Are you looking for an unusual and flavorful way to end your next Mexican-inspired meal?
Then you’ll want to read on and discover these delicious dessert options that perfectly pair with tacos.
Everything from creative parfaits to mouth-watering cakes, this article will give you all the answers you need to decide which dessert is the perfect fit for your meal.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for a special treat for your date night, don’t miss the opportunity explore all these amazing desserts- and satisfy both your sweet tooth and appetite.
What Dessert Goes with Tacos? 10 BEST Desserts to Choose
Tacos are the perfect food – they’re savory, delicious and work for both lunch and dinner.
But what do you do when it’s time for dessert? When a classic chocolate cake won’t do, there are plenty of other options to pair with tacos.
Here are 10 of the best desserts that go with tacos.
1. Taco pie
Taco pie is a perfect option for adding a sweet element to your taco dinner.
It’s easy to make and is made from ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips and topped with melted cheese, then baked in a 9×13 inch pan.
For added sweetness, try adding diced pineapple or chopped apples for extra flavor.
The great thing about taco pie is you can change up the ingredients each time you make it to keep things interesting.
2. Flan
Flan is a traditional Mexican-style custard that is often referred to as caramel custard.
It’s a creamy and slightly tangy dessert that can be made from scratch or in individual pre-made cups — perfect for a taco bar.
If you want to take the flan up a notch, top it with fresh fruit jam or sauce, crushed toasted almonds and coconut, and even some chocolate shavings.
It’s a great way to round out your taco dinner.
3. Watermelon sorbet
Watermelon sorbet is a refreshingly sweet dessert that pairs well with tacos.
Not only is the flavor of the watermelon and lime sorbet the perfect contrast to spicy and savory tacos, but it’s also light enough to not overpower any flavors of your taco filling.
To maximize its compatibility with other flavors, try using a lightly sweetened watermelon sorbet rather than one that’s overly sugary and intense.
4. Popsicles
Popsicles are a perfect warm-weather accompaniment to tacos.
Whether they’re filled with a unique flavored ice cream or just accented with bright fruit flavors, popsicles are the perfect way to end an outdoor taco party.
Not only are they refreshing and delicious, but they can also be prepared in advance and you don’t need any special equipment.
To make easy homemade popsicles, fill molds (purchasable at most grocery stores or craft stores) with your favorite flavor of yogurt, juice or smoothie mix; add chopped fruit or other toppings; insert sticks; and freeze for about eight hours.
Variations include adding a few tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk for creamier popsicles or adding chia seeds for modified nutrition profiles.
Experiment with different combinations of flavors, fruits and textures to find the perfect popsicle for your taco night.
5. Churros
Churros are a Spanish-inspired fried-dough pastry that can be served with a sweet or savory filling.
As a dessert, they are usually topped with sugar, cinnamon, and melted chocolate sauce.
They provide a sweet crunchy contrast to the savoryness of tacos and can add some much needed sweetness to any Mexican-inspired meal.
Fun and easy to share, churros make for an ideal dessert when it comes to tacos.
6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Nothing quite like the combination of sweet and tart.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are the perfect way to end your taco meal with a bit of decadence.
You can make these delicious treats with fresh or frozen strawberries, dark, milk or white chocolate chips, and some cooking oil.
Simply melt the chocolate chips in the microwave for 30-second intervals until all have melted and then dip each strawberry into it.
Place them onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with a bit of sea salt or chili powder for a subtle kick.
The contrast between sweet strawberries and salty accents is sure to be a hit — even among picky eaters.
Enjoy.
7. Cookies
Cookies are a classic dessert that can go with tacos, as well as other savory dishes.
Whether you choose to make your own or grab a package of pre-made favorites, cookies make the perfect treat to follow up a taco dinner.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making churro cookies.
The soft cookie dough is flavored with Mexican spices and rolled in brown sugar cinnamon before baking.
These crunchy-meets-soft cookies have just the right touch to bring out the flavor of tacos.
Other fun cookie options include chocolate chip, peanut butter, snickerdoodle and oatmeal raisin — all are great paired with tacos.
8. Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake may not be the first dessert that comes to mind when you think of tacos, but make no mistake – it pairs perfectly.
Chocolate cake is a great choice for anyone who wants a rich, decadent flavor with their tacos.
Its intense sweetness complements the zesty flavors in the traditional taco toppings like onions, tomatoes and jalapenos.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding your favorite taco toppings as an additional layer between two layers of chocolate cake – cream cheese frosting would be a great addition.
For a perfect ending to your Mexican fiesta night in, don’t forget a piece (or two) of chocolate cake.
