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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Camotes Enmielados (Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes)

    Camotes Enmielados (Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes)

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted July 14, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Camotes Enmielados – YES PLEASE! This yummy dessert is made of sweet potatoes drenched in a delicious piloncillo sauce. It’s easy to make and completely irresistible. 
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    The candied syrup drizzling over the sweet potatoes in a white bowl.

    The candied syrup drizzling over the sweet potatoes in a white bowl.

    Camotes Enmielados … You’re going to LOVE this Mexican dessert!

    Most people know this recipe as a dessert, but my mom liked to give it to us for breakfast.

    She’d serve it in a big bowl with milk. Each spoonful was a big treat. Sweet and absolutely delicious.

    More Mexican Dessert Recipes:


    Mexican Fried Bananas
    Conchas
    Pineapple Empanadas
    Abuelita Chocolate Frosting

    A large sweet potatoes next to sliced sweet potatoes.

    How to Make It

    • Slice or dice the sweet potato.
    • Peeling the skin optional.

    To Peel or Not To Peel?
    Peeling the skin off of a sweet potato can be challenging.

    Luckily, for this recipe, it does not matter if you peel the skin or not. This recipe is very forgiving.

    Leaving the skin on will give it a nice texture, but it’s really up to you and your personal preference.

    Do you peel sweet potatoes before boiling?
    Scrub and rinse the sweet potatoes with water before cooking. Cooking them with their skin will give you more nutrients. It’s best to peel them if you are making a soup or a stew.

    Water pouring into a pot filled with diced sweet potatoes.

    • Place the sweet potatoes in the large pot.
    • Add water.

    Be sure to use a pot that is big enough to fit everything. This also depends on the size of the sweet potatoes.

    Here, 2 large sweet potatoes and an 8-qt stock pot were used.

    Are yams and sweet potatoes the same thing?
    They are not the same thing. Yams look like tree bark. Sweet potatoes are more reddish-brown with a tough skin.

    A collage showing sweet potatoes cooking and a hand holding a piloncillo cone.

    • Add the piloncillo, cinnamon stick, allspice, and cloves.
    • Cover and bring to simmer.

    “Enmielado” translated means “sweetened” or “candied.” This is created by the piloncillo (or Mexican brown sugar).

    Piloncillo is shaped like a cone. You might also see it in smaller sizes, but always in a cone form.

    Use 4 small cones = 1 large cone.

    Can’t find piloncillo? No problemo!

    Use 1 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons molasses.

    Other Substitutions:

    1 cup sugar OR 1 cup honey OR 1 cup maple syrup.

    FYI: Once everything is cooked, the cinnamon stick, allspice, and cloves will be removed. You can also use the powdered version of these spices for easier cooking.

    More Piloncillo Recipes:


    Piloncillo Chipotle Ham
    Ponche Navideno
    Capirotada
    Cafe de la Olla

    A pot cooking on the stove filled with sweet potatoes.

    • Simmer for 20 minutes.
    • For a thicker sauce, simmer for an additional 5 minutes uncovered.

    It’s ready when you can put a knife or a fork completely through the sweet potato.

    Great Idea! Add chopped up nuts – peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, or whatever you like! Nuts will add texture.

    For Mexicans, this is a dessert that’s eaten all year long not just in the fall. It can very well be made as a side dish for the Holidays or a special dinner.

    A white bowl with sweet potatoes and a spoon.

    How Long Does It Last?


    Camotes Enmielados lasts up to 5 days in the fridge and up to 6 months in an airtight, sealable plastic bag.

    Before Serving:


    Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and allspice.

    Talk about AMAZING! Camotes Enmielados (or Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes) is a super easy and delicious dessert. Drizzle with the syrup sauce and enjoy.

    Hungry for More?

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!
    The candied syrup drizzling over the sweet potatoes in a white bowl.

    Camotes Enmielados

    Camotes Enmielados – YES PLEASE! This yummy dessert is made of sweet potatoes drenched in a delicious piloncillo sauce. It’s easy to make and completely irresistible. 
    4.89 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 113kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 2 large sweet potatotes
    • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
    • 1 teaspoon whole allspice
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 cone piloncillo
    • 4 cups water
    • Optional:
    • 1/4 cup milk

    Instructions

    • Chop sweet potatoes into bite-sized one-inch pieces.
    • Peeling the skin is optional.
    • Put the sweet potato into a large stockpot.
    • Add the water, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and piloncillo stick.
    • Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.
    • Serve into a bowl with some of the liquid from the pot.
    • Add milk, if desired.

    Notes

    Can’t find piloncillo? No problemo. Use 1 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons molasses.
    To peel or not to peel? Leaving the skin on will give it a nice texture, but it’s really up to you and personal preference. 
    How Long Does It Last? Camotes Enmielados lasts up to 5 days in the fridge and up to 6 months in an airtight, sealable plastic bag.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 82mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 16056IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Desserts

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bernice Hill

      July 14, 2020 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      What a great recipe! The sweet potato must really go with those warming spices well.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 15, 2020 at 4:14 pm

        Thanks! It really does, hope you try it!

        Reply
    2. Tatiana

      July 15, 2020 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      I love sweet potatoes, and this recipe sounds just delicious! Good to know I can substitute the piloncillo for brown sugar and molasses, can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 15, 2020 at 4:12 pm

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    3. Patricia Jones

      July 16, 2020 at 3:34 am

      5 stars
      What an amazing recipe Maggie and am big fan of mexican food and this dessert recipe for perfect and any desserts…and l love your inserted images as well..Thanks for sharing recipe with your story…! https://www.blenderfolks.com/

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 16, 2020 at 3:24 pm

        Glad you liked this recipe, It’s really yummy!

        Reply
    4. veenaazmanov

      July 16, 2020 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      Sweet Potatoes are my favorite and have never tried this amazing recipe ever. This recipe is unique and a must try one. Yum.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 16, 2020 at 3:24 pm

        It really is. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    5. Andrea Howe

      July 16, 2020 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      These look delicious! Thank you for giving a piloncillo substitute as well so we can make these tonight!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 16, 2020 at 3:23 pm

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    6. Uma Srinivas

      July 17, 2020 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      Never had this before! but looks like a fun and delicious recipe. My family like sweet potatoes, so i will try this recipe.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 19, 2020 at 10:29 am

        Hope you try it. You and your family will love it!

        Reply
    7. Aditi Bahl

      July 19, 2020 at 2:34 am

      Its a new recipe for me. I have never heard or tried this mexican delight. Looks amazing , Surely want to try.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 19, 2020 at 10:20 am

        This recipe is amazing. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    8. Erin

      July 19, 2020 at 12:24 pm

      Oooh, I like your mom’s style! Dessert for breakfast is the best way to start the day. Why wait, I think. 🙂 This looks incredible! I make something similar with maple syrup but this looks easier.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 21, 2020 at 10:36 am

        Exactly … why wait! Glad you liked this recipe

        Reply
    9. Jenny

      July 19, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      5 stars
      Your sweet potatoes are making my house smell like thanksgiving! It’s awesome! Lovely, beautiful dessert.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 21, 2020 at 10:35 am

        I think so too delicious glad you liked it

        Reply
    10. Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey

      July 20, 2020 at 1:23 am

      I love desserts and love seeing dessert recipes from different cuisines! Your recipe looks so delicious – I’ve got some sweet potatoes so I must try this!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 21, 2020 at 10:34 am

        Hope you try this recipe is delicious !

        Reply

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