Stunning & Delicious Desserts For Your Fiesta!
Cinco de Mayo is the perfect occasion to celebrate with bold flavors, festive colors, and irresistible sweets.
A dessert bar is an exciting way to showcase Mexican-inspired treats, giving guests a visually stunning and indulgent experience.
From churros to tres leches cake, this guide covers how to set up the ultimate Cinco de Mayo dessert bar, featuring beautiful styling ideas, essential decor tips, and mouthwatering sweets.
Let’s create a dessert table that’s just as delicious as it is eye-catching!
Setting the Scene: How to Design a Beautiful Dessert Bar
Before diving into the sweets, let’s talk presentation! A well-styled dessert table should be vibrant, inviting, and easy for guests to enjoy. Here are some essentials for creating a picture-perfect Cinco de Mayo dessert bar:
- Colorful Backdrop: Hang papel picado banners, use a bold fiesta-themed fabric, or add a balloon arch in bright colors.
- Themed Serveware: Display treats on Talavera-style platters, rustic wooden boards, and cake stands to add depth and height to the table.
- Decorative Touches: Scatter mini piñatas, terracotta pots filled with succulents, and colorful napkins for a festive touch.
- Tiered Dessert Display: Use multi-level trays, dessert stands, or wooden crates to create a dynamic setup.
- Custom Signage: Place small chalkboard labels or acrylic signs in front of each dessert to describe the flavors.
- Flameless candles or string lights: Use to create a warm glow in the evening.
- Sprinkles – Perfect for creating colorful piñata fillings.
- Churro Maker – Have a go at this simple but showstopping dessert yourself at home!
- Popsicle Mold Set – Makes creating paletas quick and easy.
- Tajín Seasoning – Adds the perfect spicy-salty touch.
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1. Churros with Dipping Sauces
No Cinco de Mayo dessert bar is complete without warm, crispy churros! These cinnamon-sugar treats are always a hit, especially when paired with decadent dipping sauces.
Dipping Sauce Ideas:
- Classic Chocolate Ganache – Rich, smooth, and indulgent.
- Dulce de Leche – A creamy caramelized treat.
- Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Sauce – A fun twist with a hint of cayenne.
- Berry Salsa with Lime Zest – Fresh and tangy for a fruity contrast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon for coating
Instructions:
- Heat water, sugar, salt, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until butter melts.
- Add flour and stir until the dough forms a ball. Remove from heat.
- Let cool slightly, then add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Pipe dough into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture while warm. Serve with dipping sauces.
Hosting Tip: Arrange churros in paper cones or mini terracotta cups for an adorable grab-and-go setup!
2. Tres Leches Cake Shooters
Tres Leches Cake is a Cinco de Mayo classic, and serving it in mini shooter glasses makes it even more fun. These bite-sized desserts are light, creamy, and oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish.
- Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in flour and baking powder.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool, then cut into small squares.
- Whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. Pour over cake pieces.
- Whip heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe onto each cake shooter.
Hosting Tip: Serve with mini spoons so guests can easily enjoy them!
3. Mexican Wedding Cookies
Also known as Polvorones, these buttery, crumbly cookies are coated in powdered sugar and melt in your mouth. They’re a simple yet elegant addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Stir in flour and pecans.
- Roll into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes. Let cool, then roll in powdered sugar.
Hosting Tip: Serve them in hand-painted ceramic bowls for a stunning presentation.
4. Piñata Cupcakes
Piñata cupcakes are a fun and interactive addition to your Cinco de Mayo dessert bar.
These colorful cupcakes have a hidden surprise inside—when guests take a bite, they reveal a burst of candy, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips.
The best part? You can customize the fillings to match your color scheme or theme.
Whether you choose bright rainbow sprinkles, mini M&M’s, or dulce de leche, these cupcakes are as delicious as they are exciting.
Ingredients:
- 1 & ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 & ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup assorted candy (mini M&M’s, sprinkles, or chocolate chips)
- 2 cups buttercream frosting
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until combined.
- Divide batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with candy. Cover with the removed piece of cake.
- Frost with buttercream and decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter.
