Cinco de Mayo celebrations call for sweet treats that capture the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine! Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or just want to enjoy some delicious desserts, these quick and fun recipes will add a festive touch to your table.
From cinnamon-sugar delights to fruity refreshments, these easy-to-make desserts will impress your family and friends without keeping you in the kitchen all day.
1. Churro Bites With Cinnamon Sugar
Golden, crispy bites of heaven dusted with the perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar. These miniature churros deliver the authentic taste of Mexican street food without the hassle of traditional deep frying.
Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for last-minute party prep. The secret is using refrigerated biscuit dough cut into small pieces, then fried until puffy and golden.
Serve them warm with a side of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for an irresistible treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
2. Mexican Chocolate Pudding Cups
Velvety smooth chocolate pudding with a surprising kick of cinnamon and a hint of chili spice. The combination creates an exciting flavor experience that pays homage to traditional Mexican chocolate.
These individual servings come together in about 15 minutes, plus chilling time. The unexpected warmth from the spices perfectly balances the rich chocolate, creating a sophisticated yet simple dessert.
Top with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen!
3. Tres Leches Cupcakes
Fluffy vanilla cupcakes soaked in the signature three-milk mixture that gives this classic Mexican dessert its name. Each bite delivers incredible moisture and sweetness without being soggy.
Making them in cupcake form creates perfect individual portions for your celebration. The milk mixture—combining evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream—infuses each cupcake with rich flavor.
Topped with a cloud of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh berries, these portable treats offer all the traditional flavor without needing plates or forks!
4. Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Creamy cheesecake filling sandwiched between flaky layers of cinnamon-sugar crusted pastry. These bars transform the traditional fried sopapillas into an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve dessert perfect for gatherings.
Using crescent roll dough as a shortcut makes these bars incredibly simple to prepare. The filling combines cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla for a rich, smooth center that contrasts beautifully with the crisp outer layers.
Drizzle with honey just before serving for an authentic touch that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico! These bars can be made ahead and refrigerated until party time.
5. Margarita Pie With Pretzel Crust
Tangy lime filling with a hint of tequila flavor resting on a salty-sweet pretzel crust. This grown-up dessert captures the beloved cocktail’s essence in a refreshing slice.
The contrast between the crunchy, salty pretzel base and the smooth, citrusy filling creates an irresistible combination. No actual alcohol is needed—lime zest and extract provide the signature margarita flavor that makes this dessert special.
A quick chill in the freezer creates a semi-frozen texture similar to an ice cream pie. Garnish with lime slices and a sprinkle of coarse salt around the edges for an Instagram-worthy presentation!
6. Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies
Buttery sugar cookies infused with lime zest and rolled in coconut flakes for a tropical twist. The bright citrus flavor paired with sweet coconut creates a refreshing cookie that’s perfect for spring celebrations.
These cookies bake up with slightly crisp edges and soft centers in just about 10 minutes. Adding a touch of green food coloring to the dough or the glaze makes them festive for your Cinco de Mayo spread.
Finish with a simple lime glaze drizzled over the top for an extra burst of flavor and a pretty presentation that will stand out on any dessert table!
7. Dulce De Leche Stuffed Brownies
Fudgy chocolate brownies with a hidden layer of creamy dulce de leche caramel in the center. The combination creates an indulgent treat with the perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet caramel flavors.
Using store-bought dulce de leche (caramelized sweetened condensed milk) makes these brownies surprisingly simple to prepare. The caramel layer creates a gorgeous visual when the brownies are cut, revealing the golden swirl against the dark chocolate.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances all the flavors and adds a sophisticated touch. These brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
8. ChocoFlan (Magic Cake)
A showstopping dessert where chocolate cake and creamy flan magically swap layers during baking. Also called “impossible cake,” this Mexican favorite creates two distinct layers with a single pour into the pan.
Despite its impressive appearance, the preparation is surprisingly straightforward. The cake batter and flan mixture are poured into the same pan, and during baking, they exchange places through culinary magic.
Drizzled with caramel sauce after unmolding, this dessert creates a stunning presentation that will amaze your guests. The contrast between the light flan and rich chocolate cake makes every bite an adventure!
9. Spicy Chocolate Bark With Pepitas
Dark chocolate infused with a hint of chili heat and studded with toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for crunch. This easy-to-make bark combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements in one addictive treat.
The warming spices of cinnamon and chili powder honor the Aztec tradition of spiced chocolate. Green pepitas add a pop of color and nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate perfectly.
Break it into irregular pieces for a rustic presentation that takes just minutes to prepare but looks artisanal. This bark can be made days ahead and stored in an airtight container, making it perfect for busy hosts!
10. Mini Fried Ice Cream Bites
Crunchy cereal-coated ice cream balls that mimic the beloved Mexican restaurant dessert without the actual frying. These bite-sized treats deliver all the contrasting textures and flavors in a convenient, make-ahead format.
The secret is rolling small scoops of slightly softened ice cream in crushed cornflakes mixed with cinnamon and sugar. After freezing until solid, they’re ready to serve with no last-minute preparation required.
Drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce and add a dollop of whipped cream for an authentic finishing touch. The small size makes them perfect for passing around at parties!
11. Strawberry Margarita Popsicles
Refreshing frozen treats that capture the essence of a strawberry margarita in a fun, handheld form. These adults-only popsicles (though easily made non-alcoholic) are perfect for cooling down during Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Blending fresh strawberries with lime juice, a touch of tequila, and agave nectar creates a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and boozy flavors. The vibrant red color makes them a festive addition to your dessert spread.
