Ultimate Guide to the Top 22 Best Mexican Desserts

Desserts from Mexico are some of the most delicious treats around! From tres leches cake to decadent churros, these recipes will have you wanting more.

Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or an indulgent treat, there’s a perfect dessert for any occasion.

If you’re looking for more Mexican delicacies, check out these Delicious Mexican Appetizers or my personal pick of the Top 10 Mexican Soups.

But for now, let’s get baking and explore all the sweet possibilities Mexico offers! With these 22 delicious desserts, you’ll surely find your favorite in no time.

Churros

Churros are a classic Mexican dessert found at nearly any eatery or street corner. They’re fried dough pastries, usually long and twisted, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, and served warm.

One of the most popular recipes is Churros de chocolate – churros filled with rich melted chocolate –, but there’s also Churros con crema, deep-fried Calabaza frita filled with cream, and even Chocolate caliente – hot liquid chocolate to dip your churro in.

These delicious treats have been around for centuries, delighting generations of families who enjoy them as part of traditional celebrations or just for an after-dinner treat.

No matter how you eat them, it’s hard not to love their crispy exterior, sweet flavor from the sugar and cinnamon coating, and the warmth of the fluffy pastry.

So why not indulge yourself today by trying one (or more!) of these tasty desserts? You can for example check out my Disneyland Churros Recipe!

Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Its name translates to “three milks” cake, and it’s typically made with three different kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.

The combination of these ingredients gives the cake its signature creamy texture. There are several variations of the traditional tres leches recipe, including modern takes like gluten-free versions or cakes topped with fresh fruit.

For those looking to try something new, many varieties of tres leches desserts are available from pastry shops in Mexico, such as ice creams, cupcakes, pies, and more. With so many delicious recipes, you can easily find one that suits your taste buds!

Whether you want a classic take on this timeless treat or an exciting spinoff of the original flavor profile – Tres Leches Cake offers endless possibilities for all sweet tooth cravings.

Mexican Flan

Mexican Flan is a true staple of Mexican cuisine. This delectable treat has many variations, utilizing different cooking techniques and ingredients to create unique flavors. With its creamy texture and balanced sweetness, this classic dish can be adapted to suit any dietary preference or cultural influence.

The base for most flan recipes includes sugar, eggs, milk, and cream – all essential components of the sweet custard-like mixture that gives the dessert its signature flavor. To make it even more special, cooks often add ingredients such as vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, or nutmeg to give it extra depth.

Additionally, some choose to top their flans with fruit or caramel sauce for added sweetness. No matter how you prepare your flan, one thing is sure – each bite will leave you wanting more!

Arroz Con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding)

Arroz con Leche is a sweet and creamy treat that combines the pleasant flavor of arroz horneado, arroz tamal, or even arroz caliente with evaporated milk and condensed milk for an irresistible combination.

It’s incredibly easy to make so you can easily whip up this popular favorite in no time. To create your own delicious version of Arroz con Leche combine cooked rice with leche evaporada and leche condensada, bring it all together in one pot and let simmer until thickened.

Serve warm or cold with cinnamon sprinkled on top – perfection! Enjoying this delightful Mexican favorite is easy when you know how to prepare it properly.

Pastel De Elote (Corn Cake)

Nothing quite says Mexican desserts like Pastel de Elote! This sweet corn cake is a beloved dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

It’s made with fresh sweetcorn, and other ingredients such as corn fritters, popcorn balls and even corn syrup bring out its unique flavor. The addition of crushed corn tortillas also gives it an extra crunch.

Not only does this dessert look delicious – it tastes absolutely divine too! Its creamy texture melts in your mouth for an unforgettable experience. Whether served alone or topped with vanilla ice cream, you won’t regret this classic Mexican treat.

Empanadas De Calabaza (Pumpkin Empanadas)

Empanadas de Calabaza, or Pumpkin Empanadas, is a delicious Mexican dessert that makes for an excellent holiday treat.

They combine two classic desserts – pumpkin pie and empanada fillings – into one delightful package!

