5 Easy Mexican Desserts You Can Make at Home

Embracing the rich and flavorful culinary traditions of Mexico is not just about the savory dishes like tacos or enchiladas; the sweet side of Mexican cuisine is equally enticing. Mexican desserts combine the sophistication of flavors with the simplicity of ingredients, making them accessible to home cooks at any skill level. In this article, we'll guide you through 5 easy Mexican desserts you can make at home, ensuring your culinary journey into Mexico's dessert landscape is both enjoyable and fruitful.

1. Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Churros are the quintessential Mexican street food dessert, loved for their delightful crunch and sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor. Making churros at home is easier than you might think:

• 1 cup water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for coating
• Vegetable oil for frying

To prepare:

1. Bring water, sugar, salt, and oil to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Remove from heat, and add flour all at once, stirring quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
3. Let the dough cool slightly, then fill a piping bag with a star nozzle.
4. Heat the frying oil in a deep pan. Pipe 3-4 inch churros into the oil, fry until golden brown, then transfer to paper towels to drain.
5. Roll the churros in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon while still warm.

Serve them with a rich chocolate sauce, which is simple to make:

• Heat 200ml heavy cream and 100g dark chocolate until the chocolate melts into the cream. Whisk until smooth.

✨ Note: For a more authentic Mexican flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate sauce for a slight kick.

2. Tres Leches Cake

Also known as Milk Soaked Cake, Tres Leches Cake is a sponge cake that’s soaked in three kinds of milk. Here's how to make it:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Steps:

1. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale yellow. Stir in milk and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whip egg whites to stiff peaks, gradually adding the remaining 1/4 cup sugar.
4. Fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites, then sift and fold in the flour mixture.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. After baking, poke holes in the cake with a fork, then pour the mixture of the three milks over it. Allow it to cool and absorb the milk.
7. Top with whipped cream or meringue before serving.

3. Flan

Flan is a silky custard with a caramel topping, and making it at home can be quite rewarding:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Make caramel by melting sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan until it's deep amber. Pour into a mold or ramekins.
2. Whisk together eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the mold.
4. Bake in a water bath at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes or until set.
5. Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
6. Unmold by running a knife around the edges and inverting onto a plate.

4. Arroz con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding)

This classic dessert, Arroz con Leche, or Mexican Rice Pudding, is comforting, sweet, and creamy:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for dusting

Steps:

1. Rinse the rice until water runs clear. Cook with water and cinnamon sticks until the water is absorbed.
2. Add condensed milk, milk, and salt, stirring frequently.
3. Cook on low heat for 20-30 minutes until rice is tender and pudding is thick.
4. Remove cinnamon sticks, dust with ground cinnamon, and serve warm or chilled.

🔑 Note: Keep an eye on the rice to prevent sticking, and stir often for the best texture.

5. Paletas (Mexican Popsicles)

Nothing beats the heat like Paletas, Mexican popsicles with endless flavor combinations:

• Fresh fruit (like mango, pineapple, or strawberries)
• Water or fruit juice
• Sugar or honey (to taste)
• Lime juice (optional for a tangy kick)

Steps:

1. Blend the fruit with water or juice until smooth. Add sugar or honey to sweeten.
2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
3. Add any additional ingredients like chunks of fruit or a swirl of cream if desired.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours or until completely set.

Bringing It All Together

Throughout this journey, you've learned how to make five classic Mexican desserts: Churros with Chocolate Sauce, Tres Leches Cake, Flan, Arroz con Leche, and Paletas. Each dessert showcases the vibrant flavors and traditional ingredients that define Mexican sweets.

By engaging in these recipes, you'll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of Mexican cuisine. Whether you're planning a fiesta, or simply craving something sweet with a twist, these desserts are sure to impress with their simplicity and deliciousness.

Can I make churros without a piping bag?

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Yes, you can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to mimic the effect of a piping bag. Just make sure the hole is small enough to create the traditional churro shape.

What can I use if I don’t have evaporated milk for Tres Leches?

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Heavy cream or half-and-half can be used as a substitute, keeping the milk content roughly the same. For a lighter version, skim milk can work, though it will affect the texture slightly.

How can I make vegan churros?

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Replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg, and use plant-based milk. For the coating, use a vegan sugar alternative and cinnamon. The chocolate sauce can be made with a non-dairy cream or milk.

Can Tres Leches Cake be made ahead?

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Yes, Tres Leches Cake actually benefits from being made a day in advance, as it allows the cake to fully soak up the milk mixture, making it even more moist and flavorful.

What fruits are best for paletas?

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Mango, watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple are popular choices in Mexico for their intense flavors and natural sweetness. However, you can experiment with any fruit you like.