As a child, I spent the holidays in Mexico with my grandmother. I have lots of special memories from that time, including all the wonderful smells that came from her kitchen on Christmas Eve. Her desserts were always my favorite! I’m looking forward to making some of her recipes this Christmas, as well as trying some new dishes, like one (or three!) of these Latin-inspired holiday desserts:
11 Irresistible Latin-Inspired Holiday Desserts
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Chocolate Tamales
Tamales -- masa (a corn-based stretchy dough) that is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper -- are a Mexican tradition. This chocolaty version is the perfect dessert for a Latin-inspired feast.
Photo: Nibbles and Feasts
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Chilean Christmas Cake
Christmas is definitely not Christmas without cake. This Chilean version of fruit cake has dulce de leche batter.
Photo: En Mi Cocina Hoy
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Natilla Colombiana
This cinnamon-spiced, coconut pudding from Columbia is rich and creamy.
Photo: My Columbian Recipes
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Coffee Liqueur Flan
If you love a Pumpkin Spice Latte you'll adore this sweet treat!
Photo: Aunt Clara's Kitchen
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Butter Pecan Cookies
These Mexican pecan cuernitos (or pecan cookies) are soft and buttery.
Photo: Muy Bueno Cookbook
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Pristiños
These traditional Ecuadorian fried pastries are traditionally topped with syrup or candied figs.
Photo: Laylita's Recipes
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Champurrado
This Mexican version of hot cocoa has corn flour and piloncillo (pure sugar); it's rich and delicious.
Photo: Nibbles and Feasts
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Coffee Cream Empanadas
Coffee-flavored cream fills tender pastry.
Get the recipe
Photo: At The Fire Hydrant
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Dominican Sweet Potato Cake
This Dominican cake is spiced with ginger and cloves, and has a delightful coconut flavor.
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Chilean Coffee Eggnog
This Chilean version of eggnog, also known as cola de mono, has coffee flavor and bit of Pisco (a Chilean liqueur).
Photo: En Mi Cocina Hoy
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Rum Raisin Flan
Your guests will want seconds of this sweet and syrupy Mexican sponge cake.
Photo: Nibbles and Feasts