Cinco de Mayo Desserts: Sweet Recipes for a Perfect Fiesta

Have you ever wondered why the simplest desserts often create the most memorable celebrations? While elaborate cakes and pastries have their place, it’s often the colorful, flavor-packed treats that truly capture the festive spirit of holidays like Cinco de Mayo.

Creating delicious Cinco de Mayo desserts doesn’t require professional baking skills or hard-to-find ingredients. This collection of sweet treats celebrates Mexican culinary traditions while offering accessible recipes that anyone can master. From traditional favorites to creative interpretations, these desserts will add the perfect sweet finale to your fiesta.

Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

These cupcakes capture the beloved flavor of churros in a delightful bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for any Cinco de Mayo celebration. The cinnamon-sugar topping creates that authentic churro experience while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy complement.

Ingredients List

For the cupcakes:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour blend if needed)
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for dairy-free option)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk (substitute with almond or oat milk)

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (substitute with dairy-free cream cheese)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the topping:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Timing

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Baking time: 18-20 minutes

Cooling and decorating: 30 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes – significantly quicker than traditional churro-making, which can take up to 2 hours when including dough resting time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Gather all ingredients and bring refrigerated items to room temperature for best results.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined. This pre-mixing ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout your batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming incorporates air into the batter, resulting in lighter cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix just until combined – overmixing can make your cupcakes tough.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and cinnamon. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Mix the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This will give your Cinco de Mayo desserts that authentic churro flavor and appearance.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread frosting onto each cupcake. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. For an extra festive touch, add colorful sprinkles or small Mexican flag picks.

Nutritional Information

Per cupcake (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 385
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 82mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 51g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 38g
• Protein: 4g

These cupcakes contain approximately 25% less fat than traditional deep-fried churros while still delivering the same beloved cinnamon-sugar flavor profile that makes Mexican desserts so popular during festivities.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Reduce sugar content by cutting the sugar in the batter to ¾ cup and using a light cream cheese for the frosting. This simple change can reduce calories by up to 15% per serving while maintaining the dessert’s festive flavor.

For a whole-grain version, substitute half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour. This adds fiber and nutrients while maintaining a similar texture. The subtle nuttiness actually complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

Create a dairy-free version using plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cream cheese. Modern plant-based alternatives have improved significantly and work wonderfully in baked goods, making these Cinco de Mayo desserts accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Create a dessert table featuring these churro cupcakes alongside other Cinco de Mayo desserts like fruit-topped sopapillas and Mexican chocolate cookies. The varied textures and complementary flavors will delight your guests.

Pair with Mexican hot chocolate for an authentic flavor combination. The spiced chocolate beverage creates a perfect temperature and flavor contrast with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced cupcakes.

For an adult celebration, serve alongside coffee-infused tequila or horchata liqueur. The cinnamon notes in both the cupcakes and horchata create a harmonious pairing perfect for ending your Cinco de Mayo feast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten and results in tough, dense cupcakes instead of light, fluffy ones. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs, butter, and milk blend more smoothly and trap more air in the batter, creating a better texture.
• Overfilling cupcake liners: Fill only ⅔ full to prevent overflow and ensure even baking.
• Frosting warm cupcakes: This causes the frosting to melt and slide off. Always allow cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.
• Skimping on cinnamon: The distinctive churro flavor comes from generous cinnamon. Don’t be afraid to use the full amount for authentic taste.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration, but allow cupcakes to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For make-ahead options, prepare unfrosted cupcakes up to 2 days in advance and store at room temperature in an airtight container. The frosting can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature and whip briefly before using.

These cupcakes freeze beautifully! Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and decorating.

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Conclusion

These Churro Cupcakes capture the festive spirit of Cinco de Mayo while offering a delicious twist on traditional churros. They’re the perfect balance of familiar and fresh – cinnamon-spiced cake with creamy frosting and that signature churro crunch on top.

Whether you’re hosting a full fiesta or simply want to acknowledge the holiday with something sweet, these cupcakes deliver authentic flavor without requiring specialized baking skills. They’re sure to become a requested favorite for celebrations year-round!

Have you tried making these churro cupcakes or do you have another favorite Cinco de Mayo dessert? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your celebration photos! ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!