In our opinion, a good party always ends with a delicious dessert, which is why we’re sharing 25 Cinco de Mayo desserts from traditional to Mexican-inspired and from showstopping to seriously easy!
What Is Cinco De Mayo?
By now, you likely know that Cinco de Mayo is a day to commemorate the Battle of Puebla and that it’s celebrated very differently in Mexico than here in the United States. We don’t endorse cultural appropriation or being disrespectful of the Mexican culture ever; however, we always love any chance to celebrate Mexico. So, on May 5th, we feel it’s worth cooking up a spread of Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo, even if you’re celebrating here in the United States.Â
We’ve shared a selection of Mexican-inspired dishes for a Cinco de Mayo menu and, of course, have a selection of many margaritas for your to choose from. But this time, we’re narrowing in on dessert.
25 Cinco De Mayo DessertsÂ
So, here are more than 25 Cinco de Mayo dessert recipes — some traditional Mexican desserts and others inspired by Mexico — worthy next Cinco de Mayo party:
Classic Mexican Sweets
Even though the way we celebrate the holiday is definitely not traditional, you can still whip up some traditional Mexican desserts for the occasion:Â
Arroz Con Leche
Gluten-Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian
One of the easiest Cinco de Mayo desserts on this list, this rice pudding combines rice, cinnamon, and orange peel for a comforting classic.Â
Arroz Con Leche Recipe from Familia Kitchen
Buñuelos
Nut Free, Vegetarian
One of the most traditional desserts you’ll see as a part of Mexican Christmas foods, these crisp fritters are one of the sweet treats that’s key to Mexican culture.Â
Buñuelos Recipe from Serious Eats
Chocoflan
Vegetarian
We’re just going to say it: we think chocoflan doesn’t get the attention it deserves! With a layer of Mexican chocolate cake topped with flan and caramel, it’s one of the traditional Mexican dishes that should be on everyone’s must-make list.Â
Chocoflan from Marcela Valladolid for Food Network
Churros
Gluten-Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian
Homemade churros may seem intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, the final product is nothing short of amazing.Â
Churros from Snixy Kitchen
Cocadas
Gluten-Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian
These Mexican take-on coconut macaroons are super popular in Mexico but are lesser-known stateside. As far as delicious dessert recipes go, these top the list!
Cocadas from Spruce Eats
Conchas
Nut Free, Vegetarian
Okay, yes, the most common time you will see this traditional Mexican treat eaten is during breakfast, along with some hot cafe de olla. But they are really delicious anytime of day, which is why we’re including them in our list of delicious Cinco de Mayo desserts.Â
Conchas from Isabel Eats
Flan
Gluten-Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian
We can bet that, even if your local Mexican restaurant has no proper dessert menu, they still serve a version of this classic creamy flan.Â
Flan Napolitano from Pati Jinich
Jericallas
Gluten-Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian
If you’ve read up on the classic food from Guadalajara, then you know that this Mexican custard recipe hails from that part of Mexico. It’s similar to flan but is not topped with caramel sauce, is baked in individual ramekins, and often is blackened on the top.Â
Jericallas from In Mama Maggie’s Kitchen
Lime Ice Pops
Nut Free, Vegetarian
On this list of Mexican inspired dessert, these make-ahead lime paletas may be the easiest to make. They’re made by the paleta queen, Fany Gerson, and are inspired by Mexican lime pie complete with crushed cookies!
Lime Pie Ice Pops by Fany Gerson from The Kitchn
Mangonada
Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian
Anyone of Mexican heritage can attest that the mangonada is a must-eat summertime sweet. Made with pureed mango or mango sorbet layered with chamoy, it’s sweet, spicy, and refreshing all at once and it tops our list of easy Cinco de Mayo desserts.
Mangonada from New York Times
Marranitos Cookies
Nut Free, Vegetarian
Classic marranitos are buttery cookies with warm spices akin to a gingerbread cookie. Here recipe genius Rick Martinez gives them a chocolate twist with cocoa powder and a chocolate dip. If you’re looking to make Cinco de Mayo cookies, these should be it!