The recipe starts with a simple dough made of flour, lard, salt, and water.

Fill it with dulce de calabaza (a type of squash muffin) and spice it with cinnamon and nutmeg.

After cooking the empanada to perfection in the oven, serve it with traditional accompaniments like crema Mexicana and calabaza ice cream.

This scrumptious dish will bring sweet flavors of Mexico to your table this season!

Cocadas (Coconut Candy)

Cocadas, or coconut candy, are an essential part of Mexican desserts.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty treat to snack on throughout the day or want to make something special for your next dinner party, these sweets will delight all who partake in them!

From traditional coconut cookies to cocada pies and even coconut ice cream and truffles, there’s something here for everyone.

Coconut macaroons are also popular, with their crunchy texture and sweet flavor adding just the right amount of sweetness to any dessert platter.

With so many delicious options available, it’s easy to understand why cocadas have become a go-to choice when it comes time to satisfy that sweet tooth craving.

These treats aren’t only tasty – they’re sure to add some extra fun and flair to any gathering!

Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)

Capirotada is also a sweet classic Mexican dessert. To make this bread pudding, soak bread in a sugar syrup, then top it with cinnamon apples and nutmeg for an added sprinkle of flavor. It may sound simple, but this traditional treat will transport your taste buds to another world!

Usually, you cut French or Italian bread into small chunks and soak them in a warm mixture of piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) and water – but you can also use regular brown sugar.

Layer the softened bread with sliced apple pieces, toss them in ground cinnamon, and cook until caramelized. Finally, top off the whole thing with some melted butter, raisins, nuts like peanuts or almonds for crunchiness if desired, and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

You’ll be amazed at how unbelievably delicious capirotada can be!

Mazapanes (Peanut Candy)

For centuries, people have enjoyed mazapanes, a peanut candy. Crafted from a blend of roasted peanuts, sugar, and honey, these confections offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

The recipe varies regionally, with the candies often shaped into balls or discs and rolled in sugar or coconut. Mazapanes not only offer great taste but also pack a nutritional punch with nutrients like magnesium and potassium, enhancing their appeal. Elevate their flavor profile by adding spices like cinnamon and anise or incorporating dried fruits for texture.

Despite their sweet nature, when prepared with natural sweeteners, Mazapanes hold considerable nutritional value. This Mexican treat, revered for its unique flavors and nostalgic charm, continues to captivate taste buds globally.

Camotes (Sweet Potato Candy)

Camotes, or sweet potato candy, is a popular dessert in Mexican cuisine. Its traditional preparation involves boiling and mashing the potatoes before adding sugar and spices to create a rich syrup; however, there are many delicious variations of this classic treat.

For instance, you can add flavorful ingredients such as chocolate chips or applesauce to make it even more decadent. Not only are camotes an indulgent delight, but it also offers plenty of health benefits due to their high fiber content. Plus, its subtly sweet taste pairs well with other dishes like flan or cajeta.

For those looking to get creative with their recipes, there are many ways to incorporate camotes into your favorite desserts. From using them in cakes and pies to making cookies and puddings – the possibilities are endless! Whether you opt for a traditional approach or something unique and unexpected, camotes make for one delightful snack that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Jericalla (Mexican Custard)

Jericalla is another classic Mexican treat made from layers of custard, caramelized sugar syrup, and egg yolks in between slices of white bread.

While jericalla is great on its own, it can also be used to make other desserts like tres leches cake and flan.

In addition to these traditional recipes, Mexicans enjoy many cocoa-based desserts such as churros con chocolate and spiced hot chocolate. Guava sweets like jamoncillo de guayaba (guava paste) are also popular throughout the country along with mango tarts and cajeta pies.

No matter what your preference may be there’s something for everyone when exploring Mexico’s diverse range of delicious desserts!

Caramel Flan Cake

Caramel Flan Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the creamy texture of flan with a hint of caramel. This exquisite treat can be made in many variations to cater to individual tastes, and it’s an ideal way to top off any Mexican-inspired meal.

To make this classic dish, start by preparing the cake base using your favorite recipe or mix.

