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    Home » Recipes » Mexican Dessert Recipes

    Tamales de Cajeta + VIDEO

    Published: Dec 18, 2019 · Updated: Nov 9, 2022 by Maggie Unzueta

    Tamales de Cajeta is a sweet treat that can’t be beat. This Mexican dessert is great to eat, and it will move your feet.
    Jump to Recipe
    Tamales de Cajeta on a wooden platter next to a decorative mug.

    A tamal sitting on top of a corn husk drizzled with cajeta sauce and topped with a pecan next to a decorative clay mug.

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

    Homemade Cajeta is Mexican caramel sauce made from goat’s milk. It goes great on just about anything.

    Add it to toast, pancakes, or French toast.

    You’ll love these sweet tamales. They are perfect for the Holidays and special occasions.

    Don’t forget to watch the video.

    Two pictures side by side, showing a Kitchen Aid mixer and masa harina being added to the pot.

    • Start by creaming the shortening and sugar.
    • Add the baking powder and cinnamon.
    • Add the masa harina in stages.

    Mix on low or the masa harina will fly out everywhere. You can also use a hand mixer.

    Swap Out: Yes, you can use lard instead of shortening. Using butter is not recommended.

    More Tamales Recipes:
    Tamales de Rajas con Queso
    Beef Tamales
    Tamales Dulces

    A spoon scraping down the sides of the Kitchen Aid bowl.

    Be sure to scrape down the sides of the Kitchen Aid bowl, or the shortening will not fully cream.

    Milk and cajeta inside a bowl with the rest of the other ingredients.

    • Add the milk and cajeta.
    • Mix well.

    This is homemade cajeta, but you can also get it on Amazon. The most popular brand in Mexico is Cajeta Coronado .

    You can also make this recipe with dulce de leche or regular caramel, but then they would not be Tamales de Cajeta. They would be called Tamales de Dulce de Leche or Caramel Tamales.

    Know the Differences:
    Dulce de Leche is made with cow’s milk.
    Regular Caramel is made with sweetened condensed milk.
    Cajeta is made with goat’s milk.

    Chopped pecans on top of the mixed ingredients in a bowl.

    • Add the chopped pecans.
    • Mix on low or fold by hand with a spatula.

    The nuts add texture to the tamales de cajeta. This is totally optional in case you are feeding someone with a nut allergy.

    Other options: you can use chopped walnuts, almonds, pistachio, cashews, macadamia nuts, or none at all.

    You might also like:
    Chicken Mole Tamales
    Red Pork Tamales
    Chicken Salsa Verde Tamales
    Northern Style Bean Tamales

    All ingredients mixed in a metal bowl.

    • Once everything is mixed well.
    • Set this aside.

    Make sure to keep this cool or refrigerated. You can even make this days ahead of time.

    Check out these masa recipes: Masa for Tamales and Masa with Olive Oil

    Corn husks submerged in water.

    • Separate the corn husks and remove any hair. The corn husks like to stick to together.
    • Add hot water and place a heavy object (like a heavy plate) on top of them so they completely under the water.

    The corn husks take time to soak and become pliable. About 30 minutes in hot water.

    Pro Tip: Do this ahead of time, even the night before. That way they are ready for you when you are about to start the tamale assembling.

    A collage showing how to assemble tamales.

    • Shake off any excess water and add a large tablespoon to the center of the corn husk.
    • Fold one side over.
    • Fold the other side in.
    • Take the pointy top and fold it in.
    • Place the tamales open-side up while you finish assembling.

    VERY IMPORTANT: If you don’t place the tamales open-side up while you’re assembling, the filling will fall out.

    A steamer pot with a lid on the stove cooking.

    • Add water and tamales to a large steamer.
    • Steam for 1 ½ hours – 2 hours.

    Tamales are ready when the tamal peels away from the corn husks easily.

    Instant Pot Instructions:
    Add steamer crate to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
    Add 1 cup water and place the tamales open-side up.
    Place lid and close. Move valve to sealing.
    Press High Pressure button. 35 minutes. Full release.

    Also check out: Instant Pot Red Pork Tamales and Instant Pot Chicken Tamales.

    Tamales on a wooden platter next to a decorative clay mug.

    How long do Tamales last?

    • Fresh tamales last up to 5 days in the fridge.
    • Frozen tamales last up to 4 months.

    Tamales are often eaten with a big cup of Champurrado or Atole de Chocolate. Hope you enjoy!

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    A tamal sitting on top of a corn husk drizzled with cajeta sauce and topped with a pecan next to a decorative clay mug.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Tamales de Cajeta
      • 1.1 Ingredients
      • 1.2 Instructions
      • 1.3 Video
      • 1.4 Notes
      • 1.5 Nutrition
          • 1.5.0.1 Maggie Unzueta

    Tamales de Cajeta

    Tamales de Cajeta is a sweet treat that can’t be beat. This Mexican dessert is great to eat, and it will move your feet.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 162kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup shortening
    • 6 tablespoon sugar
    • ¼ tspn baking powder
    • 1 tspn cinnamon ground
    • 2 cups masa harina
    • 1 ½ cup cajeta
    • 1 ½ cup milk
    • ½ cup pecans chopped

    Instructions

    • Add shortening and sugar to a mixing bowl.
    • Whip until creamy. About 2 minutes.
    • Add baking powder, cinnamon, and ½ the masa harina.
    • Mix on low. About 2 minutes.
    • Add remaining masa harina.
    • Change mixing handles, or use a spatula.
    • Add the cajeta and milk.
    • Mix thoroughly. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.
    • Add the chopped pecans.
    • Fold them in gently, or low on the mixer.
    • Soak the corn husks in hot water for 30 minutes.
    • Once the corn husks are pliable, add a large tablespoon to the center of the corn husks.
    • Use your best judgement as to how much to add to each corn husk.
    • Place standing with the open-side up while you finish assembling the rest of the tamales.
    • Add water to a steamer.
    • Add the tamales with the open-side up.
    • Steam for 1 ½ hours.
    • Tamales are ready when the peel away from the corn husks easily.

