Best Easy Tamales de Cambray Recipe

Fine-textured sweet tamales with dried fruits, nuts, and a cake-like consistency. These elegant family dessert tamales are a refined treat served at special celebrations.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 280 kcal
#dessert tamales #high carb #special celebrations #refined sweet tamales
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Corn husks 16 pieces
  • Masa harina 2 cups
  • Whole milk 1.25 cups
  • Unsalted butter 0.5 cup
  • Granulated sugar 0.75 cup
  • Eggs 2 pieces
  • Dried apricots 0.25 cup
  • Raisins 0.25 cup
  • Pecans 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Baking powder 1.5 tsp
  • Salt 0.5 tsp
  • Vanilla extract 2 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 44 g 63%
Protein 5 g 7%
Fat 9 g 29%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes to soften, then drain well and pat dry.

  2. 2

    In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy; then add eggs one at a time, continuing to whip until fully incorporated.

  3. 3

    Combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl; gradually add half the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, and mix on medium speed.

  4. 4

    Fold in the remaining dry ingredients, then stir in vanilla extract, dried apricots, raisins, and chopped pecans gently to preserve texture.

  5. 5

    Lay out a corn husk, spread about 1/3 cup masa mixture in the center, fold in sides and tuck the bottom closed tightly; repeat for all servings.

  6. 6

    Arrange filled tamales upright in a steamer basket; steam over gently bubbling water, covered and on medium heat, for 60–75 minutes. Replenish water as needed to prevent drying.

  7. 7

    Check doneness by peeling back a husk—masa should feel cakey and not overly sticky; allow tamales to rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is masa harina, which defines the soft, fine texture of these tamales de cambray. Combined with butter and milk, it creates a cake-like consistency, while the dried fruits and nuts add distinctive flavor and festive elegance.
Q. How do you control moisture and texture to get fine, soft tamales?
Creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy and alternating dry ingredients with milk are essential for a smooth, moist masa. Steaming at gentle, consistent heat without letting the pot dry out prevents dryness, supporting the desired soft, cakey texture.
Q. What helps prevent overcooking or undercooking these sweet tamales?
Monitor the water level in your steamer to ensure steady steam—add hot water as needed. Tamales are ready when the masa peels cleanly from the husk but remains moist and springy. Allowing them to rest before serving helps prevent stickiness and ensures a fine finish.
Q. How many calories or carbs are in one serving?
Each 120g serving contains approximately 280 kcal and 44g of carbohydrates, providing a sweet, satisfying energy source, with carbs making up roughly 63% of total calories in this family dessert treat.
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