Discover over 33 of the best Recipes for Cinco de Mayo including appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts to celebrate the holiday!

social collage with recipes for cinco de mayo.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Delicious Recipes

Whether you’re looking for traditional Mexican cuisine or new and exciting variations, we have something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds this holiday. Get ready to impress our guests with this extensive collection of impressive recipes!

Choose from options like black bean and corn salsa, slow cooker pork carnitas, taco salad, and so much more. And of course, you can keep this list handy for flavorful, Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes throughout the year.

Work your way through all of them, or pick and choose your favorites. Either way, the 5th of May will be a day you and your guest won’t forget!

What Does Cinco de Mayo Celebrate?

Cinco de Mayo is not actually Mexican Independence Day, which is commemorated each year on September 16. Instead, it honors the Mexican Armyโ€™s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Cinco de Mayo is a smaller holiday in Mexico that has evolved in North America into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage on the fifth of May each year. And what better way to celebrate the rich traditions of our southern neighbor than through food?

Crowd-Pleasing Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

bean dip in a white dish.

I’ve organized the recipes below by appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts so you can easily find an option for all your needs.

Appetizers for Cinco de Mayo

Dips are the absolute best appetizer I can think of, and you can serve them with warm, fresh tortillas or a huge bowl of crunchy, salty tortilla chips (or both!). Or, try my Taco Pinwheels, which are loaded with spicy beef and a cinch to put together.

1. Refried Bean Dip

Refried beans, sour cream, cream cheese, and spices are blended together and served warm for the ultimate cheesy Refried Bean Dip! You will definitely want to pair it with tortilla chips for dipping.

Refried bean dip with chips sticking out.
Refried Bean Dip
This easy creamy Refried Bean Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Made with refried beans, sour cream, cream cheese, and Tex-Mex spices, itโ€™s served warm from the oven with melted cheddar on top.
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2. Black Bean and Corn Salsa

This Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a fun take on classic salsa options. The fresh corn goes so well with the citrusy lime juice and other crisp, fresh vegetables. It will be a hit with crispy tortilla chips!

Overhead shot of Black Bean and Corn Salsa in bowl with tortilla chips.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Corn and Black Bean Salsa takes your typical salsa-and-chips appetizer to the next level. Instead of a sad, watery tomato-based salsa, this recipe is made with black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, all tossed together with zesty lime juice. Perfect for picnics, backyard barbecues, or even school lunches!
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3. Easy 4-Layer Fiesta Dip

This Fiesta Dip combines four layers of goodness for a flavor-loaded dip. Salsa, taco-seasoned sour cream, cheese, olives, and green onions come together for a decadent appetizer that you can prepare in minutes.

Easy 4-Layer Fiesta Dip
This 4-Layer Fiesta Dip combines salsa, taco-seasoned sour cream, cheddar cheese, olives, and green onions for the perfect Tex-Mex snack!
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4. Taco Dip

Take all the flavors you love about tacos, and combine them in an easy-to-eat Taco Dip! Tortilla chips, baby carrots, and slices of fresh bell peppers are perfect for scooping up every last bit.

Taco Dip
This easy taco dip is going to be the hit of your next party! Sour cream and cream cheese are combined with lime juice and taco seasonings, then layered with your favorite taco toppings.
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5. Queso Dip

Make everyone’s favorite restaurant appetizer even better with this homemade Queso Dip. Garnish it with chopped cilantro, peppers, tomatoes, or anything you like for a pretty presentation and a festive touch.

Queso Dip
Queso dip is the ultimate appetizer for cheese lovers everywhere! Infused with Tex-Mex flavors, this homemade queso dip is easy to make and perfect for a party.
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6. Corn Dip

This Creamy Corn Dip is packed with yummy cheese and warm Mexican spices. It’s sweet, spicy, and the perfect way to celebrate. Pair it with chips or veggies, or use it as a condiment with your favorite main courses.

Corn Dip
This creamy corn dip is loaded with big Tex-Mex flavors, sweet corn, and lots of cheese. Itโ€™s a crowd-pleasing snack for game day, backyard barbecues, and more!
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7. Taco Pinwheels

Taco Pinwheels have all the classic flavors of ground beef tacos in an easy-to-eat handheld bite. Store-bought crescent roll dough wraps around ground beef and cheese for a hearty appetizer that can double as a main course.

