41 Traditional Mexican Christmas Desserts Ideas that’ll Sweeten Your Christmas

Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Amanda P. Brown

A holy month is approaching, and we’re all getting ready for a joyful feast. Christmas is considered the most important occasion in Mexican culture, and people celebrate it with fabulous food, music, and faith. However, the basic facts are, Mexicans are also well-known for their broad flavor of desserts.

If you love eating savory-sweet dishes, you might find Traditional Mexican Christmas Desserts enjoying. There are a variety of Mexican sweets that you can offer to your family and friends throughout the Christmas season.

41 Traditional Mexican Christmas Desserts 

This article is all about traditional Mexican sweets. The 12 most popular Mexican Christmas desserts are listed below. Check out them-

1. Buñuelos
2. Mexican Flan 
3. Fresas Con Crema
4. Rosca De Reyes (Three Kings Bread)
5. Margarita Bars
6. Jericalla
7. Mexican Cheesecake
8. Ensalada De Nochebuena (Christmas Eve Salad)
9. Churros
10. Mexican Sweet Bread (Concha)
11. Mexican Corn Cake (Pastel De Elote)
12. Mexican Fried Ice Cream 
13. Marbled Tres Leches Cake
14. Christmas Gelatin Cups
15. Mexican Cinnamon Cookies
16. Chocolate Chili Pots
17. Cajeta Casera
18. Champurrado
19. Sopaipillas
20. Mexican Ponche
21. Pumpkin Emanadas
22. Chocolate Chili Cake
23. Bread of the Dead (Pan De Muertos)
24. Capirotada
25. Tres Leches Cupcakes
26. Easy Cranberry Margaritas
27. Fruit Punch Jello
28. Mexican sweet corn Cake
29. Coconut Fried Ice Cream
30. Natilla
31. Mexican wedding cookies
32. Butternut maple empanadas with cornmeal crust
33. No-bake pumpkin chipotle cheesecake
34. Pistachio Mazapan
35. Pan de Pascua
36. Ginger Cardamom Rompope
37. Budin
38. Mexican Rice pudding 
39. Arroz con Leche
40. Calabaza en Tacha
41. Plum Pudding (Pudín de Ciruela)

1. Buñuelos 

When it comes to Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any other type of celebration, Buñuelosis usually the most popular dessert to serve. It is a delicious traditional Mexican dessert made of fried dough coated with cinnamon and sugar. It’ll be the perfect Christmas dessert to offer with a hot cup of coffee or with a dipping sauce for the most incredible taste.

2. Mexican Flan 

Mexican flan is a classic, creamy and light dessert, making it the perfect treat to serve on Christmas. You can make this delicious Mexican flan using eggs, evaporated milk, and condensed milk. 

Also, adding coconut milk, vanilla, coffee, or cream cheese can taste this recipe differently. If you don’t have an oven, you can prepare this flan with a big pot in a water bath over medium heat.

3. Fresas Con Crema

It is one of the easiest desserts to prepare for any special occasion like; Christmas or Birthday Party. It’s beautiful to look at and excellent to eat. Sweet cream sauce, strawberries, vanilla, condensed milk, and sour cream are all packed into this dessert. The only thing you need to do is toss the strawberries into the mixture and stir it all together. It simply takes 10-minutes to prepare.

4. Rosca De Reyes (Three Kings Bread)

Though Rosca de Reyes is traditionally served on the Epiphany during King’s day, you can also serve it on Christmas Eve. According to Christian tradition, it celebrates the arrival of the three wise men who followed the star to Bethlehem carrying presents for child Jesus. 

It’s a loaf of bread scented with orange and adorned with dried fruits. Also, while baking this bread, you can add white figurines to symbolize the child, Jesus. 

5. Margarita Bars

Like a lemon bar, a margarita bar is always a crowd-pleasing dessert at any event. Few ingredients are needed to make this margarita, such as flour, eggs, limes, butter, pretzels, sugar, and tequila. This shortbread crust has a creamy lime filling and a crunchy texture. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container or frozen for up to three days.

