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Sweet Raisin Tamales (Tamales Dulces)

These sweet raisin tamales soaked in a piloncillo and canela syrup are perfect as a sweet holiday treat! A tamal, swaddled in a corn husk, is the heart of all things Mexican. Opening one is like opening an intimate secret, a gift.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 5 mins
Servings: 12 to 17 tamales
Calories: 280 kcal
Course: Dessert , Snacks
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Piloncillo Syrup
  • 1 to 1/2 cups water less water for sweeter tamales
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 8 ounces piloncillo
Tamal Dough for Sweet Tamales 
  • 1/2 pound lard
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound fresh ground masa unprepared for tamales
  • 1/2 cup syrup
  • 3/4 cup raisins soaked in water for 30 minutes, and drained.

Instructions

Piloncillo Syrup:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring water with cinnamon stick, and cloves to a boil; remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 1/2 hour. Add piloncillo, on low heat, let the piloncillo melt. Remove from the heat, cover, and let cool.
Make Masa:
  1. Place lard in a large stand mixer and mix until fluffy, scraping sides so the lard stays in the center of the mixing bowl. (The flat beater is the ideal accessory for mixing.) Add the baking powder and the salt to the lard and mix together.
  2. Add the masa and mix together. Slowly add the cooled syrup and raisins and fold into the masa and mix until combined.
Steam Tamales:
  1. Use a deep pot or tamal steamer to steam tamales. If using a tamal steamer fill with water up to the fill line. Set the tamal rack over the water. Place tamales upright, with fold against the sides of the other tamales to keep them from unfolding. Cover pot with a tightly fitting lid. Set heat on high and bring to a boil, about 15 minutes. Lower heat and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours. Keep lid on tightly. To test if done, put one tamal on a plate and take off the corn husk. If it comes off without sticking to the tamal they are done.

Notes

  • You can use cranberries instead of raisins if you prefer. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 280kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 64g (21%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 2g (3%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 114mg (5%) Potassium 231mg (7%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 27g (54%) Vitamin A 1029IU (21%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 115mg (12%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12to 17 tamales

Amount Per Serving

Calories 280

% Daily Value*

Calories 280kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 64g 21%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 114mg 5%
Potassium 231mg 5%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 27g 54%
Vitamin A 1029IU 21%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 115mg 12%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.