Tamales De Dulce(Sweet Tamales)

Prep: 480 min Cuisine: Mexican

Sweet tamales filled with raisins, candied fruits, and nuts, wrapped in corn husks, offering a rich, spiced dessert perfect for festive occasions or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • corn husks or aluminum foil or parchment
  • 4 1/2 cups tortilla flour
  • 2 2/3 cups warm water
  • 1 1/2 cups lard or shortening
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup chopped mixed candied fruits and peels
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds or pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Soak corn husks in warm water overnight to soften.
  2. Pat the corn husks dry with paper towels.
  3. Mix tortilla flour and 2 2/3 cups warm water; let stand for 20 minutes.
  4. In a large mixer bowl, beat together lard, sugar, salt, and cinnamon until fluffy.
  5. Beat in the flour mixture until well combined.
  6. Mix in raisins, candied fruits, peels, and chopped nuts.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using vegetable shortening instead of lard. You can also substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor profile. Ensure the corn husks are well-soaked to prevent tearing when wrapping the tamales. If short on time, you can use aluminum foil to wrap them instead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet tamales warm, drizzled with a bit of honey or syrup. They pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican hot chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Consider serving them alongside Black Bean 'N Olive Salsa for a contrast of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, steam them for about 15-20 minutes or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them moist. They can also be frozen for longer storage, lasting up to three months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tamales De Dulce(Sweet Tamales) contains roughly 1607 calories, with 15g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2208mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).

1607 kcal 80% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.2g 30% DV
Total Fat 107.7g 100% DV
Carbs 157.1g 57% DV
Fiber 22.2g 79% DV
Sugar 29.4g 59% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2208.3mg 96% DV
Potassium 1269.4mg 27% DV
Cholesterol 87.3mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 100.2mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 2.3mcg 11% DV
Calcium 325.9mg 25% DV
Iron 5.7mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these tamales vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting lard with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Ensure that the tortilla flour you choose is also free from animal products.

How do I know when my tamales are done cooking?

Tamales are done when the masa separates easily from the husk and feels firm to the touch. Typically, they take about 1-1.5 hours to steam, depending on the size of your tamales.

What can I use instead of corn husks?

If you can't find corn husks, aluminum foil or parchment paper works well as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the steaming time, as foil may heat differently than corn husks.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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