Famous Mexican Desserts And Some Variations

“Postres” – the sweets at the end of a meal. Although Mexicans consider these as important meal-enders, Mexican desserts remain highly unfamiliar. Perhaps, this is because they are hidden behind the shadow of the ever-present caramelized custard, known locally as “flan caramelisado”.

Among the many distinct Mexican desserts, the flan caramelisado remains to be the most classic, and is suggestively the best description of Mexican desserts in general. In fact, the most traditional dessert recipes of the Mexicans were discovered when the Spanish colonies ruled the country.

The popularity of the “flan” has spanned several countries all over the globe. Although the terms “flan” and “crème caramel” were derived from the French, the word “flan” however, is used by the French to mean custard tart. Since it is known across Europe, as well as in other parts of the world, “flan” is mostly how Spanish-speaking people call it.

The flan is known to have greatly invaded dessert menus in Europe towards the end of the 20th century because it offers restaurateurs utmost convenience. Since the crème caramel, as Europeans call it, is fairly easy to prepare, and may be made in advance before it is needed, it became one of the most prevalent desserts in restaurant menus.

The flan is not only the most well-known among Mexican desserts, but has also gained as much attention in other countries. There are now a lot of variations, including the use of almond, coconut, lemon, pistachio, and other fruits.

Another proof of its popularity is the fact that has been “imitated”. “Instant flans”, which are available in powder form, use agar as thickening, instead of eggs. “Royal” is among the popular brand name of these flan imitations.

Flan is more widely-known in Spain, as well as in the Philippines and Latin America, both of which were under Spanish rule. Flan has become a lot more common in the United States because it is always a part of Mexican menus.

The pastry ingredients of the Europeans, such as wheat flour, eggs, and milk, and the crepes of the French, were all made part of some Mexican desserts. Up to now, these contributions from other cultures can be savored in the various Mexican desserts like bread pudding, rice pudding, coconut flans, and caramel filled crepes.

Mexican desserts are interesting because they are influenced by the flavors of other cultures, and further enhanced by the Mexicans ‘fascinating tastes.