Taco pinwheels.
Taco Pinwheels
Taco pinwheels are the perfect party starter, but theyโ€™re just as delicious for a weeknight dinner! Seasoned ground beef and cheese are rolled up into fluffy crescent roll dough, and finished with all your favorite taco toppings.
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8. Cheesy Taco Sticks

Dip these Taco Sticks into one of the dips I’ve mentioned above, or just enjoy them plain. They are plenty flavorful just on their own, with lots of familiar taco seasoning to keep things interesting.

taco sticks stuffed with beef and cheese cut in half on white plate
Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for dipping in all your favorite Mexican restaurant-style dips and salsas, these mouthwatering cheesy taco bites are a fun twist on your Taco Tuesday classic.
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9. Taco Ring

This Taco Ring is a show-stopper of an appetizer! Seasoned taco meat and cheese are tucked into buttery crescent roll dough and piled with your favorite taco toppings! Guests can easily pull off bites for quick snacking, making this recipe great for a crowd.

Taco Ring
Taco Ring is an easy party appetizer no one can resist! Seasoned taco meat and cheese is tucked into buttery crescent roll dough, then served with your favorite taco toppings!
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10. Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Forget about making quesadillas one at a time. This cooking hack shows you how to utilize a sheet pan to make the crispiest and cheesiest Sheet Pan Quesadillas. With this nifty technique, you can say goodbye to standing over the stove top, and serve the whole party at once.

Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Sheet pan quesadillas are the easiest quesadillas! No standing at the stovetop and they turn out super crispy in the oven!ย 
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11. Sheet Pan Nachos

The next time you need to make nachos for a crowd, pull out the sheet pan to make these Sheet Pan Nachos. All you have to do is layer the ingredients evenly, and you have a big-batch appetizer that offers an explosion of tastes and textures with each bite. You’ll never have to serve soggy nachos again!

Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet pan nachos are going to be your new favorite dinner! No one can resist loaded nachos piled high with seasoned ground beef, cheese, sour cream, and toppings.
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12. 7-Layer Dip

If a four-layer dip isn’t enough for you, this 7-layer dip has got you covered. Creamy, cheesy, and savory, it has everything you love about a classic Tex-Mex dip, all in one bite.

7 layer bean dip served in a casserole dish topped with guacamole tomatoes cheese green onions and black sliced olives
7-Layer Dip
7-Layer Dip is a party favorite with a Tex-Mex flair! A creamy bean dip base is topped with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and taco fixings.ย 
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13. Jalapeรฑo Popper Dip

Spice up your appetizer selection this Cinco de Mayo with the Jalapeรฑo Popper Dip. The zesty dip is easy to make and is such a crowd-pleaser. You might as well make two servings for your party, as it is guaranteed to go fast.

Jalapeรฑo Popper Dip
This jalapeรฑo popper dip is easy, cheesy, and baked until bubbly, warm, and toasty on top. Serve it at your next party and watch it disappear!
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Cinco de Mayo Main Dish Options

shrimp tacos on a plate.

These main dishes are so hearty and satisfying, you’ll want to make them all year long. However, they’re especially good on Cinco de Mayo.

There’s a variety of options including several baked, cheesy casseroles as well as juicy shrimp tacos that are on the lighter side. You’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.

14. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas cook for hours in a blend of Mexican-inspired spices and citrus juice. As a result, the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and ultra-flavorful. Use it as a base for burritos, soft tacos, and more!

slow cooker pork carnitas
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are slow-cooked with for hours with a blend of Mexican inspired spices and citrus juice to become tender and full of flavor!
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15. Burrito Casserole

This Burrito Casserole is made with juicy, Tex-Mex-flavored beef that’s layered with flour tortillas and lots of delicious cheese. It takes 20 minutes or less to make!

A serving of burrito casserole being lifted from a baking dish.
Burrito Casserole
This burrito casserole is made with juicy Tex-Mex seasoned beef, layered with flour tortillas, cheese, and a secret ingredient that makes the whole dish irresistible. The best part is that you can make this easy burrito casserole in less than 20 minutes!
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16. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Crockpot your way to a Mexican-inspired dinner with these Chicken Fajitas. You can customize the recipe however you like, but don’t skip the lime wedges alongside! They add the perfect touch of citrusy zest to lighten up and balance out the dish.