    Video

    Notes

    If the tamales are not ready after 1 ½ hours, check the water level and add water if necessary. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
    Sometimes just letting the tamales sit in the pot with the stove off will finish the cooking. 
    Swap Out: Yes, you can use lard instead of shortening.
    Pro Tip: Soak the corn husks ahead of time, even the night before. That way they are ready for you when you are about to start the tamale assembling.
    VERY IMPORTANT: If you don’t place the tamales open-side up while you’re assembling, the filling will fall out.
    Instant Pot Instructions:
    Add steamer crate to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
    Add 1 cup water and place the tamales open-side up.
    Place lid and close. Move valve to sealing.
    Press High Pressure button. 35 minutes. Full release.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!


    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter.

    Maggie Unzueta
    Website | + posts

    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.

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    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

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      Recipe Rating




    1. ONICA

      December 08, 2022 at 12:11 pm

      CAN YOU USE PREMADE MASA AND ADD THE CAJETA AND SUGAR?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 08, 2022 at 2:46 pm

        Yes, but since we don’t know how the masa is made, I wouldn’t advise it. If you try it and the masa doesn’t come together, try putting them in the fridge. Let me know how it goes.

        Reply
    2. Terri Beavers

      December 21, 2019 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never had anything like this before. I don’t even think I’ve ever heard of this before. I can’t wait to try it for the grandkids.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 31, 2019 at 4:48 pm

        You’re going to love the tamales. Happy cooking!

        Reply
    3. Lynndee

      December 21, 2019 at 6:15 am

      My husband loves tamales, but he always just had the ones from the supermarket. Homemade is always better. Will tell him about your recipe.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 10, 2020 at 11:16 am

        Hope you guys try this recipe!

        Reply
    4. Terri Steffes

      December 20, 2019 at 8:40 pm

      I adore regular tamales so I cannot image how wonderful these will be when I get a chance to try them. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 10, 2020 at 11:16 am

        So good right? We love this one too

        Reply
    5. 1stopmom

      December 20, 2019 at 6:00 pm

      These look delicious. I have never had a sweet tamale before. I definitely want to try one now.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 10, 2020 at 11:17 am

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    6. Tammy

      December 20, 2019 at 5:28 pm

      5 stars
      I have never heard of a sweet version of Tamales. Must try them now.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 31, 2019 at 4:49 pm

        These tamales de cajeta are delicious! You’re going to love them!

        Reply
    7. Marysa

      December 20, 2019 at 4:31 pm

      What an interesting treat. It sounds delicious and the preparation is fascinating!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 10, 2020 at 11:17 am

        It’s amazing! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    8. Lisa Favre

      December 20, 2019 at 5:04 am

      5 stars
      The moment I saw this, I started craving them immediately! I would love to try and make these for my family. I’m sure they’d love these tamales!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 31, 2019 at 4:49 pm

        Your family will really enjoy them. Happy cooking!

        Reply
    9. Ruth I

      December 20, 2019 at 12:53 am

      I am going crazy to try this. It looks super delicious and well prepared. I am super into this.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 12, 2020 at 9:56 am

        It’s delicious! Glad you enjoyed this

        Reply
    10. Kathy

      December 19, 2019 at 7:27 pm

      It has been way to long since I’ve had tamales. I’ve never made them myself before though. I’ve always wanted to try making them though. Looks like I’ll be saving this so I can try them out soon.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 12, 2020 at 9:56 am

        Hope you try this recipe Kathy! It’s amazing.

        Reply
    11. Jeanette

      December 19, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      I have never heard of this, but I LOVE it! I SOOO need to make this! My mouth is drooling over here!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 11, 2020 at 11:26 am

        This recipe it’s really yummy! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    12. Brandy Ellen Writes

      December 19, 2019 at 4:24 pm

      I’ve never had tamales of any sort, these do look like a yummy idea though! I’m glad you shared this recipe. Now I get to try something new in the house, finally!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 12, 2020 at 9:57 am

        So yummy! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    13. Tasheena

      December 19, 2019 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe looks divine. I can’t wait to make it for my friends and family this holiday season.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 12, 2020 at 9:57 am

        It’s delicious. Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    14. Amber Myers

      December 19, 2019 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      These look incredible! I’ve never tried to make tamales, so I might have to try it out.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 12, 2020 at 9:57 am

        Hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    15. Lori Vachon

      December 19, 2019 at 3:29 pm

      What a delicious looking treat. Thank you for the very simple step by step instructions, I bet they’ll be helpful.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 12, 2020 at 9:58 am

        Glad you enjoyed this Lori!

        Reply
    16. Sarah Bailey

      December 19, 2019 at 3:22 pm

      Now this is a sauce I have definitely not heard of before, it is interesting that it is so versatile! I will have to try making it for myself and see what I think!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 12, 2020 at 9:58 am

        The sauce is amazing. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    17. melissa chapman

      December 19, 2019 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      I never tried to cook with tamales but this dessert does sound so good. I will need to get some of these ingredients in the market and make this one soon.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 12, 2020 at 10:04 am

        Hope you try this recipe!

        Reply

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    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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