Deliciously Sweet: The Best Mexican Dessert Recipes for Every Occasion

When it comes to the richness of Mexican gastronomy, it's not just about savory delights like tacos and guacamole. The Aztec country boasts a delightful array of sweet dishes that add the perfect finishing touch to any culinary experience.
Let's explore the world of the most iconic and popular Mexican desserts and also the best Mexican dessert recipes for every occasion, a treasure trove that, when combined with its variety of cocktails, makes Mexican gastronomy one of the most famous, tasty and unique in the world. Deliciously sweet.

Best Traditional Mexican Desserts

Jericallas

In the vibrant city of Guadalajara, the tantalizing blend of milk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon gives birth to Jericallas. A delightful marriage of the famed flan and crème brûlée recipes, these treats showcase a Mexican twist that sets them apart as a must-try dessert.

Rice Pudding

While rice pudding is enjoyed worldwide, in Mexico, it holds a special place in the heart of gastronomy. A comforting combination of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, this dessert transcends borders, making it a cherished part of Mexican culinary traditions.

Buñuelos

It may be the most known among the traditional Mexican desserts. Originating in Spain and embraced by Mexico, Buñuelos are golden tortillas crafted from dough enriched with water, milk, egg, or yeast, coupled with sugar and cinnamon. The popular Mexican version, featuring lard instead of olive oil, adds a distinctive flavor to this traditional dessert.

Flan de Rompope

Though not native to Mexico, flan has woven itself into the fabric of Mexican desserts and gastronomy. What makes Flan de Rompope distinctly Mexican is the ability to infuse it with ingredients like banana, cheese, corn, or cajeta, creating a diverse and delicious dessert.

Corn Bread

A gift from Mexico, Pan de Elote is a delicious cornbread made from corn kernels, eggs, baking powder, butter, sugar, and flour. The variations across cities showcase the regional creativity and flavors that make this dessert a unique culinary experience.

Tequila-Flamed Plantains

Originally from New Orleans but adopted and transformed by Mexico, Tequila-Flamed Plantains are a signature and traditional Mexican dessert that pays homage to the iconic Mexican spirit. Bananas flambéed with tequila create a sweet and spirited finale, a true celebration of Mexican culture.

Carlota de Limón

This refreshing Mexican no-bake dessert, Carlota de Limón, features alternating layers of crumbled Maria cookies with cream made from lime juice and milk. Traditionally served during Easter and Christmas, this flavorful treat adds a burst of citrusy goodness to the dessert table.

Marranitos

Marranitos, or puerquitos, are adorable pig-shaped sweet breads from Mexico. Infused with ginger, these small cakes are made with flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and other delightful ingredients and baked until golden brown. They pair perfectly with milk or hot chocolate.

Bionico

Originating from Guadalajara, Bionico is a popular Mexican street food fruit dessert-cocktail. Chopped fruits like papaya, apples, cantaloupe, banana, and strawberries are topped with a sweet cream mixture, granola, pecans, raisins, and desiccated coconut. Invented in the early 1990s, this dessert has become a healthy and delicious breakfast option.

Cocadas

Among the most popular Mexican desserts, here they come the cocadas. With hints of Spanish gastronomy, Mexican Cocadas are sweet coconut treats originating from Colima. Made with grated coconut, sugar, eggs, and water, these soft and chewy delights have variations that have spread to every region of Latin America.

Platáno Frito

A simple and delicious side dish, Platáno Frito involves frying ripe plantains until golden brown. Popular in coastal areas and other Latin American countries, it can also be served as a dessert, topped with Mexican crumbly cheese, sour cream, or condensed milk.

Coyotas

Invented in Hermosillo, Sonora, in the 19th century, Coyotas are one of the iconic traditional Mexican desserts cookies filled with piloncillo, unrefined Mexican sugar. Best enjoyed with coffee or tea, these cookies can be paired with ice cream or dipped in milk.