When ready, pour over some caramel variations such as melted dark chocolate chips or dulce de leche for extra sweetness and flavor.

Next, add layer upon layer of flan until you achieve the desired texture. For additional variety, fill each layer with different flavors like coconut milk custard or sweetened condensed milk before pouring on more egg mixture.

Finish off by topping with whipped cream and drizzling with homemade caramel sauces for added decadence.

Enjoy!

Hojarascas (Cinnamon Cookies)

Generations have enjoyed hojarascas. These cinnamon cookies, often served with coffee or hot chocolate, feature prominently in many traditional recipes across the country.

Variations of this sweet treat span across regions and feature unique flavor combinations based on local spices and ingredients. From spiced variations to plain ones, these treats serve as an important part of Mexico’s culinary heritage and provide delicious comfort when shared among friends and family.

Whether you prefer subtle hints of spice or bold flavoring, hojarascas offer something special for every palate. With their simple yet flavorful appeal, these delightful desserts will keep you coming back for more!

Carlota De Limón (Lime Icebox Cake)

Carlota de Limón, also known as a Lime Icebox Cake, is one of Mexico’s most beloved delicious desserts.

This citrusy treat can be made with a variety of crusts and fillings to suit any palate.

For the perfect lime glaze, you’ll want to use a caramelizing technique for an added richness.

The creamy variations are endless- from traditional whipped cream to lighter options like coconut or almond milk creams.

To top it all off, there are plenty of creative topping ideas that will take this sweet treat over the top!

From crushed candy cane pieces to colorful sprinkles and candied fruits—the possibilities are limitless.

With Carlota de Limón, your guests will be sure to have their taste buds tantalized!

Conchas (Sweet Bread With Shell-Like Topping)

Moving away from the bright and zesty Carlota de Limón, we now transition to something a bit sweeter – Conchas.

These Mexican sweet bread are truly unique in that they have an attractive shell-like topping made with corn flour or sugar and cinnamon.

Sweet cream conchas offer a welcoming layer of vanilla sweetness while pecan-topped ones give off an even more flavorsome texture.

Of course, chocolate-filled conchas can be found at any bakery around Mexico, providing a delicious surprise when taking a bite out of this classic treat!

Truly, there is no better way to end your dessert journey than with one of these mouthwatering pastries.

Whatever topping you choose for your next batch of Conchas, you won’t regret it – guaranteed!

Cajeta (Goat Milk Caramel)

Cajeta is a dessert that takes your taste buds on a sweet and savory journey. Rich, creamy caramel made from goat’s milk combined with the brightness of fresh fruit make this dish something to truly relish.

Whether you’re looking for an indulgent treat or an exotic twist on classic desserts, cajeta has it all! Try strawberry cajeta in crepes for breakfast or sorbete cajeta as a light summery snack. Or why not enjoy chocolate cajeta ice cream to satisfy those late-night sugar cravings?

For the adventurous palate, try topping off any dish with some homemade cajeta – it’s sure to take your meal to the next level. With its delicious flavor profile and creative potential, there are countless ways to enjoy this decadent Mexican specialty.

Galletas De Avena (Oatmeal Cookies)

Galletas de Avena – oatmeal cookies – are one of Mexico’s favorite treats that provide a delicious and healthy snack option. Oatmeal is known for its many health benefits, such as being packed with fiber and antioxidants, plus they’re incredibly easy to make! These classic Mexican cookies can be enjoyed by all dietary preferences; vegan, gluten-free, or simply traditional recipes call for few ingredients and simple preparation instructions.

If you want your galletas de avena to turn out perfect every time, follow these baking tips: use old-fashioned oats rather than quick cooking ones for optimal texture; adding nuts like almonds or walnuts will give them an extra crunch; melt butter first before incorporating into the mixture for smoother dough; finally, it may take some practice but try not to overbake them as they will become hard when cooled down.

The result? Deliciously sweet and chewy oatmeal cookies that everyone will love!

