Top 4 Mexican Desserts You Must Try: Sweet Treats with a Twist!

Welcome to the world of Mexican desserts! Mexico is famous for its vibrant culture, colorful markets, and food that makes your taste buds do the salsa. Similarly, these famous Mexican desserts will reflect the rich cuisine the country has to offer. Even if you're not exploring the country on your next vacation, let's dive headfirst into these Mexican desserts that are worth every single calorie. Let’s whip up some of the most vibrant flavors of Mexico straight in your kitchen.

1. Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce

You know it’s a party when there are churros on the table. These crispy, sugary sticks of goodness are like doughnuts, but better. You can compliment these with a glass of Oreo Shake.

Ingredients (for the churros):

• 250 ml water
• 125 gm all-purpose flour
• 50 gm unsalted butter
• 30 gm sugar
• 5 gm salt
• 2 eggs
• Oil for frying (about 500 ml vegetable oil)
• 50 gm sugar + 10 gm cinnamon (for dusting)

Ingredients (for the chocolate sauce):

• 100 gm dark chocolate
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 5 ml vanilla extract

Method:

1. In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and stir in the flour. Mix until the dough forms a ball.
2. Let the dough cool for a couple of minutes, then add eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one.
3. Heat the oil in a deep pan. Ensure the oil is warm enough for the churros to fry properly. They are nothing without that crunch.
4. Transfer the dough into a piping bag with a star tip. Squeeze 6-inch strips of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and roll them in cinnamon sugar like you're giving them a sugary hug.
6. For the sauce, heat the cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Add sugar and vanilla, and stir until silky smooth. You can also make Chocolate Fondue to go with these sugary sticks. Dunk the churros generously.

2. Tres Leches Cake (Three-Milk Cake)

This cake (among the best Mexican desserts) is like your grandma’s Chocolate Sponge Cake but drenched in three types of milk. Tres leches is fluffy, and light, and brings you comfort while you enjoy every bite.

Ingredients:

• 120 gm all-purpose flour
• 5 gm baking powder
• 4 large eggs (separated)
• 150 gm sugar
• 60 ml whole milk
• 5 ml vanilla extract

For the milk mixture:

• 200 ml sweetened condensed milk
• 200 ml evaporated milk
• 100 ml whole milk or heavy cream

For the topping:

• 250 ml heavy cream
• 50 gm powdered sugar
• Fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. Sift together the flour and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and 100 gm of the sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in milk and vanilla.
4. In another bowl, whip egg whites to soft peaks, adding the remaining 50 gm of sugar gradually. Fold this into the egg yolk mixture gently, then fold in the flour mixture.
5. Pour into the baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Once baked, poke the cake all over with a fork or skewer, then slowly pour the milk mixture over it. Let the cake soak for at least an hour in the fridge.
7. Whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Smother the cake in whipped cream and add berries or a cinnamon sprinkle on top. Dive in!

3. Flan

Are you a fan of desserts with unique textures? Flan is a dessert with a jelly-like texture, topped with sweet caramel that melts in your mouth. Flan offers a delightful balance of sweetness and simplicity, making it an irresistible indulgence for dessert lovers. If you love Chocolate Pudding, this dessert will definitely please you.

Ingredients:

• 150 gm sugar (for caramel)
• 3 large eggs
• 400 ml sweetened condensed milk
• 400 ml evaporated milk
• 5 ml vanilla extract

Method:

1. Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns golden brown. Don’t turn your back on it! Immediately pour it into a flan mold or small ramekins, swirling to coat the bottom.
2. For the custard, in a blender, mix the eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Pour the custard mixture over the caramel layer. This will give your flan that alluring look once done.
4. Place the mold in a larger baking dish and pour hot water around it to create a water bath. Bake at 160°C for about 50-60 minutes, until the flan is set.
5. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. To serve, run a knife around the edge and invert onto a plate. Watch as the caramel oozes down the sides in the most delicious way possible!