How to Make Classic Mexican Baked Goods at Home

If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, you might be familiar with the delightful taste of classic Mexican baked goods. From sweet pastries to savory treats, these delights are easy to recreate at home. Follow this guide to make authentic Mexican baked goods right in your kitchen.

1. Conchas

Conchas are traditional Mexican sweet breads, known for their shell-like appearance. To make them, you'll need:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup butter (for topping)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional for chocolate topping)

In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture, then combine with the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until smooth and let it rise for about an hour. After rising, shape the dough into small balls and let them rest for another 30 minutes.

For the topping, mix butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Flatten the balls of dough and place a spoonful of the topping on each. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy your conchas fresh from the oven!

2. Pan de Muerto

Traditionally baked for the Day of the Dead, Pan de Muerto is a fragrant bread flavored with orange and anise. The ingredients include:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) dry yeast
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp anise seeds (optional)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and anise seeds. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients and knead until smooth. Let it rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the dough into a round loaf and use smaller pieces of dough to create shapes representing bones. Let it rest again for 30 minutes. Brush with egg wash and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Dust with sugar before serving.

3. Tres Leches Cake

This moist sponge cake soaked in a three-milk mixture is a beloved Mexican dessert. You'll need:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Whipped cream (for topping)

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale, then add flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Once cooled, poke holes all over the cake.

Mix the three types of milk and pour over the cake, ensuring it absorbs well. Chill for at least 4 hours, then top with whipped cream before serving.

4. Empanadas

These delicious turnovers can be filled with sweet or savory fillings. For the dough, gather the following:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt