Camotes Enmielados (Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes)

Camotes Enmielados is a yummy Mexican dessert made of sweet potatoes drenched in a rich and delicious piloncillo sauce.

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

Camotes Enmielados … You’re going to love this traditional Mexican dessert! Especially that warm sweet syrup. YUM!

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 or a little sweetened condensed milk. Each spoonful was a big treat. Sweet and absolutely delicious.

Also try this popular side dish, Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes

Slice or dice the Mexican sweet potatoes.
Peeling the skin optional.

Scrub and rinse the sweet potatoes with water before cooking. Peel them if you are making a soup or a stew, but in this recipe, it’s really up to you and your preference.

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

🥣 Instructions

Water pouring into a pot filled with diced sweet potatoes.

Place the sweet potatoes in the large pot or large dutch oven.
Add enough water to cover everything.

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.

Various Names

Like many Mexican dishes, there are different names that refer to this dessert. “Dulce de camote” or “Camote en Dulce” are also commonly used. Another name is the singular version which is “Camote Enmielado.”

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

Add the piloncillo cone, Mexican cinnamon sticks, allspice, star anise, and whole clove. These are the key ingredients!
Give everything a stir with a wooden spoon.
Cover and bring to boil over medium-low heat.

“Enmielado” translated means “sweetened” or “candied.” This is created by the piloncillo (or Mexican brown sugar) commonly used in drinks like Ponche Navideno and Cafe de Olla. Or use it to make desserts like Capirotada or Marranitos.

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 to create the piloncillo syrup.
OR, simply omit and use 1 cup white sugar OR 1 cup honey OR 1 cup maple syrup.

A pot cooking on the stove filled with sweet potatoes.

Simmer for 20 minutes. The piloncillo dissolves easily.
For a thicker sauce, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered.

Discard cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice before serving. You can also use the powdered version of the warm spices for easier cooking.

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

🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Do you peel sweet potatoes before boiling?

Leaving the skin on will give it a nice texture, but it’s really up to you and your personal preference. Luckily, for this recipe, it does not matter if you peel the skin or not. This recipe is very forgiving.

What else can I add to this dish?

Add chopped up nuts – peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, or whatever you like! Nuts will add texture. Raisins or coconut are also great additions.

🫙 Storing Instructions

Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or in an sealable bag, remove as much air as possible, in the freezer for up to 6 months. For reheating, place in a microwaveable container and heat on high for 2-2 ½ minutes.

A white bowl with sweet potatoes and a spoon.

More Mexican Desserts

Camotes Enmielados (or Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes) is a super easy and delicious dessert. Serve with a drizzle of the leftover syrup sauce during November for Dia de los Muertos or on your Thanksgiving table. iBuen Provecho!

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