11 Easy Desserts that Go with Tamales

Knowing what dessert goes with tamales can be tricky.

On the one hand, you want something that can stand up to the Tamales’ hearty flavors.

On the other hand, you don’t want anything too heavy or sweet.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of 11 desserts that are the perfect complement to tamales.

From fruity cobblers to rich chocolate cakes, there’s something for everyone.

So go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth!

1. Carrot Cake

Made with an abundance of fresh carrots and sweet spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger), this cake is incredibly moist, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.

I like to top mine with a simple cream cheese frosting, but you could also go the extra mile and make a homemade caramel sauce or use a different type of frosting altogether.

Pro Tip: Be sure to grate your carrots on the finer side so they blend into the batter more easily.

Creative Twists:

• Use different types of milk or dairy-free alternatives in the recipe for a variety of flavors.
• Add in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
• Make a mini version by baking the cake in a muffin tin!

2. Brownies

These thick and fudgy brownies just get me every time.

I love that they’re so easy to make, and that they only require one bowl.

Plus, you can never go wrong with a classic chocolate brownie.

Pro Tip: For an extra chocolatey brownie, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.

3 Creative Twists:

• Peanut Butter Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the batter for a delicious twist on a classic.
• Mint Chocolate Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of mint extract and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a refreshing take on brownies.
• Salted Caramel Brownies: Add 1/4 cup of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of salt to the batter for a rich and decadent dessert.

3. Easy Chocolate Mousse

I always have cocoa powder, heavy cream, and chocolate chips on hand, so this mousse is my go-to dessert when I’m short on time.

It only takes about 5 minutes to make, and it’s always a hit with my family.

Pro Tip: For an extra-rich mousse, use dark chocolate chips.

3 Creative Twists:

• Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and top with fresh berries for a patriotic twist.
• Add a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the cocoa powder for a mocha mousse.
• Stir in 1/2 cup of peanut butter or your favorite nut butter for a decadent treat.

4. Easy No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

You don’t even need your oven for this recipe – all you need is a microwave and a fridge!

These oatmeal bars are so easy to make and only require a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Plus, they’re really versatile – you can add whatever mix-ins you want to customize them to your taste.

I like to add chocolate chips, but you could also add nuts, dried fruit, or even peanut butter.

Pro Tip: For an extra decadent treat, top the bars with melted chocolate or a drizzle of chocolate syrup before cutting into them.

5. Blueberry Crumble Bars

I love blueberries – they’re my favorite fruit.

So, when I came across this recipe for blueberry crumble bars, I knew I had to try it.

And let me tell you, they did not disappoint!

The perfect mix of sweet and tart, these bars are a hit with my family every time I make them.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.

Creative Twists:

• Use raspberries or blackberries in place of the blueberries.
• Add a streusel topping for extra crunch.
• Swap out the blueberry jam for apricot or strawberry jam.

6. Italian Tiramisu

No baking is needed in this recipe (yay for less dishes to wash!), and it’s perfect for feeding a large group.

I like to make this tiramisu the day before we have company over, so that the flavors have time to meld together.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can substitute with another type of light and airy cookie, like sponge cake or madeleines.

Creative Twists:

• Use a different type of coffee in the recipe, like hazelnut or mocha.
• Add a layer of fruit, like raspberries or strawberries.
• Get creative with the topping – instead of cocoa powder, try using ground up coffee beans or shaved chocolate.

7. Lemon Blueberry Bread

Why not serve a perfectly moist and delicious lemon blueberry bread for dessert?

This recipe is so easy to follow and only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover berries you may have.

Pro Tip: For an extra lemony twist, add the zest of one lemon to the batter.

Creative Twists:

• Use raspberries or blackberries instead of blueberries
• Add a streusel topping made with lemon zest, flour, sugar and butter
• Drizzle with a glaze made with powdered sugar, lemon juice and milk

8. Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Fruity flavors just speak to me, and these strawberry lemon blondies are no different.

I love how they’re not too sweet, but just sweet enough.

The addition of lemon zest really brightens up the flavor profile.

And of course, who doesn’t love a good strawberry blondie?

Pro Tip: If you want an extra lemony punch, add a little bit of lemon juice to the batter.

Creative Twists:

• Use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries
• Add white chocolate chips to the batter
• Top with a lemon glaze

9. No Bake Chocolate Dipped Cookie Dough Balls

Egg-less, chocolate-dipped, and no-bake (I mean, what more could you want!?) these cookie dough balls are a fun and easy dessert to make.

And, because they don’t require any baking, they’re perfect for when you’re short on time.

Pro Tip: For an extra-chocolatey treat, dip the cookie dough balls in melted chocolate instead of dipping them in the chocolate chips.

3 Creative Twists:

• Use different shaped cookie cutters to create fun shapes with the cookie dough.
• Roll the cookie dough balls in chopped nuts or sprinkles before dipping them in chocolate.
• Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips.

10. Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

My kids always love a dessert that they can help make (and eat!).

This chocolate chip loaf cake is a go-to in our house because it’s so simple and always turns out delicious.

I love to make a big batch on the weekend and then we have dessert all week long!

Pro Tip: Be sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.

3 Creative Twists:

• Add in some chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
• Swap out the chocolate chips for your favorite candy or dried fruit.
• Make a mini version by baking the batter in a muffin tin.

11. Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Classy desserts don’t always have to be complicated.

This timeless dessert is one that can be made in under 30 minutes, and only dirties two dishes (plus a cutting board).

All you need is some fresh strawberries, a tub of whipped cream, and a few store-bought shortcake biscuits.

Pro Tip: For extra strawberry flavor, macerate your berries with a little sugar before adding them to the shortcakes.

3 Creative Twists:

• Use other seasonal fruits in place of strawberries, like peaches or raspberries.
• Make mini shortcakes using muffin tins.
• Get fancy by adding a layer of cake or meringue between the fruit and whipped cream.

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