Sweet Tamales
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recipe
Prep time
30
m
Total time
2
h
Yields
10
Servings
These Mexican sweet pink tamales are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, made with cinnamon and raisins for a classic, familiar flavor. Prepared with La Campera Yellow Corn Masa, they’re a traditional favorite often enjoyed during holidays, family gatherings, or with coffee or atole for breakfast or dessert. If you are looking for savory options like red pork tamales, chicken tamales, or chicken tamales in green salsa, explore our recipes. Find La Campera tortillas at local stores in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio.
Ingredients
4
Cups
4 cups of La Campera Yellow Corn Masa
1 1/2
1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1
Cup
1 cup of sugar
1
Tsp.
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2
Tsp.
4 dried ancho chiles (optional)
1/2
Tsp.
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1
Cup
1 cup of warm milk (or evaporated milk)
1
Tsp.
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Pink or red food coloring
3/4
Cup
3/4 cups of raisins
Directions
Step
1
Soak corn husks in hot water until soft. Drain and set aside.
Step
2
Beat the softened butter with the sugar for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step
3
In a bowl, combine La Campera masa, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step
4
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Slowly add the warm milk and vanilla, mixing until the masa is soft, airy, and easy to spread. Add a little more milk if needed.
Step
5
Tint the masa pink, then gently fold in the raisins. Optional: add 1/2 cup of coconut or 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple.
Step
6
Spread about 2 tablespoons of masa in the center of each corn husk. Fold the sides inward, then fold the bottom up.
Step
7
Arrange tamales upright in a steamer. Cover with extra husks or a clean towel and steam over medium heat for 1 1/2 – 2 hours, adding water as needed. Tamales are ready when they pull away cleanly from the husk. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Find Ingredients Near You
Planning to make these sweet pink tamales? You can find La Campera tortillas and masa at stores across Texas, including the Houston area, Dallas area, and San Antonio. Use our store locator to find a nearby location and check availability in your area.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Pink Tamales
For the best results, make sure the masa is well mixed and light in texture before assembling. Spread the masa evenly on the husks and avoid overfilling to help the tamales cook evenly. Steaming times may vary, but the tamales are ready when they easily pull away from the husk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about making these Mexican sweet pink tamales, from ingredients to preparation tips.
Sweet tamales, also known as tamales dulces, are lightly sweet and often include ingredients like sugar, raisins, and sometimes cinnamon. Unlike savory tamales, which are filled with meats or chiles, these Mexican sweet pink tamales are typically enjoyed as a dessert or with coffee or atole.
Sweet tamales are pink because of added food coloring, which is a traditional way to distinguish them from savory tamales. The color does not affect the flavor but gives these Mexican sweet pink tamales their signature look.
Yes. Food coloring is traditional but optional. The tamales will taste the same without it.
Mexican sweet pink tamales, also known as tamales dulces, are a traditional dessert made from masa mixed with sugar, raisins, and a touch of cinnamon or vanilla. They are known for their soft texture and distinctive pink color, which comes from added food coloring and helps set them apart from savory tamales.
Both. Sweet tamales are commonly enjoyed with coffee, atole, or champurrado as breakfast or dessert.