6. Jericalla

Jericalla is an authentic Mexican delicacy that comes from the city of Guadalajara. It’s prepared using sugar, milk, cinnamon sticks, vanilla, and eggs, among other ingredients. 

It has a golden burned top. The taste of Jericalla is like crème Brulee and has a flan-like creamy texture on the inside. You can also use the broiler for 5 minutes to sear the ramekin pots for the best golden-burned look.

7. Mexican Cheesecake

Whoever tried this Mexican Cheesecake may have found a new favorite treat for them. The flavor of Mexican Cheesecake differs from American Cheesecake. In Mexico, they use eggs, pie crust, condensed milk, lime juice, evaporated milk, and cream cheese. 

Once it has cooled down properly, refrigerate it for at least two hours. To make it look more festive, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and strawberry.

8. Ensalada De Nochebuena (Christmas Eve Salad)

For Christmas, nothing can compare with this Ensalada de Nochebuena. In Mexico, it’s an old Christmas custom to bake this dessert. In the previous form of making this dish, sugar cane and lettuce are used. On the other hand, the new recipe is much fruitier and tastier. 

There are a variety of fruits and vegetables in this combination, including jicama, pineapple, pomegranate, guava, apple, Tejocote, and orange. It’s easy to cook and a low-fat, high-nutrient dish.

9. Churros

Churros is the most loveable dessert in the entire world. It’s a tender and fluffy dessert from the inside. Sugar and cinnamon are used to coat churros in Mexico. These cinnamon-flavored churros feature a crispy ridges exterior. It’s a beautiful Christmas dessert, especially with handmade chocolate dipping sauce.

10. Mexican Sweet Bread (Concha)

Conchas, or bread, is one of the most well-known and Traditional Mexican Christmas desserts. A concha, which translates to “shell” in Spanish, has a shell-like appearance. It’s a Sweet and soft bread with a white covering. Also, Concha can be made in various colors, including pink, brown, white, and yellow. It’ll undoubtedly bring a festive touch to your Christmas eve. To the people, it’s also known as a Pan Dulce.

11. Mexican Corn Cake (Pastel de Elote)

I promise you that this is the tastiest corn cake you will have tasted ever. It’s a luscious, sweet cake that is also simple to make. Use either frozen or uncooked corn for this dish, depending on your preference. Sprinkle cinnamon and a little honey on top of this dish before it’s ready to serve.

12. Mexican Fried Ice Cream

Even though it says “fried,” this ice cream isn’t really fried at all. It’s an ice cream that’s been topped with whipped cream and coated with crispy cinnamon breading and cinnamon sugar. In addition, you can add caramel sauce or a chocolate dessert with this dessert. You can try this unique and delectable dessert to make your Christmas day sweeter.

13. Marbled Tres Leches Cake

 A delicate sponge cake known as marbled tres leches cake is drenched in a sauce made from a combination of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Its popularity spans the Americas, from Mexico to the United States to Latin America.

Additionally, adding berries and whipped cream to this cake’s flavor creates sweet magic. Besides, it is the ideal dessert to serve on Mother’s Day, Christmas, or to start the strawberry season.

14. Christmas Gelatin Cups

 These Christmas Gelatin Cups are a perfect dessert for the holidays, get-togethers, and Christmas parties. Christmas jello cups are decorated in layers of perfect colors, such as green, red, and white. 

This recipe’s vibrant look is produced by layering rumpop gelatin, berries, and lime. It’s also traditional to serve Christmas gelatin desserts with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.

15. Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Cookies are a common partner of snack time over the world. Mexican cinnamon cookies are top on the best cookies list. Everyone will enjoy these Mexican cookies’ sweet flavor and buttery texture on Christmas day. The ingredients include butter, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

Additionally, they are frequently offered at Mexican weddings, although you may find them year-round due to their delectable flavor. One cup of hot tea and some Mexican cinnamon flavor cookies on a summer evening- wow, it is just an emotion that I can’t define in words. 

16. Chocolate Chili Pots

This chocolate chili is flavorful and delicious. It is simple to prepare at home. It combines dried chili flakes, ancho chili, cream, egg yolks, dark chocolate, butter, and sugar. Additionally, you might top it with chili flakes.