For an extra special touch, dip the tops in coarse sugar mixed with lime zest to mimic a salted margarita rim. Keep them in the freezer until ready to serve!
12. Horchata Rice Pudding
Creamy rice pudding infused with the distinctive cinnamon-vanilla flavors of horchata, the beloved Mexican rice drink. This comforting dessert combines two classics into one delicious treat.
Using pre-cooked rice cuts the preparation time dramatically, making this an easy last-minute option. The pudding achieves its signature flavor from cinnamon sticks steeped in the milk mixture and a splash of vanilla extract.
Serve it warm or chilled in small glasses or bowls with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top. The familiar flavors will remind everyone of their favorite Mexican restaurant experience!
13. Paletas (Mexican Ice Pops)
Vibrant fruit popsicles inspired by the colorful frozen treats sold by street vendors throughout Mexico. These refreshing paletas feature chunks of real fruit suspended in flavorful juice for a beautiful and delicious dessert.
Mango-chili, watermelon-lime, or pineapple-coconut combinations honor traditional Mexican flavor profiles. The beauty of paletas is their simplicity—just blend or chop fresh fruit, add a touch of sweetener if needed, and freeze in molds.
These frozen treats provide a light, refreshing end to a festive meal. Make several flavors and arrange them colorfully for a dessert that doubles as a conversation piece!
14. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Rich chocolate cookies with a warming kick of cinnamon and cayenne pepper that honors traditional Mexican chocolate flavors. These chewy cookies deliver a gentle heat that builds slowly, leaving a pleasant warmth after each bite.
A coating of cinnamon sugar creates a crackly exterior that adds texture and extra flavor. The spice level can be adjusted to suit your preference—mild enough for children or with more cayenne for adventurous eaters.
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are perfect for last-minute party prep. The unexpected spice element makes them a memorable addition to your dessert spread!
15. Key Lime Mini Pies
Tangy lime filling in individual graham cracker crusts for a convenient and portable version of the classic dessert. The bright citrus flavor provides a refreshing contrast to spicy Mexican main dishes.
Making them in a muffin tin creates perfect single-serving portions that guests can enjoy without plates or utensils. The filling requires just a few ingredients and no baking once it’s in the crusts, making these incredibly simple to prepare.
Top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a thin slice of lime for an elegant presentation. The small size means they chill quickly and can be ready in about an hour!
16. Cinnamon-Sugar Tortilla Chips With Fruit Salsa
Crispy tortilla wedges transformed into a sweet treat with a coating of cinnamon sugar, paired with a colorful fruit salsa. This clever dessert riffs on traditional chips and salsa in an unexpected sweet form.
The chips bake up quickly in just 8 minutes, and the fruit salsa comes together while they’re in the oven. Combining diced strawberries, mango, pineapple, and kiwi with a touch of lime and honey creates a vibrant topping that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Arrange the chips around a bowl of the fruit salsa for an interactive dessert that encourages sharing and conversation at your Cinco de Mayo gathering!
17. Sweet Corn Cake
Moist, honey-sweetened cake with fresh corn kernels that create bursts of natural sweetness in every bite. This unique dessert draws inspiration from traditional Mexican sweet corn pudding (tomalito) but in a convenient cake form.
The combination of cornmeal and fresh corn creates interesting texture variations throughout the cake. A hint of cinnamon and vanilla complement the natural sweetness of the corn without overwhelming it.
Serve warm squares topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts slightly into the cake. The unexpected corn element makes this a conversation-starting dessert that celebrates authentic Mexican flavors!
18. Cajeta Caramel Sauce over Vanilla Ice Cream
Luscious goat’s milk caramel sauce drizzled over simple vanilla ice cream for an effortless yet impressive dessert. Cajeta, Mexico’s version of caramel, has a distinctive tangy depth that elevates ordinary ice cream to something special.
Store-bought cajeta makes this the quickest dessert option on the menu—just warm the sauce slightly for easy pouring. The amber-colored sauce creates beautiful drizzle patterns over the white ice cream, making for an elegant presentation.
Sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of sea salt to add texture and enhance the caramel flavor. Serving in clear glasses shows off the beautiful layers!
19. Mango Chili Lime Cups
Fresh mango chunks tossed with lime juice and a hint of chili powder, served in individual cups for a light, refreshing dessert. The sweet-spicy-tangy combination represents classic Mexican street fruit flavors in an elegant presentation.
These vibrant yellow cups require zero cooking and can be assembled in minutes. The contrasting flavors wake up the taste buds and provide a refreshing end to a festive meal.
Garnish with extra lime zest and a small wedge of lime on the rim of each cup. For a fun presentation, serve them in hollowed-out lime halves or small margarita glasses to enhance the festive mood!
20. No-Bake Churro Cheesecake Dip
Creamy cinnamon-spiced cheesecake dip that captures the beloved flavor of churros in a spreadable form. This easy no-bake option comes together in just minutes for last-minute entertaining.
The smooth, cinnamon-vanilla base gets extra texture and flavor from a swirl of dulce de leche and a topping of cinnamon-sugar. Serve with cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips, graham crackers, or fresh fruit for dipping.
Presenting this in a clear dish shows off the beautiful swirls and layers. The interactive nature of dipping makes this dessert particularly fun for casual gatherings and encourages guests to mingle around the dessert table!