Mexico boasts a cuisine so exceptional that it’s been recognized as a “UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.”1
One of the most enticing aspects of this culinary heritage is undoubtedly its desserts. Mexico has many delicious desserts, from smooth and creamy sweets to crispy snacks and cold treats. There are many flavors and things to try, so get ready for something yummy!
1. Flan
A creamy custard dessert with a caramel topping. It’s smooth, rich, and melts in your mouth. It is often flavored with vanilla, but you can also find variations like coffee or coconut flan.
2. Fresas con Crema
Fresh strawberries served with a sweetened cream. It’s a simple yet refreshing dessert, perfect for hot days or as a light ending to a meal. The cream is often made with Mexican crema, a thick cream similar to sour cream but with a sweeter flavor.
3. Empanadas de Cajeta (Caramel-Filled Empanadas)
Sweet pastries filled with cajeta, a thick caramel sauce made from goat’s milk. The empanadas are baked until golden brown and flaky, and the filling is rich and gooey. They are a popular dessert in many parts of Mexico.
4. Mazapán (Mexican Marzipan)
A confection made from ground almonds, sugar, and sometimes egg whites. It’s often molded into various shapes like fruits, animals, or even miniature people. Mexican mazapán tends to be softer and less dense than some other types of marzipan.
5. Marranitos
Gingerbread cookies shaped like little pigs. They are spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, giving them a warm and comforting flavor. Marranitos are often decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles.
6. Cortadillos
Traditional sugar cookies. They are crispy and buttery, with a delicate sweetness. Cortadillos are often cut into festive shapes and decorated with colorful sugar or sprinkles.
7. Mantecadas
Small sponge cakes similar to muffins or cupcakes. They are light and fluffy, with a subtle sweetness. Mantecadas are often flavored with vanilla or lemon and sometimes include pieces of candied fruit.
8. Conchas
Sweet bread rolls with a crunchy topping that resembles a seashell. The topping is made from sugar, butter, and flour, and the bread itself is soft and fluffy. Conchas are often enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.
9. Panqué de Nuez (Mexican Walnut Cake)
A dense, moist cake generously studded with walnuts. It’s often flavored with cinnamon and sometimes a splash of rum or orange liqueur. This cake is perfect for special occasions and pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
10. Plátanos Fritos (Mexican Fried Bananas)
Slices of ripe plantain (a type of banana) coated in cinnamon sugar and then fried until golden and caramelized. They are warm, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
Often served as a dessert or snack, sometimes drizzled with condensed milk or honey for extra sweetness.
11. Jericalla
A custardy dessert similar to flan but with a unique burnt top. It’s made with milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. The burnt top adds a subtle caramelized flavor that complements the creamy custard base.
12. Pastel de Tres Leches (Three Milk Cake)
A sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This soaking process results in a moist, incredibly flavorful cake.
It’s often topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, creating a light and refreshing yet decadent dessert.
13. Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)
These are thin, crispy, and buttery cookies often flavored with cinnamon and sometimes a hint of anise. They are known for their delicate, flaky texture and subtle sweetness.
Hojarascas are enjoyed year-round but are especially popular during the Christmas season.
14. Raspados (Shaved Ice)
A refreshing frozen treat made from shaved ice and flavored with a wide variety of syrups, from traditional fruit flavors like tamarind or mango to more unique options like rompope (Mexican eggnog) or chamoy (a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce).
Raspados are often topped with fresh fruit, condensed milk, and sometimes even a scoop of ice cream.
15. Buñuelos
Buñuelos are thin, crispy fritters made from a simple dough of flour, eggs, and sometimes a bit of sugar and baking powder.
The dough is rolled out thinly, cut into various shapes (often discs or triangles), and then deep-fried until golden brown.They are a popular treat during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
These desserts are all beloved in Mexican cuisine and offer a wide range of flavors and textures to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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