Desserts Cinco De Mayo Recipes To Celebrate Sweetly

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo is all about enjoying vibrant flavors, lively music, and delicious food. While savory dishes like tacos and enchiladas often steal the spotlight, the sweet finish to any Cinco de Mayo feast is just as important.

Desserts Cinco de Mayo recipes bring together traditional Mexican ingredients with festive, colorful presentations that will delight your guests. Whether you’re craving something rich and chocolatey or light and fruity, these desserts capture the spirit of the holiday perfectly.

In this post, we’ll explore three irresistible Cinco de Mayo dessert recipes that you can easily make at home. From a creamy Mexican chocolate mousse to refreshing paleta-inspired popsicles and a classic tres leches cake, these treats will add a sweet touch to your celebrations.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with these authentic and crowd-pleasing desserts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Each dessert in this collection offers a unique taste experience that highlights the best of Mexican flavors and traditions. These recipes are:

• Easy to prepare: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, with straightforward ingredients and steps.
• Versatile: Great for parties, family dinners, or even casual snacking.
• Authentic: Incorporate classic Mexican ingredients like cinnamon, chili, lime, and sweetened condensed milk to deliver genuine flavor profiles.
• Visually stunning: Bright colors and beautiful presentations make them perfect for festive Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Ingredients

Mexican Chocolate Mousse

• 200g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Whipped cream, for topping

Lime & Chili Paletas (Popsicles)

• 2 cups fresh lime juice
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Pinch of salt
• Lime zest, for garnish

Tres Leches Cake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chocolate mousse serving glasses or bowls
• Popsicle molds with sticks
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Mexican Chocolate Mousse

1. Melt the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped chocolate over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Beat egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and creamy. Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt.
3. Combine chocolate and yolks: Slowly fold the melted chocolate into the yolk mixture until fully incorporated.
4. Whip egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold whites into chocolate mixture: Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three additions. Be careful not to deflate the mousse.
6. Chill: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
7. Serve: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Lime & Chili Paletas (Popsicles)

1. Prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Mix lime juice and chili: In a large bowl, combine the cooled syrup, fresh lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
3. Pour into molds: Pour the mixture evenly into popsicle molds. Add a little lime zest on top of each for extra flavor and garnish.
4. Freeze: Insert sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until solid.
5. Serve: Run the molds under warm water briefly to release the paletas. Enjoy a refreshing, spicy treat!

Tres Leches Cake

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Whip egg yolks: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar on high speed until pale and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until smooth.
5. Beat egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold whites into batter: Carefully fold the egg whites into the batter until combined.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
9. Make milk mixture: In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
10. Soak cake: Poke holes all over the cooled cake using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
11. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
12. Serve: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon before serving.

Tips & Variations

For the Mexican Chocolate Mousse, you can substitute cayenne pepper with a pinch of smoked paprika for a different smoky flavor.

If you prefer non-alcoholic paletas, avoid adding any tequila or mezcal, but for adults, a splash of these spirits adds a nice kick.

Tres Leches Cake can be topped with fresh berries or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

To make the desserts more festive, garnish with edible flowers or colorful sprinkles that match Cinco de Mayo colors—green, white, and red.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve these desserts chilled for the best flavor and texture. The Mexican Chocolate Mousse pairs beautifully with a cup of rich Mexican coffee or a creamy horchata.

Lime & Chili Paletas make an excellent palate cleanser or refreshing treat during warm weather celebrations. Consider serving them alongside spicy dishes for a cooling contrast.

Tres Leches Cake is a fantastic centerpiece dessert, perfect for sharing at gatherings. Add a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience.

Conclusion

These desserts Cinco de Mayo recipes bring a sweet, festive touch to your holiday celebrations. Each recipe embraces traditional Mexican flavors and offers something unique—from the spicy warmth of the chocolate mousse to the zesty refreshment of lime paletas and the indulgent creaminess of tres leches cake.

Whether you’re hosting a big party or enjoying an intimate family dinner, these desserts are sure to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth. Try them out this Cinco de Mayo and celebrate with authentic taste and joy!

For more delicious Mexican-inspired recipes, check out our Classic Guacamole Recipe, Easy Chicken Enchiladas, and Homemade Salsa Verde.

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