Jamoncillo

Jamoncillo, a Mexican fudge made with caramelized milk, offers a delightful blend of sweetness and a fudgy texture. With variations including nuts and flavorings like vanilla and cinnamon, this treat is a crowd-pleaser.

Capirotada

A traditional Mexican bread pudding, Capirotada combines toasted bread, nuts, fruits, cinnamon, brown sugar, sweet syrup, and cheese. Rooted in pre-colonial Spain, it has evolved into a cherished dessert during Lent, closely associated with the Mexican culinary heritage.

Churros

Indulge in the classic delight of churros if you're craving a crispy and sweet treat. These Mexican favorites are a perfect companion for a dip in hot chocolate. Crafting churros involves piping dough into hot oil, creating golden sticks that are then generously coated with a blend of cinnamon and sugar. The end result is a satisfyingly crunchy and delicious dessert that's ideal for sharing.

Chongos Zamoranos

Prepared with raw milk, egg yolks, and rennet tablets, Chongos Zamoranos is a Mexican dessert featuring curds flavored with cinnamon and sugar. Traditionally served in earthenware clay pots, this unique dessert has its origins in colonial-era convents in the town of Zamora.

Best Mexican Dessert Recipes

Now that you know the tantalizing tales of Mexican desserts, it's time for our hands to get dirty in the art of crafting these culinary treasures: our most-wanted Mexican dessert recipes for every occasion, tooth, and palate!
Get ready to infuse your kitchen with the vibrant flavors of Mexico as we unravel the secrets behind traditional, best, and popular Mexican dessert recipes.
Let's go!

1. Jericallas

• 2 cups of milk
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Heat the oven up to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into individual ramekins or a baking dish.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until set and golden.
5. Allow to cool before serving these delightful Jericallas, a perfect blend of flan and crème brûlée.

2. Buñuelos

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Oil for frying
• Cinnamon and sugar for dusting

1. In a bowl, combine flour, warm water, egg, sugar, and baking powder to form a dough.
2. Roll the dough into thin circles and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
3. Dust with cinnamon and sugar while still warm for an authentic Buñuelos experience.

3. Cocadas

• 3 cups grated coconut
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• Optional: cloves, vanilla, or almond extract

1. Mix grated coconut, sugar, eggs, and water in a bowl.
2. Add optional flavorings for a personalized touch.
3. Shape into small treats and bake at 325°F (165°C) until golden brown.
4. Enjoy these Cocadas, a tropical delight with a Mexican twist.

4. Marranitos

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Mix flour, molasses, butter, buttermilk, baking powder, and cinnamon to form a dough.
2. Shape into pig figures and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
3. Pair with milk or hot chocolate for a delightful Marranitos experience.

5. Chongos

• 4 cups raw milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 2 Rennet tablets
• Cinnamon and sugar syrup for topping

1. Warm raw milk and add egg yolks, stirring continuously.
2. Introduce rennet tablets and let the mixture curdle.
3. Once set, top with cinnamon and sugar syrup.
4. Revel in the elegance of Chongos Zamoranos, a refined Mexican dessert.

6. Churros

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. In a saucepan, simmer water, butter, and salt to create the foundation for our culinary overture.
2. Stir in flour, conducting a harmonious blend until the composition is smooth and cohesive.
3. Introduce eggs one at a time, enhancing the mixture with the sweet melody of vanilla extract.
4. Heat vegetable oil for frying, creating golden churros that will be a sweet note in our dessert symphony.
5. Coat the fried churros in a sugar-cinnamon finale, elevating the symphony of flavors.

These Mexican Desserts Recipes are really for every occasion

In summary, these Mexican dessert recipes beckon you on an enticing voyage through the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that define Mexican gastronomy. Whether delighting in the iconic Tequila-Flamed Plantains or relishing the refreshing notes of Carlota de Limón, each dessert serves as a jubilant ode to Mexico's lively culinary legacy. Take a sweet detour into the deliciously sweet side of Mexican cuisine and recipes, indulging your palate in the vibrant symphony of tastes that these ideas and solutions can offer.Enjoy!