Best Mexican Dessert Recipes

Erik Serrano

When it comes to Mexican food, we can't get enough -- enchiladas, tamales, tacos, beans, and rice -- we love traditional Mexican main dishes and sides. But don't sleep on Mexican desserts! Because over the centuries, Mexican cooks have mastered the sweet side of dinner, too. You'll love these top-rated recipes for classic Mexican desserts like tres leches cake, fabulous flan, and corn cake, plus refreshing fruit pops, and maybe a few surprises. Take a look!

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Impossible Cake

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So delicious, it's almost impossible to believe. "This cake has a reputation!" says crema, the recipe creator. "A sweet and tempting caramel is drizzled into a greased Bundt pan, followed by a gorgeous smooth mixture for a moist and rich chocolate cake and a layer of flan. Serve topped with more melted cajeta if you wish."

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Mexican Tres Leches Cake (Pastel de 3 Leches)

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"Super moist and delicious, this cake is easy to make and will be the talk of your next party!" says mega. "In Spanish, pastel de 3 leches literally means 'cake made with three milks,' and this classic Mexican cake is soaked in just that (sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream)."

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Churros

Laura Y

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"These Mexican fritters are very common at fairs," says Delia. "In my border hometown, the line at this stand is always overwhelming. People wait hours in line just to get a taste of these churros. I have run across several recipes but this is the best one by far."

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Marranitos (Mexican Pig-Shaped Cookies)

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"Marranitos (or cochinos, or puerquitos, as they are called in some Mexican-American communities) are often called 'Gingerbread Pigs,' although they don't actually have ginger in them—and no cinnamon either," says recipe creator Tabitha Wilson. "In fact, traditional marranitos get their delicious spicy-brown goodness from molasses. This recipe is a trans-pecos region variation, it uses the non-traditional addition of cinnamon."

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Sweet Orange Tamales

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These sweet dessert tamales are made with orange, almonds, and raisins. Recipe submitter AnaMaría recommends choosing "extra sweet ripe oranges for the best flavor."

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Flan Mexicano (Mexican Flan)

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"This recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, who is from Durango, Mexico," says Amy Shurts. "I added orange zest, but the original recipe calls for just pure vanilla. You can use almond extract as well."

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Watermelon-Mint Paletas

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Nothing beats frozen fruit pops on a hot summer day. "Great aroma and refreshing taste," says DMax. "Going to make another batch right away. These won't last long."

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Bunuelos

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Bunuelos are rounds of fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar. Recipe reviewer rarivera says, "I remember white table cloths everywhere with bunuelos drying and then ready to fry. The cinnamon and sugar aroma in the air...My mom's were the best and this recipe is it. She always made from scratch and I am pleased to now have the recipe."

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Pastel de Elote (Mexican Corn Cake)

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"A delicious and moist Mexican cake made with fresh sweet corn kernels and sweetened with condensed milk," says Elva_Adriana. "A traditional recipe from the state of Jalisco."

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Arroz con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding)

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This simple rice pudding is made the traditional Mexican way, with both whole and evaporated milk and a touch of cinnamon. "This recipe was the closest to my grandmothers style of arroz con leche," says MsMichelleBelle. "All of the other recipes call for raisins. I also didn’t add sugar, I used condensed milk. This recipe was easy and delicious!"

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Polvorones de Canele (Cinnamon Cookies)

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"Anytime I go to Texas I search out these cinnamon cookies from local Mexican bakeries," says ZENFIDEL. "I tried this recipe and it was just like those in the Lone Star State. I'm so glad to finally make these in my own home."

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Rosca de Reyes

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"This traditional holiday Mexican bread is a bit time-consuming, but absolutely worth the effort," says repostera. Rosca de Reyes translates as "Kings' Wreath."

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More Mexican Recipes and Inspiration

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12 Traditional Mexican Dessert Recipes

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Impossible Cake

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Mexican Tres Leches Cake (Pastel de 3 Leches)

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Churros

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Marranitos (Mexican Pig-Shaped Cookies)

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Sweet Orange Tamales

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Flan Mexicano (Mexican Flan)

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Watermelon-Mint Paletas

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Bunuelos

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Pastel de Elote (Mexican Corn Cake)

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Arroz con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding)

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Polvorones de Canele (Cinnamon Cookies)

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Rosca de Reyes

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More Mexican Recipes and Inspiration

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