Mexican Pay De Limón (Lime Pie)

Mexican cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, and delicious desserts are no exception. From the citrus tartness of lime meringue to the sweet decadence of marquesote cake, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Generations of Mexican families have enjoyed the classic Palanquetas candy, while Panocha bread can be found at nearly any bakery in Mexico. Whether it’s a light afternoon snack or an indulgent after-dinner treat, these 22 delicious Mexican desserts will have you coming back for more!

From traditional favorites like Pay de Limón – a creamy lime pie topped with fluffy meringue – to unique creations such as Tejocotes en Almibar – candied hawthorn fruit served in syrup – each dish offers something special that reflects the diversity of Mexican culture.

With a seemingly endless array of mouthwatering options, it’s easy to see why so many people worldwide enjoy savoring the flavor of authentic Mexican food.

Calabaza En Tacha (Candied Pumpkin)

Calabaza en Tacha combines the sweet goodness of pumpkin with an array of spices and candied fruit to create a unique flavor experience.

From calabaza con chocolate to tepache de calabaza, dulce de calabaza and even calabaza en miel o leche, this traditional treat has something for everyone.

The secret is in balancing the sweetness of the cinnamon, nutmeg and other ingredients with just enough tartness from the fruits like pineapple and guava.

A trick I’ve learned over the years is to let it sit overnight so all those flavors can blend together perfectly!

Enjoying Calabaza en Tacha is an easy way to bring authentic Mexican cuisine into your home – one spoonful at a time!

Cuchuflí (Waffle Cone Filled With Dulce De Leche)

Cuchuflí is a delicacy consisting of a waffle cone filled with dulce de leche and topped with many variations, including fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even ice cream.

The unique flavor combination makes this treat irresistible to all ages! When it comes to health benefits, cuchuflí is packed with vitamins and minerals due to the use of natural ingredients like milk, sugar, and eggs. It’s also an excellent source of calcium and protein.

Traditional recipes often call for evaporated milk but modern versions can be made vegan-friendly as well. As far as flavoring goes, you can get creative by adding in extracts such as almond or vanilla; spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg; and other ingredients like sea salt or honey.

Serve them up warm along with fresh fruit slices or scoop up some delicious ice cream on top – either way, you won’t regret indulging in these sweet treats!

Fresas Con Crema (Strawberries And Cream)

Fresas con Crema is a classic Mexican dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with rich cream. This beloved treat is often served as part of a strawberry shortcake, but its versatility allows it to be used in many other delicious desserts!

A popular option is crema catalana — an egg custard topped with sugar and caramelized using a kitchen torch. Buñuelos con leche is also commonly enjoyed; these sweet fritters are flavored with cinnamon and soaked in milk for extra flavor.

Arroz con leche ice cream makes for another unique take on this traditional dish. Finally, dulce de guayaba adds even more sweetness with its creamy texture and succulent fruit flavors.

All in all, Fresas con Crema offers endless possibilities when creating your favorite Mexican treats – so get creative and enjoy!

Nicuatole (Corn Pudding)

Nicuatole, or Corn Pudding, is a Mexican dessert that has been enjoyed in various forms since ancient times. It’s made with corn masa and can be served either warm or cold depending on the time of year and preference.

The traditional recipe calls for the addition of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, anise seed, and sugar to sweeten it up. Tamales con crema, tamalitos dulces, chile con chocolate, and chalupas dulces are all variations of this delightful pudding-like dessert.

Additionally, sopapillas mexicanas can also be filled with nicuatole for a delicious treat!

Nicuatole makes for a great topping over ice cream or cake and pairs nicely with other favorite Mexican delicious desserts like flan or cajeta.

Conclusion

We’ve just explored 22 of Mexico’s most delicious desserts!

From churros to cuchuflí, tres leches cake to nicuatole, these treats will surely delight the whole family.

Plus, they’re easy enough for anyone to make at home.

So if you want a taste of Mexican culture and cuisine, look no further than this list of mouth-watering sweets.

I guarantee that with such an array of delicious desserts, everyone will be asking for seconds – so get ready for some serious compliments when you serve up one (or more!) of these scrumptious creations.