Easy Cinco de Mayo Desserts: Sweet Treats for Every Celebration

February 11, 2024

11 minutes read

Easy Cinco de Mayo desserts are the perfect way to celebrate this festive holiday. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious treat to enjoy with your family, these recipes are sure to please. Cinco de Mayo, commemorating the Mexican army’s victory over the French in 1862, is a time for celebration and joy.

What better way to mark the occasion than with delightful and easy-to-make desserts? These recipes are designed to be simple and quick, so you can focus on enjoying the festivities rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of these desserts lies in their simplicity. They use common ingredients that are readily available, and the s are easy to follow. Plus, they’re all incredibly delicious and sure to impress your guests. From no-bake treats to quick and easy baking recipes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Easy Cinco de Mayo Desserts

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5th, commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it’s not Mexico’s Independence Day, it has become a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the United States.

Easy desserts are popular for Cinco de Mayo celebrations because they allow hosts to focus on enjoying the festivities rather than spending hours in the kitchen. These desserts are often simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and steps, making them ideal for busy schedules.

Benefits of Making Easy Cinco de Mayo Desserts

Easy Cinco de Mayo desserts offer several benefits:

Time-saving:Easy recipes require less time to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with family and friends.
Cost-effective:Many easy desserts use readily available and affordable ingredients, making them budget-friendly.
Stress-free:Simple recipes reduce the pressure of complicated baking techniques, allowing you to relax and enjoy the process.
Impress guests:Despite their simplicity, easy desserts can still be delicious and visually appealing, impressing your guests with minimal effort.

No-Bake Dessert Ideas

No-bake desserts are perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations because they require minimal effort and can be prepared ahead of time. They are also great for warmer weather, as they don’t require any oven time.

Cinco de Mayo is all about celebrating Mexican culture, and what better way to do that than with delicious food? While you’re busy whipping up some easy Cinco de Mayo desserts like churros or flan, why not try something savory too?

For a truly impressive main course, check out this recipe for slow cooked red braised pork belly. The tender, flavorful pork belly pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the desserts, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

No-Bake Dessert Ideas

Here are some no-bake dessert ideas that are perfect for Cinco de Mayo:

Dessert Name	Ingredients	s	Tips
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips	Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, mango, pineapple, and blueberries Lime juice Sugar Cinnamon chips	Combine fruit, lime juice, and sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the fruit to release its juices. Serve with cinnamon chips.	Use a variety of fruits for a more flavorful salsa. You can also add a pinch of chili powder to the salsa for a spicy kick. Serve with tortilla chips, graham crackers, or even ice cream for a fun dessert.
Mexican Chocolate Mousse	Mexican chocolate, such as Abuelita Heavy cream Sugar Eggs Vanilla extract	In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, sugar, and Mexican chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks and vanilla extract. Chill for at least 2 hours. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped egg whites into the chilled chocolate mixture. Serve immediately or chill for an additional 30 minutes.	Use a high-quality Mexican chocolate for the best flavor. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the mousse for a spicy kick. Serve the mousse in individual ramekins or a large bowl. Garnish with fresh berries or chocolate shavings.
Mango Sticky Rice	Sticky rice Mango Coconut milk Sugar Salt	Rinse sticky rice and soak in water for 30 minutes. Drain rice and place in a steamer basket. Steam for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is cooked through. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour coconut milk mixture over cooked rice and mix well. Let cool slightly. Serve with sliced mango.	Use ripe mango for the best flavor. You can also add a pinch of ground cardamom to the coconut milk mixture for a more complex flavor. Serve the mango sticky rice warm or cold. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts.
Tres Leches Cake	Cake mix Milk Sweetened condensed milk Evaporated milk Vanilla extract Whipped cream Strawberries	Bake cake according to package directions. While cake is still warm, poke holes all over with a fork. In a bowl, whisk together milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Pour milk mixture over cake and let soak for at least 30 minutes. Top with whipped cream and strawberries.	Use a high-quality cake mix for the best flavor. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the milk mixture for a more complex flavor. Let the cake soak for at least 30 minutes, or until it is completely saturated with the milk mixture. Serve the tres leches cake cold. Garnish with chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Quick and Easy Baking Recipes

Easy cinco de mayo desserts

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious desserts? These recipes are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.

Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies, Easy cinco de mayo desserts

Mexican chocolate chip cookies are a twist on the classic cookie, incorporating the rich flavors of Mexican chocolate. They are made with a combination of bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, and chili powder, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile. Here is a step-by-step guide to making Mexican chocolate chip cookies:

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Mexican chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the Mexican chocolate chips.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Key Techniques:

Creaming the butter and sugar:This step is crucial for creating a light and airy texture. Cream the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy, which means they have incorporated a lot of air. This helps to make the cookies soft and chewy.
Mixing the dry and wet ingredients:It’s important to avoid overmixing the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined, then add the chocolate chips.
Baking time:The baking time will vary depending on the size of your cookies. Bake the cookies until they are golden brown and set around the edges. They should be soft in the center, but not gooey.

Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a classic Mexican dessert, known for its moist and creamy texture. It is made with a sponge cake that is soaked in a mixture of three milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream and fresh fruit, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. While the cake is cooling, prepare the milk mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream.
Once the cake is cool, poke holes all over the top with a fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure to soak the entire cake.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit, if desired.

