Best Easy Tamales de Piña Recipe

Sweet tamales filled with fresh pineapple, creating a tropical, fruity dessert tamal. These family-favorite treats offer a bright, fresh flavor wrapped in traditional corn masa.

Cook 97 min Difficulty NORMAL 275 kcal
#vegetarian #dessert #sweet tamales #pineapple
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Masa harina 2 cups
  • Fresh pineapple (finely chopped) 1.5 cups
  • Unsalted butter (softened) 0.5 cup
  • Whole milk 0.75 cup
  • Baking powder 1 tsp
  • Corn husks (soaked and drained) 16 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Sugar 0.75 cup
  • Salt 0.25 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon 0.5 tsp
  • Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 48 g 70%
Protein 4 g 6%
Fat 7 g 24%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain thoroughly before assembling.

  2. 2

    Cream the softened butter with sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, at least 3 minutes.

  3. 3

    Mix in the masa harina, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gradually add milk while mixing until a soft, spreadable dough forms.

  4. 4

    Fold in the finely chopped pineapple, mixing gently to distribute evenly without breaking the fruit pieces.

  5. 5

    Lay out a corn husk, spread about 1/3 cup masa mixture in the center, then fold the sides over and tuck up the bottom. Repeat for all tamales.

  6. 6

    Arrange tamales upright in a steamer. Steam over medium-high heat for 1 hour and 10 minutes, checking water level regularly and adding more hot water as needed.

  7. 7

    Test doneness by letting a tamal cool for 2 minutes—if it pulls cleanly from the husk, they're ready. Otherwise, keep steaming in 10-minute increments.

  8. 8

    Let tamales rest for 5 minutes after removing from the steamer to allow flavors and texture to settle before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Tamales de Piña recipe?
The defining ingredient is fresh pineapple, which gives these tamales their signature tropical sweetness and juicy texture. Combined with masa harina, it creates the classic structure and flavor unique to Tamales de Piña.
Q. Which step is most important for perfect tamal texture?
Steaming time is crucial. Carefully monitor the tamales in the steamer—letting a tamal cool for a couple of minutes and ensuring it releases cleanly from the husk confirms they’re fully cooked and set without dryness or gumminess.
Q. How do I avoid soggy, undercooked tamales?
Be sure to spread the masa evenly and avoid overfilling with pineapple. Steam tamales upright and check water levels, steaming until they pull away from the husk cleanly after cooling briefly. Understeaming can lead to a soggy, dense center.
Q. How many calories and macros are in each serving?
Each serving (120g) provides about 275 kcal, with 48g carbohydrates (70%), 4g protein (6%), and 7g fat (24%). This sweet tamal offers a balanced treat while remaining a flavorful dessert.
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