Flan and Tres Leches cake might be the most well-known Mexican desserts but those are certainly not all you can find while visiting this spectacularly food-centered country. Desserts varying in both flavor and style can be found throughout Mexico and while many of them are lesser-known, they're no less delicious than the dishes that everyone is so familiar with.
By using local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, it could be said that Mexico has one of the most diverse dessert scenes in the world, with wholesome, comforting flavors shining through in each and every dish. Many of the recipes for these desserts have been handed down through generations which makes them just as sentimental as they are delicious and if you happen to see one of these on the menu, don't even give ordering it a second thought... just do it!
Churros
Churros have been made popular throughout the world likely due to the fact that they're easy to make and cook up extremely quickly. Similar to doughnuts, these sweet dough sticks are made by frying batter until it's golden brown with a crisp exterior and a tender, airy interior.
They can be found throughout the U.S. at festivals and fairs but there's nothing like getting some of these in Mexico where they originated. churros are often topped with powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar, but they can also be served with a side of chocolate... And if you can find Mexican chocolate for your churros, you're in for a real treat.
Mexican Tea Cakes
These sweet little cookies are popular around the holidays and can be found throughout Mexico. They also go by the name of Mexican Wedding Cakes, sand cookies, or snowdrops, but they all mean the same thing.
Occasionally, these cookies can be found with small surprises inside such as maraschino cherries or pieces of chocolate, but it's their sugary coating that makes them so beloved. These cookies are baked and are then coated twice in a hefty layer of powdered sugar; the first sticks to the warm cookies and makes a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth layer of sweetness while the second allows the powdered sugar to stick without melting.
Capirotada (Bread Pudding)
This dessert is similar to bread pudding with a few subtle differences. Rather than being served plain or with just raisins as many bread puddings are, it's chock full of delicious ingredients.
It's not uncommon to cut into a piece of capirotada and find things such as dried fruits, apples, and nuts. The great thing about this dish is that each recipe varies and usually, each person will make the dessert according to what they personally like in or on top of each bread pudding. It's served warm and topped with a good scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweet cream. The pudding - or custard - part of the bread pudding is also spiced, which plays well against the sweetness of all the fruits and the nutty bite of the roasted almonds or pecans that are usually sprinkled over the top.
Arroz con Leche
Translated to 'rice with milk,' this rice pudding is a delicious treat for anyone who happens to be in Mexico. It's creamy and delicious and usually spiced fairly well, so hints of cinnamon and star anise, and occasionally other warm spices, are used to transform its mild flavor into something incredibly tasty.
Raisins that have been soaked in water beforehand are usually added to this dessert which adds even more sweetness, and this dish can also be found throughout most of Mexico. It's a popular option in restaurants and while rice pudding doesn't seem all that exciting, this spiced pudding is definitely worth a try.
Mexican Buñuelos
Buñuelos aren't just specific to Mexico but in this case, these ones are. This fried dough can be found in a couple of different ways and they aren't always flattened and fried such as in the picture. Sometimes, buñuelos are found in round, fried dough balls, but are usually always dusted with sugar.
They can also be topped with piloncillo syrup and while they're great as a dessert they're also commonly eaten for breakfast.
Paletas
It's no surprise that it can get pretty hot in Mexico and that's where paletas come in. On the outside, these frozen treats look like the average popsicle... until you try them.
They're always made with fresh fruit which makes them refreshing and delicious, with a sweet-and-tart flavor, depending on the berry or fruit used to make them. They can be found at paleterias, and there's usually one in each town or city.