Key Techniques:

Soaking the cake:The key to a good Tres Leches Cake is the soaking process. Make sure to poke holes all over the cake with a fork so that the milk mixture can penetrate the cake. You want the cake to be fully soaked, but not soggy.

Cinco de Mayo is all about celebrating Mexican culture, and what better way to do that than with delicious desserts? While churros and flan are always crowd-pleasers, I recently discovered a recipe for peach and blackberry cobbler that would be a fantastic addition to any Cinco de Mayo spread.

The sweet and tart flavors of the fruit are a perfect complement to the richness of the cobbler, and the recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. So, if you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert to serve at your next Cinco de Mayo celebration, this cobbler is definitely worth a try!
Refrigerating the cake:Refrigerating the cake for at least 2 hours, or overnight, allows the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb all the milk mixture. This also helps to firm up the cake and make it easier to slice.
Garnishing the cake:Tres Leches Cake is often topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. This adds a touch of sweetness and freshness to the cake. You can also use other toppings, such as chocolate shavings or sprinkles.

Flan

Flan is a traditional Mexican dessert that is made with eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. It is a rich and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a 9-inch baking dish.
Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges and just slightly jiggly in the center.
While the flan is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to let the sugar burn.
Carefully pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish.
Let the flan cool completely in the baking dish. Once it is cool, carefully invert it onto the serving dish, allowing the caramel sauce to coat the top.
Refrigerate the flan for at least 2 hours before serving.

Key Techniques:

Baking in a water bath:Flan is baked in a water bath, which helps to create a smooth and even texture. The water bath prevents the flan from cooking too quickly and helps to keep it moist.
Making caramel sauce:The caramel sauce is a crucial part of flan. It adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful golden color to the dessert. Be careful not to let the sugar burn, as this will give the caramel sauce a bitter taste.
Inverting the flan:Inverting the flan onto the serving dish can be a little tricky, but it is important to do it carefully. Make sure the flan is completely cool before inverting it. If you are worried about the flan sticking to the baking dish, you can run a thin knife around the edges of the flan before inverting it.

Cinco de Mayo is all about celebrating Mexican culture, and what better way to do that than with delicious food? While churros and flan are always a hit, I’m also loving the idea of serving up a light and refreshing ceviche.

This Mexican mango and white fish ceviche recipe looks especially amazing, with its sweet and tangy flavors. After all, who wouldn’t want a little taste of Mexico in their dessert, right?

Dessert Decorating Ideas

Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, and what better way to celebrate than with festive and delicious desserts? Adding a touch of color and flair to your desserts can elevate your culinary creations and make them truly stand out.

Using Sprinkles, Edible Glitter, and Colored Sugar

Sprinkles, edible glitter, and colored sugar are excellent choices for adding a burst of color and texture to your desserts. You can use a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to create unique and eye-catching designs. For example, you can sprinkle red, white, and green sprinkles on top of cupcakes or use edible glitter to create a shimmering effect on cookies.

Colored sugar can be used to coat the edges of cookies or create a decorative border around cakes.

Adding Fresh Fruit and Flowers

Fresh fruit and flowers add a touch of natural beauty and freshness to your desserts. They can be used to create vibrant and colorful arrangements. For example, you can use sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to create a patriotic flag design on a cake.

Or, you can add a few sprigs of edible flowers, like pansies or violas, to a dessert platter for a touch of elegance. Remember to use edible flowers, as not all flowers are safe for consumption.

Creating Festive Designs with Frosting or Chocolate

Frosting and chocolate can be used to create festive designs and patterns on your desserts. You can use a piping bag to create intricate designs, like stars, hearts, or the Mexican flag. You can also use a stencil to create patterns on cakes or cookies.

For a simple yet elegant touch, you can use a toothpick to drizzle melted chocolate in a decorative pattern over a cake or cookies.

Tips for Hosting a Cinco de Mayo Dessert Party: Easy Cinco De Mayo Desserts

Easy cinco de mayo desserts

Hosting a Cinco de Mayo dessert party is a great way to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. You can create a fun and festive atmosphere with a few simple tips.

Choosing the Right Desserts

The key to a successful dessert party is choosing the right desserts for your guests. Consider their dietary needs and preferences. For example, if you have guests who are gluten-free, be sure to include some gluten-free options. You should also consider the time of year and the weather.

If it’s hot outside, you might want to choose lighter desserts, such as fruit salads or ice cream.

Preparing Your Party Space

Before your guests arrive, take some time to prepare your party space. This will help create a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

Decorate your space.Use festive decorations, such as colorful streamers, balloons, and tablecloths. You can also add some Mexican-inspired touches, such as sombreros, maracas, and piñatas.
Set up your dessert table.Make sure you have enough space for all of your desserts. You can also add some decorative touches to your table, such as flowers, candles, and Mexican-inspired centerpieces.
Prepare your drinks.You’ll want to have a variety of drinks on hand, such as water, soda, and juice. You can also offer some Mexican-inspired drinks, such as margaritas or horchata.
Set the mood.Play some festive music and light some candles to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.