Hosting Tip: Arrange cupcakes on a tiered stand for an eye-catching display and place a “Surprise Inside!” sign to let guests know they’re filled with a sweet treat.
5. Dulce de Leche Churro Cheesecake Bars
These rich and creamy cheesecake bars combine the cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros with the silky decadence of cheesecake, making them an irresistible centerpiece for your dessert table.
A buttery cinnamon-sugar crust gives way to a luscious layer of dulce de leche cheesecake, topped with another sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for the perfect sweet and slightly crunchy finish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 (8-oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup dulce de leche
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Press into the bottom of the pan.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, dulce de leche, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour over crust and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is just set.
- Sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar and let cool completely before slicing.
Hosting Tip: Serve in bite-sized squares and place them in mini cupcake liners for a mess-free, grab-and-go option.
6. Mini Flan Cups
Flan is a Mexican dessert staple with its silky texture, caramelized top, and rich vanilla custard flavor. Serving it in individual mini cups makes it even more elegant and guest-friendly.
The beauty of flan is its balance of sweetness and creaminess, and when topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, it becomes a show-stopping addition to any dessert bar.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup sugar (for caramel)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Immediately pour into mini ramekins, coating the bottoms.
- In a blender, mix eggs, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour over the caramel layer in ramekins.
- Place ramekins in a baking dish and pour hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath.
- Bake at 325°F for 45–50 minutes until set. Let cool, then chill before serving.
Hosting Tip: Garnish with whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra touch of color and flavor.
7. Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies
These fudgy, rich brownies get a spicy kick from cinnamon and cayenne, making them an exciting addition to your Cinco de Mayo dessert lineup.
The deep, chocolatey flavor pairs beautifully with the warmth of spices, creating a dessert that is both comforting and bold.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool before slicing.
Hosting Tip: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a side of dulce de leche drizzle for extra indulgence.
8. Paletas (Mexican Ice Pops)
Paletas are refreshing, fruity Mexican ice pops that are perfect for a cool, colorful addition to your dessert bar.
Unlike regular popsicles, paletas are made with real fruit, creamy ingredients, or even a spicy twist for a fun surprise!
Ingredients (for Mango & Tajín Paletas):
- 2 cups fresh mango chunks
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp honey or agave
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp Tajín seasoning
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into popsicle molds and insert sticks.
- Freeze for 4–6 hours or until fully set.
- Sprinkle with extra Tajín before serving.
Hosting Tip: Serve paletas in a bowl of crushed ice to keep them cold during your celebration.
9. Mini Sopapillas with Honey Drizzle
Sopapillas are light, airy Mexican pastries that are deep-fried to perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re served with a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce for an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Making mini sopapillas makes them easy to grab and enjoy without the need for utensils!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- ½ cup warm milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and warm milk, kneading until smooth.
- Roll out the dough and cut into small squares.
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry dough pieces until golden brown and puffed.
- Drain and toss in cinnamon sugar while warm.
- Drizzle with honey before serving.
Hosting Tip: Arrange sopapillas in mini paper bags or cone holders so guests can grab them easily!
10. Fiesta Chocolate Piñata Cake
A piñata cake is the ultimate show-stopping dessert for your Cinco de Mayo celebration! This cake has a hidden candy surprise inside, just like a real piñata.
When you slice into it, colorful candies, sprinkles, or mini chocolates spill out, creating a fun and festive moment for guests!
For more piñata cake inspo check out this video!
Ingredients:
- 2 & ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 & ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 & ½ cups whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 & ½ cups assorted candy (M&M’s, sprinkles, or mini chocolates)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until fully combined. Stir in vanilla.
- Bake cakes for 30–35 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Cut a hole in the center of one cake layer and fill with candy.
- Frost with chocolate buttercream and place the second cake layer on top.
- Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or piped frosting.
Hosting Tip: Place the piñata cake on a cake stand with a sign encouraging guests to cut into the surprise!
The Takeaway
A Cinco de Mayo dessert bar is all about bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and interactive treats.
Whether you go for classic churros, refreshing paletas, or piñata cupcakes, your dessert spread will wow your guests and make your celebration extra sweet!
What to Read Next?
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Which Cinco de Mayo dessert are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow fiesta lovers!
Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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