Chicano Bakes: Recipes for Mexican Pan Dulce, Tamales, and My Favorite Desserts

In this companion cookbook to Chicano Eats, the blogger, and winner of the Saveur Best New Voice People’s Choice Award shows off the sweet and dreamy side of Chicano cuisine in 80 recipes for irresistible Mexican desserts, cakes, tamales, pan dulce and drinks.

With Chicano Eats: Recipes from My Mexican American Kitchen, Esteban Castillo offered his readers a look into his life, family, and culture. For Esteban, sharing stories and Chicano recipes from his childhood was a cathartic experience, and seeing so many people make and enjoy the foods that meant so much to him growing up was a dream come true.

Now, this rising food star mines his culinary roots once more. Chicano Bakes features many of the mouthwatering delights Esteban enjoyed throughout his childhood, from Pan Dulce Mexicano (Mexican Sweet Bread), Postres (Desserts), and Pasteles (Cakes) to Antojitos (Bites) and Bebidas (Drinks). Here are easy-to-make recipes sure to become fan favorites, including:

 Pan Dulce Mexicano (Mexican Sweet Bread)

Conchas de Vainilla (Vanilla Conchas)

Tres Leches Cake

Churro Cheesecake

Red Velvet Chocoflan

Ponche de Granada (Pomegranate Punch)

Tamales de Elote (Sweet Corn Tamales)

Strawberry Guava Shortbread Bars

Bolillos

Polvorones

Tamales de Chile Rojo (Red Chile Beef Tamales)

Rompope (Mexican Milk Punch)

Esteban encourages everyone—no matter their level of experience in the kitchen—to get into from scratch baking, especially those in his community who may be intimidated or discouraged by other cookbooks that overlook their cultural tastes and traditions. Illustrated with more than 100 bright and inviting photographs that capture the flavor of the Chicano Eats brand, Chicano Bakes is an homage to a culture that has existed in the U.S. for generations—and whose influence continues to grow.

This essential Mexican cookbook is filled with sweet and savory treasures, including:

• Authentic Pan Dulce Recipes: Master traditional sweet breads like Conchas de Vainilla and Rosca de Reyes with step-by-step instructions that bring the panadería to your kitchen.
• Showstopping Mexican Desserts: Go beyond the expected with creative fusions like the viral Churro Cheesecake and a decadent Red Velvet Chocoflan, guaranteed to be the star of any celebration.
• Savory & Sweet Tamales: Learn to make comforting tamales for any occasion, from sweet corn and pineapple to savory Red Chile Beef Tamales perfect for the holidays.
• Refreshing Aguas Frescas & Bebidas: Mix up classic drinks from scratch like Rompope, Ponche de Granada, and aguas frescas to perfectly complement your homemade Chicano bakes.
• From Scratch Baking Basics: Build your confidence with foundational recipes for bolillos, tortillas, and versatile sauces that form the heart of a Mexican American kitchen.