Mexican Sweets: Flan, Tres Leches and More
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and rich traditions. But beyond tacos, salsas, and guacamole, we can’t forget its sweet side. Mexican desserts are just as impressive as savory dishes – and often tied to family celebrations, holidays, and treasured home recipes passed down through generations.
Today, we’ll introduce you to some of the most beloved Mexican desserts, with a special focus on one that has won hearts all around the world.
Flan: A Caramel Classic
Flan is a smooth caramel custard that holds a special place in Mexican households. It’s light and silky, served with a golden caramel layer on top, and often made for special occasions. While versions of flan can be found in other Latin American countries and Spain, the Mexican version is known for its rich, creamy texture.
Arroz con Leche: Creamy Rice Nostalgia
Another traditional favorite is arroz con leche – a rice pudding cooked with milk and cinnamon. It can be served warm or cold and is one of those comforting desserts that remind many Mexicans of childhood and home.
Buñuelos: A Sweet, Crispy Temptation
Another popular dessert is buñuelos – thin, crispy fritters (often round in shape) that are fried and then coated in sugar and cinnamon. Their origins go back to Spain, but in Mexico, they’ve developed a character of their own. Traditionally made during the Christmas season, they’re also enjoyed throughout the year by anyone with a sweet tooth.
Tres Leches: A Sweet Masterpiece Made with Three Milks
If we had to choose one dessert that represents Mexican hospitality and love for sweets, it would be tres leches.
This delicious cake is made with a soft sponge base that is soaked in a mixture of three types of milk – sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. The result? An incredibly moist and tender cake that melts in your mouth.
Tres leches is a dessert that wins you over from the very first bite – it’s not overly sweet but full of flavor. It’s traditionally topped with a light whipped cream and often finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, some fresh fruit, or left plain to showcase its clean, white layers.
Whether served at birthdays, festive gatherings, or just because – tres leches is a symbol of comfort, sharing, and the joy of simple ingredients.
And because we know so many of you are as fascinated by this dessert as we are, we’ve prepared a video showing you how to make tres leches at home. You can watch the video on our instagram profile "mezcalli.restaurant".