17. Cajeta Casera

In Mexico, cajeta casera is a highly well-liked dessert. It has a delightful, juicy, creamy, nearly nutty, and caramel-like flavor. Another excellent sweet sauce that mimics caramel and dulce de leche is cajeta casera. To make it, goat milk is used.

It goes well with apple pies, cupcakes, scones, cakes, ice cream, and other desserts.

18. Champurrado

Piloncillo, milk, Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, and Mexican cloves are heated together to create champurrado, a creamy, rich, thick, sweet, and warm Mexican beverage.

It is typically served with churros as a quick breakfast in the morning or as a late-afternoon snack. Besides, this champurrado is excellent for celebrations, holidays, and rainy days.

19. Sopaipillas

Sopaipilla is a fast bread and fried pastry popular throughout the Americas, notably in Spanish-speaking areas. It has an American doughnut flavor. Flour is used to make soapaipillas.

These Sopaipillas have a pillow-like shape and are coated in sugar before being powdered with honey. It can be offered as dessert.

20. Mexican Ponche

Warm and inviting, this Mexican fruit punch is called ponche. It has a sweet and sour flavor. It contains apple, guava, pear, and orange. This Mexican poncho is typically served at Christmas and is seasoned with cloves, hibiscus, cinnamon, and tamarind.

21. Pumpkin Emanadas

Mexican pumpkin empanadas are a tasty snack. Cinnamon, canned pumpkin puree, cloves, and dark brown sugar are the main ingredients in this sweet and savory pumpkin filling. In addition, you can fill it with cheese, steak, chicken, or anything else. It’s excellent for breakfast. Slices of recent paneer are an option for serving.

22. Chocolate Chili Cake

A traditional chocolate sponge spiced with fresh and dried chiles is used. Butter, eggs, flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, salt, caster sugar, and red chile are the main ingredients in this chocolate chili cake.

 This cake had a chocolate buttercream filling and was coated in chocolate fondant and ganache. It goes well with homemade strawberry compote.

23. Bread of the Dead (Pan De Muertos)

 It is a sweet yeast bread made with milk, flour, anise seed, dry yeast, orange zest, eggs, white sugar, and margarine. Also, Its taste is buttery and sweet. Moreover, Pan de Muerto is baked to celebrate Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and topped with a sugary orange glaze.

24. Capirotada

 Capirotada is a Mexican dish. It’s a Mexican bread pudding with cheese, cinnamon, cloves, raisins, bread, and piloncillo. This capirotada flavors like a cross between bread pudding and French toast. Capirotada is typically eaten during the Lenten duration. 

25. Tres Leches Cupcakes

Spanish-inspired tres leches cupcakes are now recognized as a component of festive dessert cakes in Mexican cuisine.

The three different milk types often used to make this sponge cake conceal its unique flavor. The combination of heavy cream, condensed milk, and evaporated milk gives these small cupcakes a tender texture and mouth-melting flavor.

26. Easy Cranberry Margaritas

One of the top Mexican adult beverages and a favorite starter beverage for Christmas gatherings. Many people adore this wonderful beverage as a party beverage.

Fresh red cranberry juice and margaritas are wonderful combinations is this juice. This version of the flavor of the margarita consists of a unique flavor with a stunning purple hue.  

27. Fruit Punch Jello

Various fruit liquids go into making Fruit Punch Jelly, but the most common ones are pineapple, orange, and cherry. Each mouthful of this fruity gelatin is a rush of sweetness because of the expertly balanced sugar content.

The bright colors and fun shapes of Fruit Punch Jelly set it apart. It has a wide range of vibrant colors like conventional fruit punch and is typically presented in a big mold or individual portions. Many gelatin desserts have chunks of chopped fruit like pineapple and maraschino cherries for textural contrast and aesthetic appeal.

28. Mexican Sweet Corn Cake

Mexican Sweet Corn Cake, or “Pastel de Elote” as it is known in Mexico, is a delicious and soothing treat that combines corn’s natural sweetness with a cake’s richness. 