9. Ice Cream Cake
A classic and delicious treat, ice cream cake is another great dessert that pairs perfectly with tacos.
Choose your favorite flavor of ice cream — whether it be vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or anything else you desire — to make this Mexican-inspired dessert.
Toast some tortillas sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and layer them between the ice cream for a flavorful dessert that won’t disappoint.
Add some fresh whipped cream to complete this delicious treat and serve it alongside your tacos for a truly incredible meal.
10. Arroz con leche
Arroz con leche is a classic Latin American dessert made from cooked white rice, sweetened milk, raisins and condensed milk.
It is usually served cooled or at room temperature and is often topped with cinnamon and sugar.
The sweet flavor of the arroz con leche goes well with the savory flavors of tacos, making it a great dessert option to serve alongside Mexican-style tacos.
To make arroz con leche, combine cooked white rice, milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the mixture comes to a simmer, stir in cinnamon sticks, raisins and condensed milk before reducing the heat to low.
Let it cook for 20 minutes before removing from the heat and allowing it to cool slightly before serving.
How to Choose A Dessert for Tacos
When you’re looking for the perfect dessert to pair with your taco feast, it can be difficult to choose the right treat.
But with some creative thinking and an open mind, it is possible to find a delicious dessert that pairs perfectly with a variety of tacos.
When picking out a dessert for tacos, the key is to balance out flavors in order to create an overall pleasant experience.
If your taco dish has strong savory notes, like cumin and chili powder, then opt for something fruity or chocolaty that will offset the spiciness.
If you’re having something on the milder side, you may want to choose something similarly mild like ice cream or a light mousse.
Consider also if you are having any sweets in your marriage of tacos and desserts (ie mole) so that one component does not overpower another.
Additionally desserts can be served in unique shapes from mini cups decorated by fondant flowers to round shaped empanadas filled with fresh fruits sitting atop of pool of melted dulce de leche—all these variations will add an exciting aesthetics to tacos night.
Choosing the right dessert can turn an already delightful taco meal into one that is truly memorable.
Use these tips when deciding on what sweet treat goes best in your next tacos adventure.
Step 1: Consider the theme of your dinner
When planning tacos and desserts, it’s important to think about the theme of your meal.
For example, if you’re going with a Mexican-inspired dinner featuring tacos, then a Mexican-style dessert like churros or tres leches cake may pair nicely with the overall meal.
On the other hand, if you feel like taking some creative liberties and putting a twist on the traditional Indian taco idea, chances are that a classic American dessert like apple pie or banana cream pudding may be more appropriate for what you have in mind.
No matter what direction you decide to go in, it’s important to recognize that finding the perfect dish for your meal should be both enjoyable and informative.
The next step is to determine where you’d prefer your menu cues come from–Mexico and beyond.
Is there a certain cuisine or type of diet that influences where your tastes go? If so, finding something traditional might be best for achieving an authentic flair on all levels throughout the night.
Themes around healthiness can also affect what fits within the overall vibe of your fiesta.
For example, if veganism plays an important role at your table then selecting vegan desserts than fit accordingly might be where you want to start first before heading off into other directions.
Have fun with your selections as you explore ideas below.
Step 2: Consider the tastes of your guests
When you are choosing a dessert to serve with tacos, it is ideal to consider the tastes of your guests.
Depending on the taco ingredients, there are several types of desserts that will pair nicely.
If you’re looking for something sweet and light, opt for an angel food cake or fruit-based dishes like strawberry shortcake or ambrosia.
For a richer experience, try a chocolate trifle or flan.
You can also enhance flavor by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel or honey.
When it comes to creating the perfect dessert pairing for tacos, trial and error usually yields positive results.
Generally speaking, it’s hard to go wrong as long as you create an interesting contrast between sweet and savory notes as well as different textures — crunchy taco shells and soft cake sponges make wonderful partners in crime.
Consider trying something new like fried ice cream or sopapillas with honey syrup — these scrumptious Mexican treats might just become one of your favorite new flavors.
Step 3: Consider the season
When planning a pairing of desserts with tacos, it is also important to consider the season.
While both savory tacos and sweet treats are welcome year-round, some flavors just pop more during certain months.
For instance, an autumnal pumpkin-flavored cake with a spiced brown sugar frosting would complement spicy carnitas with a tart tomatillo salsa particularly well.
Meanwhile, a light citrus angel food cake is perfect for contrast and balance when served alongside fish tacos with mango salsa in the summertime.
Don’t forget about seasonal ingredients like fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs when opting for your final dessert choice.
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