Three tortilla shells stuffed with crockpot chicken fajitas.
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
This crockpot chicken fajitas recipe takes a Tex-Mex favorite and makes it even easier by cooking it in a slow cooker! Itโ€™s a kid-friendly dinner that can be customized to your familyโ€™s tastes, so everyone will love it.
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17. John Wayne Casserole

This John Wayne Casserole is one of my favorite casserole recipes for family dinners or large gatherings. It piles layers of taco-seasoned ground beef, veggies, cheese, and a creamy sauce over a biscuit dough base. Hearty and flavorful, it’s utterly irresistible.

john wayne casserole in a casserole dish
John Wayne Casserole
John Wayne casserole is a Tex-Mex inspired casserole that layers taco-seasoned ground beef, veggies, cheese, and a creamy sauce over a biscuit dough base. Itโ€™s destined to become a family favorite!
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18. Taco Spaghetti

What’s better than tacos or spaghetti? Tacos and spaghetti! This one-pot Taco Spaghetti recipe combines both meals into one incredible comfort food dish. Add lots of hot sauce, and watch it disappear right before your eyes!

Taco Spaghetti
This one-skillet Taco Spaghetti is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for tonight's dinner! Take everything you love about tacos, fold it into spaghetti rather than taco shells, add lots of hot sauce, and dig in!
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19. Taco Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells get a Tex-Mex twist with this fun Taco Stuffed Shells recipe! The tender pasta is stuffed with spiced ground beef and cool sour cream. It’s a dish loved by both kids and adults!

A plate full of taco stuffed shells.
Taco Stuffed Shells
This taco stuffed shells recipe stuffs the best taco filling into tender jumbo pasta shells. Kids and adults are going to love this fun, easy-to-make meal!
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20. Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Grilled Shrimp Tacos feature juicy shrimp marinated with lime juice, garlic, and spices. Once grilled, they’re tucked into soft tortillas and topped with a creamy sauce. Add them to your list of Cinco de Mayo recipes. Then, keep the recipe on hand to add to your Taco Tuesday rotation!

Grilled shrimp tacos.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
These grilled shrimp tacos will be your new favorite Taco Tuesday dinner! Juicy shrimp are marinated with lime juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection and tucked into soft tortillas with a creamy sauce.
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21. Fish Tacos

Fresh and flavorful Fish Tacos are sure to please! Seasoned white fish is wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with a tangy crema sauce and crunch cabbage. They’re a slightly lighter option that’s still big on flavor.

Fish Tacos
These easy fish tacos pile seasoned white fish onto warm corn tortillas with a tangy crema, crunchy cabbage, and other favorite taco toppings. They're a healthy weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
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22. Shrimp Tacos

Another take on Shrimp Tacos, this simple yet delicious recipe is quick to make and will surely satisfy. Juicy shrimp is paired with raw cabbage and seasoned with cotija cheese and onion. What’s not to love?

Shrimp Tacos
These shrimp tacos are an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love! A healthier take on tacos, the shrimp are seasoned and topped with cabbage, thinly sliced onion, and salty cotija cheese.
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23. Walking Tacos

Chips plus taco toppings, what could be better? This recipe is called “Walking Tacos” for a reason. You can pile in the taco goodness, and take this for a stroll. The chip bag will keep everything contained within. These are also great as fun party appetizers.

walking taco
Walking Tacos
Walking Tacos are an easy dinner recipe that takes minimal effort for a fun on-the-go meal, camping food, or taco bar party. Pile small chip bags high with all of your favorite taco toppings – meat, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa!
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24. Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos

The crockpot does most of the hard work in this Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos recipe, which results in tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect to fold into tortillas. Top with lots of spicy salsa and cheese, and enjoy!

plate of slow cooker chicken tacos
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are one of the best easy chicken meals around!ย  With just 4-ingredients tossed into the slow cooker, you can't go wrong!ย 
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25. Pulled Pork Tacos

Switch up your traditional Cinco de Mayo main course, and serve these Pulled Pork Tacos instead. Topped with a fresh tomato and cilantro salsa and avocado slices, they’re savory, refreshing, and oh-so tasty!

pork tacos in the slow cooker
Pulled Pork Tacos
Pulled Pork Tacos is a simple recipe to toss in yourย slow cookerย and cook. And once you taste the flavor of theseย slow cookerย pulled pork tacos, you just might not want your tacos any other way, ever again. Thereโ€™s just something so comforting about this simple sweet and spicy recipe
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26. Fish Tacos with Jalapeno Mango Slaw

The spicy mango slaw really makes this Fish Tacos recipe stand out! The fish serves as a netural base that holds up wel to the juicy fruit and crisp onion. Savory, sweet, and a little spice, you won’t want to miss out on this one!