In this Mexican dessert, corn (or maize) takes center stage. Combining additional ingredients with fresh, soft maize kernels or cornmeal creates a delicacy that is at once rustic and refined. Sugar, butter, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and vanilla extract can be found in cake mixes as sweeteners and flavor enhancers.

Despite its sweet reputation, Mexican Sweet Corn Cake pairs well with savory Mexican fare when served as a side dish. Add an extra dose of decadence by serving it with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.

29. Coconut Fried Ice Cream

Coconut Fried Ice Cream is a decadent delicacy that expertly combines hot and crispy with cool and creamy.

The ice cream is the show-stopper in this sweet treat. Ice cream balls are made by carefully shaping a scoop into a ball and then letting it harden in the freezer. 

Wrapping this ice cream ball in a tasty crust is where the magic happens. Around the ice cream ball, a combination of shredded coconut and sweet crumbs (often cookie or graham cracker crumbs) is carefully combined and coated. This coconut-crumble shell takes the dessert to the next level with its additional texture and flavor.

To keep the ice cream from melting during preparation, it is quickly deep-fried at a high temperature to create a golden, crispy coating. It’s nice to have a range of temperatures and textures. After the initial crunch, the ice cream’s melting smoothness will fill your palate.

30. Natilla

The rich and creamy dessert known as Umatilla has a unique place in the cuisines of Latin America and Spain. Natilla is a traditional food in many Latin American nations, especially during holidays. 

The silky custard-like consistency of Natilla is what sets it apart. It’s made by slowly cooking milk, sugar, and egg yolks over low heat until thick and creamy. The end product is a silky, indulgent custard that thickens without any added flour or gelatin.

Natilla’s flavor is very soothing and luxurious. The milk gives a smooth and somewhat sweet foundation, while the sugar brings out the full flavor. Infusing the dessert with warm, fragrant flavors, like vanilla or cinnamon, increases its overall appeal.

Natilla tastes best when served cold, when its consistency is firm, and its flavor has a chance to develop. It’s often served in individual bowls or a large bowl for the whole table, and it’s decorated with a dash of ground cinnamon and maybe a dab of whipped cream. The warm spices complement the pudding’s chilled, creamy texture, making a delicious contrast in temperature and scent.

31. Mexican Wedding Cookies

Whether you call them “Polvorones” or “Biscochos,” these little biscuits with a buttery, crumbly texture and a sweet, nutty flavor will steal your heart. 

These light, spherical biscuits are made with just four basic ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and finely chopped nuts (usually almonds or pecans). The dough is combined until it has the texture of crumbles that easily dissolve in the tongue.

After the dough is mixed and molded, the cookies are cooked until they turn a pale golden brown and are firm to the touch. These tasty treats are given their signature snowball look by being liberally dusted with powdered sugar while still hot.

32. Butternut Maple Empanadas with Cornmeal Crust

These butternut squash empanadas with maple syrup and cornmeal crust are a delicious example of how different ingredients can work together to create a new flavor profile. These fall-flavored variations on classic empanadas are a tasty treat any time of year.

The stuffing for these empanadas centers on roasted butternut squash. Roasting the butternut squash brings out its inherent sweetness and makes it soft. A touch of pure maple syrup is drizzled on top to boost the filling’s flavor, adding a warm, soothing sweetness that goes great with the squash’s earthy undertones. Spice it up with some cinnamon and nutmeg for some extra coziness.

The cornmeal crust is utilized instead of the typical empanada dough in this dessert. The cornmeal makes the pastry more homely and rustic while adding a little crunch and sweetness. Carefully smoothed-out dough is folded over the filling to form a flaky shell that encloses a pocket of bliss.

33. No-bake Pumpkin Chipotle Cheesecake

If you’re looking for a dessert with a little kick, go no further than this one-of-a-kind cheesecake. It’s a great option for anyone wishing to spice up a traditional dessert with unexpected flavor combinations this autumn and holiday season.

