Sweet almond tamales with pastry cream –When it comes to delightful treats from across the world, sweet tamales hold a special place in our hearts. These fluffy and flavorful pastries are not only a staple in Mexican cuisine but also a symbol of celebration, often prepared during festive gatherings. Today, I am excited to share a delicious recipe for Sweet Tamales (Tamales de Dulce) that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
Sweet Tamales – Tamales de Dulce
These sweet tamales are made with masa (corn dough) and are bursting with flavors. They are perfect for dessert or as a snack throughout the day. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to create these delightful morsels.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn dough)
- 1 ½ cups warm water or milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup vegetable shortening or butter, softened
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins or other dried fruits (optional)
- Corn husks for wrapping
Instructions:
- Soak the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. This will make it easier to fold the tamales later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened shortening or butter until creamy. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until well blended.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the beaten shortening, alternating with warm water or milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and pliable.
- If you’re using raisins or other dried fruits, fold them into the dough to distribute evenly.
- Take a soaked corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of the masa dough onto the center, leaving room at the sides to fold the husk over the masa.
- Fold the sides of the corn husk over the masa and then fold the bottom up to enclose the filling securely.
- Repeat this process until all the masa is used. You’ll need to stack the tamales in a steamer, standing upright, to ensure they cook evenly.
- Steam the tamales for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa pulls away easily from the husk.
- Once cooked, let the tamales cool slightly before serving. They’re delightful both warm and at room temperature.
Enjoy these sweet tamales as a treat for yourself or share them with family and friends. Each bite is a step into a world of flavor and tradition!