The Most Delicious Mexican Desserts
When you think of Mexican food, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of crispy tacos or savory caldos, slow-simmered all day. Perhaps you dream of a selection of delicious enchiladas or platters that combine enchiladas, tacos, and tostadas all in one delicious package. Maybe you even think of fresh seafood prepared whole and covered in onions and herbs. But what about mouth-watering Mexican desserts?
Mexican food is almost as famous for its dessert as it is for all of its tasty dinner items. Even if you’ve never had the pleasure of a delicious Mexican dessert before, these exciting plates are sure to make your sweet tooth dance with joy.
1. Churros
Made from fried dough that’s been pressed through a star-shaped mold, a churro is a crispy, sugary dessert that’s popular in Mexican cuisine. Eaten sugared and dipped in hot chocolate or champurrado (a chocolate-based Mexican drink), churros are the ultimate way to finish a nice Mexican dinner. Believed to have been pioneered by Spanish shepherds, churros are a staple in Mexican cuisine.
2. Flan
Flan is a sponge pastry that contains a sweet filling. Known as crème caramel in some Spanish-speaking countries, Flan is prepared by cooking sugar syrup down to caramel, combining it with a custard base, and serving it in the form of a sliced cake, with a texture much like that of cheesecake. The dessert is popular in places like Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. In Mexico, a variation of the dish called Flan Napolitano is common, although cream cheese is added to make it smoother and denser.
3. Paletas
Paletas are Mexican ice pops that come in a wide selection of flavors. Originally introduced in the city of Tucumbo, Mexico, Paletas were a favorite treat among busy agricultural workers. Today, it’s not uncommon to find Paletas made with traditional Mexican flavors like lime or mango. Ideal for the hot summer months, Paletas are a light and refreshing way to end the meal.
4. Cajeta Quesadillas
The quesadilla is a staple of Mexican food, and Cajeta quesadillas combine the best of dinner and dessert into one delicious package. Cajeta is a Mexican sweet made from caramelized goat’s milk thickened down into a syrup. Cajeta quesadillas use the syrup between two flour tortillas and finish it with a splash of fresh, seasonal fruit. Delicious, refreshing, and perfect for satisfying even the most insistent sweet tooth, this is an unforgettable Mexican dessert.
5. Horchata Rice Pudding
Horchata is a sweetened rice milk spiced with cinnamon. Popular as a chilled drink in Mexico, Horchata rice pudding takes the standard item and makes it into a delicious dessert. The flavors of Horchata vary widely between Spanish-speaking countries, and it’s not uncommon to find Horchata rice puddings flavored with vanilla, sugar, and even a selection of herbs.
Mexican Desserts: The Perfect Way to Complete Your Meal
There are many joys to be had in Mexican food, but dessert is just one more thing to look forward to. From crunchy, sweet churros to creamy, delicious flan and silky smooth Horchata rice pudding, Mexican desserts offer a wide selection of tastes, textures, and flavors meant to offer something for everyone.
At Benito’s Authentic Mexican Food in Fort Worth, Texas we offer our own selection of delicious Mexican desserts, with flavorful flan, raspberry cheesecake and key lime pie! The next time you order a delicious Mexican meal with your family or friends, be sure to save room, and satisfy that sweet tooth!