Delicious Desserts That Go with Tacos:  20+ Pairings Ideas

When I think about the perfect taco night, my mouth starts watering at the thought of those savory, spicy flavors.

But let’s not forget about the sweet finale! I’ve discovered that pairing the right desserts with tacos can elevate your meal from great to unforgettable.

In this post, I’ll share my favorite desserts that go with tacos, from traditional Mexican treats to creative twists that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Whether you’re planning a Cinco de Mayo bash or just a casual Taco Tuesday, I’ve got you covered with dessert ideas that’ll complement your fiesta perfectly.

So, let’s dive into the world of taco-friendly sweets and find your new favorite way to end a Mexican feast!

Understanding Taco Flavors and Dessert Pairings

Before we jump into specific dessert recipes, let’s take a moment to understand why certain sweets pair so well with tacos. It’s all about balance and complementing flavors!

Typical Flavor Profiles in Tacos

• Savory: Meat or beans provide a hearty base
• Spicy: Chili peppers and hot sauces add heat
• Acidic: Lime juice and pickled vegetables offer tanginess
• Fresh: Cilantro and onions bring brightness
• Creamy: Guacamole and sour cream add richness

How Desserts Can Complement or Contrast Taco Flavors

• Sweet balances spicy: Sugar can soothe heat-tingled taste buds
• Creamy desserts offset acidity: Smooth textures complement tangy flavors
• Fresh fruit cleanses the palate: Light, fruity desserts refresh after heavy tacos

Key Considerations When Choosing Desserts For Tacos

• Texture: Contrast crispy tacos with soft desserts (or vice versa)
• Temperature: Cool desserts can balance warm tacos
• Intensity: Light desserts for heavy tacos, rich sweets for lighter fillings

Traditional Mexican Desserts That Pair Well with Tacos

Now that we understand the basics, let’s explore some classic Mexican desserts that are perfect after a taco feast.

Churros: The Classic Taco Night Dessert

Churros are my go-to dessert after tacos. These crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated pastries are simply irresistible. I love dipping them in chocolate sauce or dulce de leche. The crunchy texture of churros contrasts beautifully with soft taco fillings, while the cinnamon complements many taco spices.

Why Churros Work Well with Tacos:

• Crunchy texture contrasts with soft taco fillings
• Cinnamon flavor complements taco spices
• Not too heavy after a filling meal

For an authentic churro recipe, check out this guide from Mexico in My Kitchen.

Flan: A Creamy Contrast to Spicy Tacos

Flan is a silky smooth custard that melts in your mouth. Its cool, creamy texture is the perfect antidote to spicy tacos. I’ve tried various flan flavors, from classic vanilla to coconut and even coffee. For a unique twist, pair a caramel flan with fish tacos – the sweetness complements the light, fresh flavors beautifully.

Different Flan Variations:

• Classic vanilla
• Coconut
• Coffee
• Chocolate

Pairing Flan with Specific Taco Types:

• Vanilla flan with spicy beef tacos
• Coconut flan with fish tacos
• Coffee flan with pork carnitas

Sopapillas: Light and Crispy Post-taco Treats

Sopapillas are puffy fried pastries that I love to serve at taco parties. They’re light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal, and their versatility makes them a crowd-pleaser. In New Mexico, they’re often served as a savory side, but for dessert, I dust them with cinnamon sugar and drizzle with honey.

Regional Variations of Sopapillas:

• New Mexican style: Puffy and square
• Tex-Mex style: Flatter and crispy

Serving Ideas for a Taco Party:

• Cinnamon-sugar dusted with honey
• Filled with fruit compote
• Topped with ice cream and caramel sauce

For a simple sopapilla recipe, visit Allrecipes.

Fruit-Based Desserts to Complement Your Taco Feast

After indulging in savory tacos, I often crave something light and refreshing. Fruit-based desserts are perfect for this, offering a sweet contrast without being too heavy.

• Mango Sorbet: I love serving mango sorbet after tacos. Its bright, tropical flavor cleanses the palate and cools down spice-tingled taste buds. The smooth, icy texture is a delightful contrast to crispy taco shells. Plus, it’s a lighter option that won’t leave you feeling overstuffed after a taco feast.

• Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple: Grilling pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a warm, sweet treat. I sprinkle it with cinnamon for extra flavor. This simple dessert complements the smoky notes in grilled taco fillings and adds a tropical twist to your meal.

• Watermelon Agua Fresca: While not strictly a dessert, I find that a cool glass of watermelon agua fresca is the perfect sweet ending to a taco night. It’s hydrating, refreshing, and lightly sweet. The natural watermelon flavor pairs beautifully with the complex spices in tacos.

Chocolate Desserts That Go with Tacos

Who can resist chocolate? These rich, indulgent desserts are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a spicy taco meal.

• Chocolate-dipped Fruit: For a lighter chocolate fix, I love offering chocolate-dipped fruit. Strawberries, orange slices, or banana chunks dipped in dark chocolate provide a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence. The fruit’s acidity cuts through the richness of both the tacos and the chocolate.

• Aztec Chocolate Mousse: This decadent dessert is my go-to when I want to impress guests. A traditional chocolate mousse gets a Mexican twist with cinnamon, a touch of chili, and sometimes a splash of tequila. It’s rich, complex, and a showstopper after any taco meal.

• Chocoflan: Also known as “impossible cake,” chocoflan is a magical dessert that combines chocolate cake and flan in one dish. When baked, the layers switch places, creating a stunning two-toned dessert. Its textures and flavors make it a unique and delightful end to a taco meal.

Ice Cream and Frozen Treats as Taco Desserts

Cool, creamy ice cream is always a hit after spicy tacos. Here are some of my favorite frozen desserts that pair perfectly with a taco feast.

