Also called the “Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla”, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that is celebrated every fifth of May to commemorate the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Though it is not that big of a celebration in Mexico, the United States has celebrated Cinco de Mayo to recognize and acknowledge the Mexican culture and heritage. This celebration includes brightly colored parades, vibrant dresses and clothing, festive music, drinks and laughter, and most especially, sizzling and delicious food.
What do you serve at a Cinco de Mayo party?
You may want to invite guests at your home during Cinco de Mayo or you may want to visit a local bar, or even just party it out on the streets. But one thing for sure is that you will never miss a place where there is no food. If you are curious about what is usually served at a Cinco de Mayo party, you will be surprised that their food selection is as colorful and vibrant as their celebration. You will discover both a variety of authentic Mexican dishes as well as widely-known foods like tacos, tequila drinks, guacamole, and more. Of course, it is up to you how you want to spice them up.
What should I bring to a Mexican party?
If you are invited to a potluck party or you just want to bring some food to add to the dining table, then it is always smart to bring Mexican-themed snacks or dishes. But you will be pleased to know that it is not actually hard to find these foods! It can be as simple as any cheesy delight or refreshing salsas, tasty quesadillas, jalapeno-mixed bites, guacamole, and more. Of course, you are also more than free to bring a bottle (or two) of Mexican beer or tequila! Bring a piñata too, if you want!
Here are more traditional and staple foods that you can bring to a Mexican party:
- Beans
- Tortillas
- Queso dips
- Salsa
- Pan-roasted vegetables
- Taquitos
- Tacos
- Sweetbreads
- Margarita
Cinco De Mayo Mexican Desserts
No, Mexican food doesn’t always have to be heavy to the stomach, fried, and/or spicy. In fact, you can make a lot of desserts that are still commemorating Mexican heritage. It can be as daring as a frozen margarita pie and as crunchy as some dessert-themed nachos. You might also want to go traditional and bring in some churros and flans. If you still want an extra kick to the taste buds, then you might want to experiment and incorporate some jalapenos here and there. Either way, you will not need to worry because there are a lot of Mexican snacks and dishes for you out there to try on!
23. Churros
We’re starting this lineup of delectable delights with an all-time Mexican classic: the churro. It’s a favorite among families everywhere, and it’s not hard to see why.
These fried dough sticks are generously dusted with cinnamon sugar and then dipped in either luscious chocolate or caramel. Who could possibly resist such an irresistible snack?
The churro is crispy and sugary on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. It’s no wonder that this dessert is adored globally.
The best news is that with this simple recipe, you can whip up this sweet and tasty treat in just a matter of minutes.
22. Dulce de Leche
You may have heard of popular Mexican desserts like churros and tres leches cake, but have you tried dulce de leche? This sweet, creamy concoction made from sweetened milk is a true delicacy.
Similar to caramel sauce, but with a richer and sweeter flavor, dulce de leche can elevate any Mexican dessert to a whole new level. Perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo, try drizzling it over your favorite treats and enjoy the indulgent experience!
21. Sopapillas
Fluffy and delicious dough squares, sopapillas are deep-fried to perfection. The dough has a similar consistency to Indian fry bread, and some people even fill it with taco meat for a savory snack.
As a dessert, sopapillas are filled with berries and cream.
To make this recipe, all you need is honey and powdered sugar. While simple, these ingredients make a big difference.
20. Fried Ice Cream
Transforming vanilla ice cream into a mouth-watering dessert is a breeze with this recipe. You don’t even need a deep-fryer to achieve that satisfying crunch.
Instead of frying the ice cream, this recipe requires you to fry cornflakes until they’re crispy, and then roll the ice cream in them, creating the illusion of deep-fried ice cream.
Complete the indulgence by drizzling chocolate or caramel syrup all over the top. Your family will surely fall in love with this irresistible Mexican dessert.
19. Mexican Hot Chocolate Pie
For those who enjoy the luscious texture of French silk pie and the zesty kick of Mexican hot chocolate, a Mexican hot chocolate pie would be a delightful treat.
18. Delicious Mexican Sweet Bread (Conchas)
A popular treat in Mexican cuisine, sweet bread or conchas are known for their unique shell shape.These sweet and tender bread rolls are a delight, and you can make them at home with this authentic recipe.
Traditionally, conchas are topped with white frosting, but this recipe puts a twist on it by using chocolate topping. And who doesn’t love a little chocolate, right?
17. Arroz Con Leche – Mexican Rice Pudding
This creamy and delightful dessert is a staple in Mexican cuisine, often called Arroz Con Leche or Mexican rice pudding. The best part? It only requires four basic ingredients!
It’s the perfect comfort food, sweet and rich in flavor, whether you serve it hot or cold. Make it extra special by adding some raisins or shredded coconut for a twist on texture.
And with this easy recipe, you can enjoy this delicious treat at any time of the year.
16. Mexican Wedding Cakes
Celebrate any day with these delicious buttery treats known as Mexican wedding cakes, also referred to as snowballs and polvorones. They may look and taste like fancy cookies, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. These cookies are sweet, tender, buttery, and nutty. No need to wait for a wedding to enjoy these delightful treats, as you can make them any time at home.