The smooth cheesecake center is the show-stopper in this dessert. The key component is chipotle pepper, combined with cream cheese and pumpkin puree in the preparation. In contrast to the pumpkin’s sweetness and the cream cheese’s richness, the chipotle pepper provides a smoky, slightly spicy bite. The dessert’s autumnal taste is accentuated by adding cinnamon and nutmeg.

This cheesecake’s no-bake nature is one of its most appealing qualities. Simply combine the filling ingredients and place them in a graham cracker or cookie crust for a crispy, buttery outside, and a smooth, creamy inside.

34. Pistachio Mazapan

Pistachio Mazapán is a tasty and nutty twist on the classic Mexican dessert known simply as “Mazapán.” This delicacy is a classic thanks to its sugary sweetness and crumbly texture, which comes from adding pistachios.

Pistachio Mazapán gets its vibrant green hue and decadent nutty flavor from finely powdered pistachio nuts. These nuts are thoroughly mixed with powdered sugar to make a paste reminiscent of marzipan. This mixture is shaped into small, bite-sized rectangles or rounds, and it has a slight crumble that makes it melt in your mouth as soon as you take a piece.

Pistachios and sugar are the only two main components. The resulting sweet and nutty flavor blast highlights the pistachio nuts’ inherent decadence. Mazapán is delicious thanks to its nutty flavor and somewhat sandy texture.

Pistachio Mazapán is a common option for parties, especially during Mexican Desserts for the Holidays. Its distinctive nutty flavor and eye-catching green color make it a crowd-pleaser at dessert parties and a favorite among nut lovers.

35. Pan de Pascua

Pan de Pascua, the classic Chilean Christmas cake, is appreciated and enjoyed for its abundance of fruit and deep, comforting spices. This holiday dish is a staple at Chilean Christmas gatherings and is shared among friends and family all season long.

Candied citrus fruits, raisins, nuts, and sometimes figs or citrons are common additions to the Pan de Pascua. These ingredients are first steeped in sweet wine or rum to enhance their rich flavor before being added to the cake mix.

Sponge cake dough flavored with fragrant spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg makes up the cake. The fragrant combination balances the richness of the nuts and dried fruits, making for a comforting and pleasant snack.

Its wet and rich texture characterizes Pan de Pascua. While the cake’s exterior turns golden brown from baking, the interior stays delightfully soft from the batter’s richness and the juices from the soaked fruits. The cake’s enticing texture comes from the harmony of its many components.

36. Arroz Con Leche

Traditional Latin American rice pudding, known as “Arroz con Leche,” is a tribute to the beauty of minimalism and homeyness. This delicious meal, whose name translates to “Rice with Milk,” is steeped in years of tradition and comfort.

Arroz con Leche is made by simmering tender rice in a delicious mixture of whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until the rice is tender. The rice absorbs the milk’s silky richness, making for a comforting and decadent dish. The spicy, comforting flavor of cinnamon elevates this classic sweet.

All around Latin America, families and communities put their spin on the classic dish Arroz with Leche. To highlight the variety of cultural influences on regional cuisine, some cooks like to add a dash of a handful of raisins, citrus zest, or even a touch of vanilla.

37. Ginger Cardamom Rompope

The traditional Mexican eggnog-like beverage is called “rompope,” this ginger cardamom version is a delicious variation of the original. The smooth and silky foundation is the heart of our Ginger Cardamom Rompope. Its silky, decadent consistency comes from the milk, sugar, egg yolks, and a dash of vanilla used in its traditional preparation.

Cardamom offers a wonderful layer of warmth and a somewhat lemony, herbaceous note, while ginger contributes a mild spiciness and a touch of heat. These spices amplify the sugar’s sweetness and the egg yolks’ richness, resulting in a symphony of flavor.

The best way to enjoy the Ginger Cardamom Rompope is chilled, where they may mingle and blossom. Garnishing it with ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg amplifies the festive flavor and atmosphere.

People around Mexico and Latin America enjoy sipping on this spicy rompope during the winter holidays. It may be eaten on its own as a sweet delicacy or as a tasty addition to other holiday sweets like tamales and buuelos.

38. Budin

Budin, a popular Mexican delicacy, is a delicious culinary achievement that combines time-honored methods, simple ingredients, and comforting flavors.

