12 Mexican Desserts You Have to Make at Least Once

There’s something about Mexican desserts that hits the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and just a little bit indulgent. From airy cakes soaked in syrup to crispy pastries and creamy chilled treats, these recipes show just how much variety you can find beyond the usual suspects.

A few are great for summer, others feel right at home during the holidays, and all of them are simple enough to try at home. Whether you’re craving something warm, fruity, or chocolatey, there’s a dessert here to match the mood.

Flan de Queso (Cheesecake Flan)

This rich and silky flan gets an extra layer of flavor from cream cheese, which gives it a slightly tangy edge and denser texture than traditional flan. It’s baked in a water bath for that perfectly smooth finish and topped with a glossy caramel sauce.

Get the Recipe: Flan de Queso

Fresas con Crema (Mexican Strawberries and Cream)

This chilled dessert layers fresh sliced strawberries with a creamy mix of sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of vanilla. It comes together in minutes and is especially refreshing during warm weather.

Get the Recipe: Fresas con Crema

Tres Leches Cake

This ultra-moist cake is soaked in three kinds of milk—evaporated, sweetened condensed, and heavy cream—giving every bite a melt-in-your-mouth texture. A simple whipped topping keeps it light, and a sprinkle of cinnamon brings warmth.

Get the Recipe: Tres Leches Cake

Mexican Wedding Cookies

These buttery cookies are packed with finely chopped pecans and coated in powdered sugar, giving them their classic snowball look. They’re tender, crumbly, and make a great small bite alongside coffee.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Wedding Cookies

Churros

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these churros are fried until golden and dusted with cinnamon sugar. The rich chocolate sauce is spiced with cinnamon and a touch of chili powder for extra depth.

Get the Recipe: Churros

Sweet Tamales

These soft, fluffy tamales are made with masa and filled with ingredients like cinnamon, raisins, or pineapple, depending on your taste. They’re steamed in corn husks and served warm, sometimes with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Tamales

Chocoflan

This striking two-layer dessert features a layer of rich chocolate cake topped with silky flan, baked together in one pan. Thanks to a fun flip that happens while baking, the layers switch places in the oven.

Get the Recipe: Chocoflan

Mango Chili Paletas (Popsicles)

These frozen pops blend ripe mango with lime juice and a sprinkle of Tajín or chili powder, offering a mix of sweet, tart, and spicy in every bite. They’re bright, bold, and perfect for a hot day.

Get the Recipe: Mango Chili Paletas

Mexican Rice Pudding

This creamy rice pudding is simmered with cinnamon sticks and sweetened condensed milk for richness and comfort. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top finishes it off simply.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice Pudding

Pan de Elote Mexicano (Mexican Sweet Corn Cake)

This tender cake is made with cornmeal and creamed corn, giving it a soft texture and subtle sweetness that’s especially good with a drizzle of honey. It’s baked in a cast iron skillet for crisp edges.

Get the Recipe: Pan de Elote Mexicano

Cortadillo (Mexican Pink Cake)

This soft, sheet-style cake is topped with bright pink icing and colorful sprinkles, often found in Mexican panaderías. The texture is moist and fluffy, and the vibrant look makes it especially fun for parties.

Get the Recipe: Cortadillo

Orejas (Puff Pastry Elephant Ears)

These puff pastry cookies are folded into their signature ear shape and baked until golden and crisp. A sugar coating caramelizes during baking for a crunchy, sweet finish.

Get the Recipe: Orejas