• Horchata Ice Cream: I love transforming the classic Mexican rice drink into a creamy ice cream. The cinnamon-spiced, vanilla-infused flavor of horchata ice cream complements the spices in tacos beautifully. It’s refreshing, and familiar, yet unique enough to surprise your guests.

• Paletas (Mexican popsicles): Paletas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and I adore serving them after tacos. These fruit-based popsicles come in endless flavors – from classic strawberry to exotic tamarind or mango-chili. They’re light, refreshing, and perfect for cooling down after a spicy meal.

• Fried Ice Cream: For a fun twist on traditional ice cream, I sometimes serve fried ice cream. A scoop of ice cream is coated in crushed cornflakes and quickly deep-fried, creating a warm, crunchy shell around the still-frozen center. It’s a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Quick and Easy Desserts for Impromptu Taco Nights

Sometimes, taco night happens on a whim. Here are some simple desserts I whip up when I need something sweet without much prep time.

• Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: I love repurposing leftover tortillas into a sweet treat. Cut them into wedges, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake until crispy. Serve with a side of chocolate sauce or fruit salsa for dipping.

• Arroz con Leche(Mexican Rice Pudding): This is a comforting dessert that’s easy to make with pantry staples. I simmer rice with milk, cinnamon, and sugar until creamy and fragrant. It’s warm, satisfying, and not too sweet – perfect after a zesty taco meal.

• No-Bake Dulce de Leche Cheesecake: When I’m short on time but want something impressive, I turn to this no-bake cheesecake. A graham cracker crust topped with a creamy cheesecake mixture and swirled with dulce de leche creates a dessert that looks fancy but comes together quickly.

Healthier Dessert Options That Go with Tacos

Sometimes I want something sweet but not too indulgent. Here are my go-to lighter options:

• Fruit Salad with Chili and Lime: I toss together a mix of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya, then sprinkle with Tajín (a chili-lime seasoning). The sweet-spicy-tangy combination is refreshing and satisfying without being heavy.

• Yogurt Parfaits with Mexican-inspired Toppings: I layer Greek yogurt with granola, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey. For a Mexican twist, I add a sprinkle of cinnamon and some toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). It’s creamy, crunchy, and not too sweet.

• Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips: Thinly sliced apples dusted with cinnamon and baked until crispy make for a light, sweet snack. They satisfy the craving for something sweet and crunchy without added sugars or fats.

Beverage Pairings for Taco Desserts

The right drink can elevate your taco dessert experience. Here are my favorite pairings:

• Mexican Hot Chocolate: I always get excited about serving Mexican hot chocolate after tacos. Its rich, velvety texture and complex flavor profile – thanks to cinnamon and a hint of chili – make it a perfect complement to a taco feast. The warmth of the drink is especially comforting on cooler evenings and pairs beautifully with churros or sopapillas.

• Mexican coffee to complement rich desserts: A cup of Mexican coffee, flavored with cinnamon and a touch of chocolate, pairs beautifully with churros or sopapillas. Its warmth and slight bitterness balance out sweet treats.

• Horchata as a dessert drink: Creamy, cinnamon-spiced horchata is delicious on its own or alongside a slice of tres leches cake. Its refreshing quality makes it perfect for cooling down after spicy tacos.

• Dessert cocktails that pair well with tacos and sweets: A classic margarita or a Mexican-inspired dessert cocktail like a Chocolate Aztec (tequila, crème de cacao, and a dash of chili) can be the perfect finale to your taco feast.

For some great Mexican-inspired cocktail recipes, visit Delish

Tips for Serving Desserts at a Taco Party

When hosting a taco party, the dessert course can be just as exciting as the main event. Here are some tips I’ve gathered from my experiences to make your dessert service both impressive and effortless:

Presentation Ideas

• Use colorful Mexican pottery or Talavera-style dishes for serving
• Create a dessert taco bar with various shells, fillings, and toppings
• Serve individual portions in mini mason jars or colorful shot glasses
• Use a tiered serving stand to display a variety of small desserts
• Incorporate edible flowers like marigolds for a festive touch

Portion Sizes After a Taco Neal

• Keep portions small – people are often full after tacos
• Offer a variety of mini desserts for sampling
• Consider serving some desserts as “bites” or “shooters”
• Use small tasting spoons or mini forks for easy sampling

Accommodating Dietary Restrictions

• Offer fruit-based options for lighter choices
• Include dairy-free options like sorbet or fruit paletas
• Consider gluten-free desserts like flan or rice pudding
• Label desserts clearly with allergen information
• Provide vegan options such as coconut milk-based treats

Timing and Temperature

• Serve cold desserts immediately after taking them out of the refrigerator
• Prepare warm desserts like churros or sopapillas just before serving
• Consider a mix of room temperature, cold, and warm desserts for variety

Here’s a handy table summarizing dessert service ideas for different party sizes:

FAQs: Desserts That Pair With Tacos

Can Chocolate Desserts Be Served with Tacos?

Yes, chocolate desserts can be delicious with tacos. Mexican hot chocolate, chocolate-dipped fruit, and Aztec chocolate mousse are popular choices. The rich, sweet flavors of chocolate can balance out spicy taco fillings nicely.

What Beverages Pair Well with Taco Desserts?

Mexican coffee, horchata, and dessert cocktails like margaritas or Chocolate Aztecs pair well with taco desserts. These drinks can complement the sweetness of desserts while tying into the Mexican theme of your meal.

What’s A Quick Dessert for Taco Night?

Cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, Mexican rice pudding, or a no-bake cheesecake with dulce de leche are quick and easy desserts for taco night. These can be prepared with minimal effort, perfect for impromptu gatherings.