Marranitos from Food52
Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Nut Free, Vegetarian
Okay, the truth is a fair amount of Mexican-inspired dessert recipes are fried, which may not be ideal for your next Cinco de Mayo celebration. Enter this take on Mexican fried ice cream that isn’t actually fried!
Mexican Fried Ice Cream from House Of Yumm
Polvorones
There are two common types of these Mexican sugar cookies: one with nuts and powdered sugar (aka Mexican Wedding Cookies) and this type with sprinkles that’s also known as Galletas Grageas! We’re going the sprinkles route for a holiday as festive as Cinco de Mayo.Â
Polvorones from Chicano Eats
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Nut Free, Vegetarian
We’re always game for this classic Mexican dessert and love that this is seasonal with fresh strawberries!
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake from ¡Hola! Jalapeño
Modern Mexican-Inspired Desserts
Now for some recipes that are by no means traditional to Mexico but by all means are delicious!
Carlota de Limón (Lime Icebox Cake)
Nut Free, Vegetarian
If the weather is already warm where you are, turn to this sweet-tart icebox cake for dessert.
Carlota de Limón (Lime Icebox Cake) from Lemon BlossomsÂ
Churro Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache
Nut Free, Vegetarian
Raise the bar on this Mexican holiday with these churro cupcakes. They are one of the more technical recipes on this list so give yourself plenty of time to make them. But know the result is that they’ll top the list of Cinco de Mayo desserts!
Churro Cupcakes from King Arthur Baking
Coffee And Chocolate Donuts
Nut Free, Vegetarian
Sugary yeasted donuts filled with melted chocolate and coffee custard? What’s not to love!
Coffee Chocolate Donuts from Limon y Sal
Conchas Ice Cream Sandwiches
Nut Free, Vegetarian
Another perfect dessert from Rick Martinez, here conchas sandwich vanilla ice cream and get served with hot chocolate sauce and fresh berries.Â
Ice Cream Sandwich Conchas from Food52
Homemade Chocotacos
Vegetarian
Okay, let’s be real: the only things these nostalgic treats have in common with Mexican is that they’re called tacos. But we still think they’d be an incredible addition to a Cinco de Mayo menu.Â
Homemade Chocotacos by A Cozy Kitchen
Horchata Granita
Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
If the weather is warm in your neck of the woods, we say make this twist on classic granita that’s topped with seasonal fresh strawberries!
Horchata Granita from Kitchen Konfidence
Margarita Cupcakes
Nut Free,Vegetarian
That’s right! This is a classic margarita in cupcake form. Trust us that you’ll be very popular if you bring these to the party!
Margarita Cupcakes from Sally’s Baking Addiction
Spiced Mexican Chocolate Pie
Nut Free, Vegetarian
​A coconut cream pie gets extra decadent with some spiced Mexican chocolate flavors for a winner of a sweet.
Spiced Mexican Chocolate Coconut Pie from Salt & Wind Travel
Strawberry Tamales
Gluten Free, Vegetarian
We love making our own tamales but dessert tamales seem to fly under the radar of most. Make this pink-hued version topped with strawberries for a seasonal treat.
Strawberry Tamales from ¡Hola! Jalapeño
Sweet Potato Tamales With Chocolate Sauce
Gluten Free, Vegetarian
​Or make a brown sugar and sweet potato tamale that’s topped with rich flavor of a spicy, sweet, chocolate sauce.Â
Sweet Potato Tamales from Salt & Wind Travel
Cinnamon and Tequila Hot Chocolate
Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian
​Speaking of, if chocolate is your love language but you don’t want to make a full dessert, whip up this decadent spiked hot chocolate made with heavy cream, cinnamon, and tequila.
Cinnamon and Tequila Hot Chocolate from Salt & Wind Travel
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Opening Photo Credit: Concha Mexican Baked Good By J. Anthony