Fish Tacos with Jalapeno Mango Slaw View Recipe

27. King Ranch Chicken Casserole

I love a good casserole, and this King Ranch Chicken Casserole is no exception. One of our most popular recipes, it combines all the warm spices and cheesy flavor you expect from Tex-Mex dishes into a hearty, comforting main course meal!

A serving of King Ranch chicken casserole being lifted from a baking dish.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
King Ranch Chicken Casserole has it all! Itโ€™s creamy, full of Tex-Mex flavor, and itโ€™s always a crowd-pleaser. Thereโ€™s a reason this easy casserole recipe is so popular!
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28. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Loaded with shredded chicken and black beans, this Chicken Tortilla Soup is all you need to make a celebratory Cinco de Mayo meal! Top it with crispy tortilla strips for a bit of crunch. Then, add more chips and guacamole on the side. Yum!

A ladle lifting a scoop of chicken tortilla soup from a pot.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is hearty, satisfying, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavors! With plenty of shredded chicken and black beans, itโ€™s a soup thatโ€™s worthy of a mealโ€”and everyone will love the crispy tortilla strip topping!
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29. Crescent Roll Taco Bake

If you love crescent rolls and can’t get enough of tacos, you will be all over this Crescent Roll Taco Bake! The buttery crescent rolls combine with classic taco fillings to make one mouthwatering bite.

Crescent roll taco bake with lettuce and sour cream on a plate.
Crescent Roll Taco Bake
Crescent roll taco bake is going to be your familyโ€™s new favorite dinner! Soft, buttery crescent roll dough is baked with zesty taco meat, lots of cheese, and all your fave Tex-Mex toppingsโ€”perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
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30. Taco Lasagna

This Taco Lasagna might not be your average Tex-Mex dish. However, after one bite, you will be glad you added it to your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Crisp tortilla chips replace the traditional noodles and get loaded with beans, meat, and a whole lot of cheese. It’s the combination you never knew you needed.

A portion of taco lasagna on a plate.
Taco Lasagna
For a fun twist on traditional lasagna, try Taco Lasagna! Made with tortillas instead of pasta and layered with two kinds of beans, loads of melted cheese, and a decidedly Tex-Mex flair, you'll love this fun take on a classic!
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31. Beef Enchiladas

Give yourself a restaurant-quality meal at home with these easy Beef Enchiladas. The recipe is surprisingly simple to make and will be perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

A baking dish full of beef enchiladas with red sauce.
Beef Enchiladas
Making restaurant-style beef enchiladas at home is easier than you think! Tortillas are filled with hearty seasoned ground beef, then smothered in zesty enchilada sauce and melty cheese.
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32. White Chicken Enchiladas

Add these White Chicken Enchiladas to the menu this Cinco de Mayo, and you’ll be glad you did! With three different cheeses and tender chicken, they’re gooey, flavorful, and filling. You may never go back to restaurant versions again!

White Chicken Enchiladas
Ready in under an hour, these White Chicken Enchiladas are perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, and even meal prep.
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33. Taco Casserole

There is nothing worse than eating a taco and having all of the fillings fall out. If you are tired of that happening, make this Taco Casserole instead. It takes all the best parts of a taco and combines them into an easy to eat casserole dish, so you don’t have to worry about losing all your food in each bite.

A baking dish full of taco casserole.
Taco Casserole
This taco casserole recipe is an easy one-dish dinner that everyone in the family will love! Just add your favorite toppings!
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Side Dishes Fitting for Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

mexican rice in a skillet.

These side dishes go so well with the mains listed above! Or, make several side dishes and dips, add lots of crispy tortilla chips, and you’ll be all set for your own Cinco de Mayo fiesta.

