Apple bunuelos (photo by zordor courtesy of Flickr)

Bunuelos are a tasty bread dish that can look very different depending on the part of Mexico you are traveling. In most cases, bunuelos appear as a fried fritter that can be made with a simple yeast dough, some anise flavoring or fruit  added, like the above apple bunuelos.

The variations of bunuelos are seen in the overall appearance of the treat. While some appear like American fritters where the dough is simply poured into oil creating a free form, others can be made with a mold. Some bunuelos are rolled in balls while other will take those balls and roll them out tortilla style before frying.

Molded bunuelo from the Epcot Center (photo by sanctum solitude courtesy of Flickr)

However the bunuelo shape is formed, it usually has some sort of sweet topping. While hot, the bunuelo is traditionally rolled in sugar and cinnamon. Some places, however, drench the donut in an agave syrup. Either way, the dessert is an extraordinary side dish for coffee.

A bunuelo cart (photo by daquellamanera courtesy of Flickr)

Like many popular foods, bunuelos can be bought from carts in market places or along the side of the road. Some, like the one above, sell the flat variety which makes this street food easier to carry around while shopping. The bunuelos can also be found bagged and ready to take home.

Bunuelos in the fryer (photo by cirofono courtesy of Flickr)

Regardless of the shape of the bunuelo, the taste is usually phenomenal. While Bunuelos are popular for Posada and the New Year, many families enjoy the sweet indulgance through out the entire year.