Budin is made by repurposing leftover bread from the previous day, typically panettone or brioche. This sweet and savory bread is the foundation of the dessert. After being broken into pieces, it is steeped in a delicious sauce made of whole milk, sugar, eggs, and various spices. Every corner of the dish is permeated by the comforting and tantalizing aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and just a dash of nutmeg.

Although optional, raisins and candied fruits are frequently included since they offer a touch of sweetness and pops of color. The bread soaks up the thick custard filling, giving it a pudding-like consistency that is both soothing and decadent.

39. Mexican Rice pudding 

Mexican rice pudding, sometimes called “Arroz con Leche,” is a cherished sweet with a long history in Mexican cuisine. This decadent dessert is more than just a sweet treat; for years, families have served it on special occasions and at family tables.

To make Mexican rice pudding, cook some rice until it’s tender and fluffy. This can be done with either short-grain or long-grain white rice. The rich and creamy flavor is imparted by simmering the rice in whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, or evaporated milk. Vanilla extract, Ground cinnamon, and a little salt are added for depth of flavor.

40. Calabaza en Tacha

The classic Mexican dish “Calabaza en Tacha” is a wonderful invention that perfectly encapsulates the characteristics of simplicity and sweetness. The name literally translates to “Candied Pumpkin,” it’s a tasty dessert served at many celebrations, including the Mexican Day of the Dead (Da de los Muertos) holiday.

Slices of pumpkin or squash are simmered in a syrup seasoned with cinnamon, piloncillo (unrefined brown sugar), and sometimes cloves or other spices to make calabaza en Tacha. The pumpkin absorbs the syrup’s savory sweetness and the spices’ soothing aroma throughout the slow boil. The final product is a pumpkin caramelized into tender slices with a beautiful amber hue.

41. Plum Pudding (Pudín de Ciruela)

The Spanish name for plum pudding is “Pudn de Ciruela,” and it’s a time-honored favorite. It’s more like a steamed or boiled cake than a typical custard, and it’s not necessarily made with plums, despite the name. This sweet is strongly associated with celebrations in both British and American culture.

Dried fruits (often raisins and currants), breadcrumbs, suet (or butter), sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves go into Pudn de Ciruela. Despite plums’ normally secondary function in a meal, the word has been synonymous with prunes due to their historical use.

The ingredients are steamed or cooked until the cake-like dish becomes dense and moist, allowing the flavors to combine. It is typically prepared for several days, weeks, or even months in preparation and then aged to improve flavor. 

Pudín de Ciruela is undeniably associated with the Christmas season and is often a grand finale to holiday feasts. It is often flambéed with brandy and presented with a flourish, sometimes accompanied by a rich, warm custard or a dollop of whipped cream.

What Is a Traditional Christmas Dish in Mexico?

Christmas is widely celebrated in Mexico due to its culture. Mexico is famous all over the world for its traditional Christmas cuisine. Here is a list of some of the most well-known and traditional Christmas dishes.

• Carne Asada
• Bacalao
• Turkey
• Tamales De Puerco
• Pozole
• Spicy Pork Tenderloin
• Ponche Navideno
• Rompode
• Arroz Verde
• Birria
• Quesadillas
• Tacos
• Burritos

What’s The Most Popular Christmas Dessert?

Even though we reside in various states or nations, some desserts are beloved worldwide. These are a few examples:

• Ginger Bread
• Trifle
• Eggnog Cookies
• Pudding
• Iced VoVo Pavlova
• Cranberry Pie
• Peppermint
• Cheesecake
• Bûche de Noël 
• Caramel Apple Pie
• Christmas Tree Brownies
• Christmas Tree Cake

Final Verdict

Mexican cuisine has a wide variety of tastes, and some of them are top desserts in the Western Hemisphere. Though some of their desserts are of Spanish origin, they have become Mexico’s most traditional dessert. There are hundreds of desserts to pick from for your Christmas party. I have created the 12-best traditional Mexican Christmas desserts list to save your time. I hope these desserts will add a little sweetness to your Christmas celebration.

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year!

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