34. Mexican Cauliflower Rice

You can make this Mexiacan Cauliflower Rice as a side or as a lighter dinner, you decide! It’s full of tasty seasonings, hearty ground beef, and healthy veggies.

A skillet full of Mexican cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Mexican Cauliflower Rice
This amazing Mexican Cauliflower Rice is full of tasty seasonings, hearty ground beef, and lots of healthy veggies. It is the perfect one-pot dinner that you can feel good about eating.ย 
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35. Mexican Corn

Elotes, or Mexican Street Corn, combines charred grilled corn with a creamy, spicy sauce, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This is quick and easy take is so tasty you may just forget about the main course.

Mexican Corn
Mexican corn is also known as elotes or Mexican street corn, but whatever you call it, it's delicious! Charred grilled corn is tossed with a creamy, spicy sauce, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.ย 
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36. Taco Salad

Ground beef, taco seasonings, and fresh vegetables make up this Taco Salad. Put a big bowl on the table, and let everyone help themselves!

taco salad in a white bowl
Taco Salad
Taco salad is the best kind of salad! With seasoned ground beef, cheese, and avocado, itโ€™s a satisfying meal thatโ€™s packed with flavor and sure to fill you up!
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37. Doritos Taco Salad

Yes, you read that right – we’re adding Doritos to Taco Salad, and we have no regrets. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and because there are some veggies in it we can still call it a salad. Even the kids will be excited to dig in!

ingredients for doritos taco salad served in a glass round bowl
Doritos Taco Salad
This easy, cheesy Doritos Taco Salad recipe is one of those rare salads that kids will actually want to eat! Meal prep + keto options.
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38. Corn, Avocado, and Cilantro Salad

Add some freshness to your Cinco de Mayo meal with this Corn, Avocado, and Cilantrro Salad salad. It’s bright, refreshing, and goes with just about anything you have on the menu.

Corn, Avocado, and Cilantro Salad
This Corn, Avocado and Cilantro Salad is perfect for a simple side dish that can be mixed up either ahead of time or right at dinner time.
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Desserts for Your Cinco De Mayo Party

sopapilla cheesecake bars.

I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite desserts that would be perfect to finish off a Cinco de Mayo celebration, starting with sopapilla cheesecake bars, which have their origins south of the border. Or, try a creamy coconut cake or a pineapple cake. Whichever on you choose to make, I know you won’t be disappointed.

39. Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars take crescent rolls and top them with a cream cheese filling and lots of sweet cinnamon sugar. They’re hard to resist. So, you might want to whip up a double batch. Luckily, they’re easy to make!

sopapilla cheesecake bars
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are layers of crescent rolls, with a cream cheese filling and topped with a cinnamon sugar crust for an easy dessert.
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40. Coconut Tres Leches Cake

A “three milk” cake that’s infused with coconut for creamy sweetness – yes please! This super flavorful, tender Coconut Tres Leches Cake is sure to make everyone happy.

Coconut Tres Leches Cake
This recipe for Coconut Tres Leches Cake will hit the ultimate coconut sweet spot! Moist vanilla cake is infused with amazing coconut flavor that everyone will love.
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41. Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake

The easiest Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake, this recipe is is sweet, fruity, and fluffy. Just combine the ingredients, and bake. I like to top it with dollops of homemade whipped cream or Cool Whip for the finishing touch!

Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
This super easy pineapple upside down dump cake is sweet, fruity, and fluffy. It is the perfect cake to serve a crowd and makes a wonderful summer dessert.
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42. Coconut Cream Cake

Start with a box cake to keep things easy, and then up the ante with cream of coconut and sweetened shredded coconut for loads of coconut flavor. This Coconut Cream Cake lives up to its name and then some.

A slice of coconut cream cake on a plate with coconut flakes.
Coconut Cream Cake
Make this easy coconut cream cake, or coconut poke cake, with four simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing dessert!
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43. Coconut Cake

Another Coconut Cake, this classic, from-scratch recipe, will make the perfect sweet ending to your Cinco de Mayo celebration. It makes enough for a crowd. Or, just stash the leftovers for yourself after the party’s over.

Coconut Cake
This classic coconut cake is an old-fashioned sheet cake made in a 9×13 inch pan. Making moist, rich coconut cake from scratch is super easy!
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Did you make any of these Cinco de Mayo recipes? Be sure to leave a rating and comment below!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

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