15. Mexican Chocolate Cake with Cinnamon Frosting
This Mexican chocolate cake is the richest, most moist chocolate cake you’ve ever had, kicked up with cinnamon and a hint of cayenne pepper! Easy to make as a sheet cake and topped with to-die-for cinnamon buttercream.
Check it here.
14. Best Mexican Paloma Cupcakes
Paloma cupcakes are a citrus-filled and boozy dessert, inspired by the crisp flavors of a Mexican Paloma cocktail – lime, grapefruit, and tequila. These are the perfect unexpected treat to wow guests for Cinco de Mayo or any summer fiesta!
Check it here.
13. Sweet Tamale Easy Recipe: Raspberry Dessert
This tamale dessert is my favorite Mexican recipe, packed with the delightful taste of raspberries infused in both the dough and the filling, offering a burst of brightness in every bite.
Check it here.
12. Spiced Orange Tres Leches Cake
Let’s amp up the traditional tres leches cake with a fruity, spicy twist. A fluffy sponge cake soaks up a trio of sweetened milks infused with fresh orange zest and warm spices, making each bite of this luscious spiced orange tres leches cake delicate yet full of moisture.
Check it here.
11. Salted Caramel Tres Leches Cake
Salted Caramel Tres Leches Cake is drenched with Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk, Half & Half and Salted Caramel finished with homemade Salted Caramel. You will love this recipe, perfect for a special taco Tuesday or even Cinco de mayo!
Check it here.
10. Easy Mexican Chocolate Cake
Make Easy Mexican Chocolate Cake for your next Fiesta! This slightly spicy, sweet and cinnamony cake begins with a simple boxed chocolate cake mix and is transformed into a Mexican masterpiece with just a few ingredients! This is a perfect ending to your Cinco de Mayo celebration!
Check it here.
9. Mojito Key Lime Bars – Ideal Mexican Dessert Recipe
Our Key Lime Bars with a Mojito twist offer a delectable, traditional Mexican dessert experience. This easy recipe packs a punch of flavor with the infusion of key lime juice and fresh mint, culminating in a taste similar to the Cuban cocktail that inspired it.
Check it here.
8. Mexican Hot Chocolate Fudge
Sponsored by Nestlé, this recipe for a delicious Mexican dessert, Hot Chocolate Fudge, is a personal favorite of mine that I rely on all year round. As always, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Check it here.
7. Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
Surpass all dessert expectations with Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars — the ever-popular, crowd-pleasing party dessert with a flaky crust, a buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping and a thick, luscious center of smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
Check it here.
6. Easy Caramel Flan Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth, Traditional Caramel Flan is the perfect dessert for you. This indulgent treat is a creamy custard topped with delectable caramel sauce, and despite its elegant appearance, it can be made effortlessly in six simple steps.
Check it here.
5. Chocoflan Cake
Chocoflan cake is two desserts in one. A creamy flan on top of a rich chocolate cake. It is a match made in heaven. The cake is a fudgy chocolate butter cake and the flan is a cream cheese flan (also called Flan Napolitano).
Check it here.
4. Flan Napolitano – Best Mexican Dessert Idea
This Flan Napolitano is a cream cheese flan. It is smooth, soft and creamy with an incredibly rich flavor. The caramel sauce sets over the top and makes an impressive dessert.
Check it here.
3. Aztec Chocolate Zucchini Cake
When I visited my parents last weekend, they had one of those large zucchini sitting on their counter. They told me I should take it to make something. “It’s perfect for cake,” I said, and gladly took it off their hands, with visions of chocolate cake dancing in my head.
Check it here.
2. Bunuelos Fritters (Mexican Sweet Treat)
A delectable dessert from Mexico, the bunuelo is crispy outside and soft and fluffy inside, making for a delightful treat. It has flavors reminiscent of both churros and donuts, making it a must-try for enthusiasts of those desserts.
Typically served during festive occasions, with this recipe, you can relish bunuelos anytime you wish.
There are two variations of bunuelos, and this recipe outlines the technique of making them in a round, donut-like shape with a hollowed center.
Enjoy your bunuelos with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or dipping them in Mexican hot chocolate for a satisfying dessert or snack.
Check it here.
1. Churro Lemon Cream Sandwiches
These Churro Lemon Cream Sandwiches are crispy churros, coated with cinnamon sugar on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside, with a lemon whipped cream frosting in between. They are the ultimate Cinco de Mayo dessert.
Check it here.
Mexican Desserts for Cinco De Mayo (Best for a Party!)
Also called the “Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla”, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday which is celebrated every fifth of May to commemorate the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Though it is not that big of a celebration in Mexico, the United States has celebrated Cinco de Mayo to recognize and acknowledge the Mexican culture and heritage. This celebration includes brightly colored parades, vibrant dresses and clothing, festive music, drinks and laughter, and most especially, sizzling and delicious food.
Ingredients
- Mexican Chocolate Cake with Cinnamon Frosting
- Mexican Paloma Cupcakes
- Sweet Tamale Recipe: Raspberry Dessert
- Spiced Orange Tres Leches Cake
- Salted Caramel Tres Leches Cake
Instructions
- Choose any Mexican Desserts for Cinco De Mayo from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Mexican Desserts for Cinco De Mayo and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I share healthy recipes, clean eating ideas, and meal plans for weight loss, as well as give you the best tips on wellness, pregnancy, and parenting advice.
Great roundup! I’m always looking for dessert ideas. Thanks for sharing