5 Can’t Miss Mexico City Dessert Spots

From cookies to cakes to churros, Mexico City is home to every type of dessert imaginable. And even some that you can’t imagine! Over our two week stay, we tried quite a few dessert spots across the city. There were some misses, but there were also some total hits!

Here are my 5 favorite Mexico City dessert spots that you can’t miss.

5. Churrería El Moro: Frozen Horchata and Churros

When it comes to churros, Churrería El Moro is one of the most beloved spots in Mexico City. The first location opened in 1935, and 9 more spots have popped up across various neighborhoods in the last 8 years.

You can score 4 massive churros for a mere 32mxn ($1.55 usd). They are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside,  and I dare you to resist licking the cinnamon sugar off your fingers. While the classic move is to get a traditional hot chocolate (67 mxn/ $3.25 usd) for dipping, the boss move is to get the frozen horchata (75 mxn/ $3.62 usd). Horchata is a rice based drink with sugar, almonds, milk, water, cinnamon, and vanilla. The frozen horchata from Churrería El Moro is creamy, smooth, warm, and just a touch sweet.

(Are churros from Spain, Portugal, or China? Click HERE to find out!)

Pro Tip: Wait to go until you see a line. What Katie?! A line!!! If there’s a line, you know the churros will be fresher.

4. Pastelería Ideal

While exploring the central historic district, you’ll see blue, red, and white pastry boxes everywhere. These boxes are from one of  the most famous Mexico City dessert spots:  Pastelería Ideal.

Pastelería Ideal has been baking up all types of Mexican breads and pastries since 1939, and walking in is like entering a sugar wonderland. The delectable aroma of fresh baked goodies wafts around hungry patrons loading up their silver trays with everything from conchas to croissants. There are hundreds of options available, with most being around 10 mxn ($.50usd). It’s just as overwhelming as it is exciting if you are sweets loving Frugal Foodie like me.

Pro Tip: Mexican bead and pastry shops have a unique serving system. You grab a tray and tongs, then load on up to your hearts content. Or until your wrist gives out… whichever comes first. Then, you take the tray to the register to pay. Or in the case of Pastelería Ideal, you’ll  take your tray to someone who gives you a receipt. You then pay at the adjacent registers while your treats are boxed.

We tried a piece of flan, a vanilla slice, a custard doughnut (our top choice!), and a type of Mexican croissant. Mexican desserts tend to be on the dry side, and having coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is critical.

3. Churros Rellenos from a Street Cart

Churros Rellenos translates to “filled churros.” Filling options include chocolate, Nutella, cajeta (similar to dulce de leche, expect with goat milk), strawberry, leche (evaporated milk),  and sometimes peanut butter.

You’ll see these street carts throughout the city, usually in the evenings. The key selling point is that your churro will  be made to order. Which is critical for maximum crispiness and softness! One churro relleno will set you back around 15mxn, and it is a must try Mexico City dessert.

2.  W Repostería: Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches is sponge cake that has been soaked in 3 types of milk. Hence the name, tres leches—three milks. Happening upon this delicious dessert wasn’t as easy as I expected. But we finally found it at W Respostería, a trendy bakery in Roma Norte.

This slice was perfection– ultra moist yet slightly spongey with a warm vanilla flavor and perfect level of sweetness.

Pro Tip: At around $3.50 usd a slice, you might as well try something else. The blueberry cheesecake is lovely, the carrot cake is quite nice, but skip the chocolate tres leches. The vanilla is far better!

1. Carrot Cake from Bagels Lepu

Bagels Lepu serves up authentic New York style bagels and an impressive selection of cakes and baked treats. While the bagels are satisfying and the cinnamon rolls are truly delicious, the carrot cake is next level divine.

The cake itself is moist and chunky as oppose to being dry and overly refined. It’s full of carrot, nuts, warm spices, just enough sugar, and coconut. There are three layers of cream cheese frosting, and WHOA BABY is it top notch. Thick, creamy, sweet, and the perfect amount to go with the cake.

It reminded me of my  all time favorite New York carrot cake slice from Billy’s Bakery (check out my top 5 NYC carrot cake slices HERE). During our visit, the carrot cake was only being served on weekends, and it’s a Mexico City dessert that’s worth seeking out.

Final Thoughts on Mexico City Desserts…

No trip to Mexico City is complete without noshing on delectable sweet treats. These five spots are sure to get your dopamine pumping and taste buds salivating.