are another popular fruit-based dessert. Platanos Maduros (or Mature Sweet Plantains) are used. They are often panned or deep-fried.
They can be served with whipped cream, ice cream, or rice pudding. Sometimes they are cooked in brown sugar and cinnamon seasoning. They can be topped with chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche sauce.
15. Mexican-Inspired Cupcakes
If you are headed to a party and want something easy and Mexican-Inspired try these cupcakes. Rumchata Cupcakes are taste like horchata in cupcake form.
Mexican Chocolate Cupcakes are great served with Mexican Hot Chocolate or Horchata. Churro Cupcakes are a great way to get the churro taste without all the calories of fried dough.
16. Mexican Brownies
Fans of Mexican Chocolate will love Mexican Brownies. You can make a bunch for a party or cut them up and freeze them for yourself.
These delicious brownies with a hint of spice are easy to make and can be made ahead of time if necessary. Serve with a scoop of ice cream and some fresh fruit.
17. Dessert Drinks: Mexican Hot Chocolate or Horchata
Two popular drinks that also serve as desserts are Mexican Hot Chocolate and Horchata. You can serve these drinks with your meal, with another dessert, or as a dessert of their own.
Hot Chocolate is great in the wintertime and Horchata, which is iced, is great for the summer. If you are serving them with a Mexican Brunch, you can even throw in a shot or two of coffee and turn them into a Mexican Mocha and a Horchata Latte.
Wrap Up
There you have it, 17 easy and delicious Mexican Dessert Ideas. Now you are prepared for any Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or Mexican Independence Day party.
Enjoy trying these delicious dishes with your friends and family. Whether you are looking for something to warm the winter or cool the summer, these recipes are good to go. Happy cooking and happy eating!
17 Mexican Dessert Recipes
Ingredients
- Flan
- Dulce de Leche
- Churros
- Tres Leches Cake
- Sopapillas
- Buñuelos (Mexican Cinnamon Sugar Fry Bread)
- Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones)
- Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche)
- Dessert Empanada
- Mexican Sweet Bread (Conchas)
- Paletas (Popsicles)
- Mexican Ice Cream (Helado)
- Bionicos (Mexican Dessert Fruit Salad)
- Platanos Fritos (Fried Sweet Plantains)
- Mexican-Inspired Cupcakes
- Mexican Brownies
- Dessert Drinks: Mexican Hot Chocolate or Horchata
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prepare and enjoy in 30 minutes or less!