Dulces De Calabasas Mexican Pumpkin Candy
Experience a taste of traditional Mexican confectionery with Dulces de Calabazas, a vibrant and comforting pumpkin candy that’s a hallmark of autumn festivities. This delightful treat combines tender pumpkin wedges simmered to perfection in a rich, spiced syrup made with piloncillo, cinnamon, cloves, and optional hints of orange peel and vanilla. As the pumpkin caramelizes, it absorbs the warm, earthy flavors of the syrup, transforming into a glossy, golden-brown indulgence. Perfectly suited for Dia de los Muertos celebrations or cozy fall evenings, this Mexican pumpkin candy is an easy yet soul-warming recipe that showcases the magic of simple, natural ingredients. Serve it warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of syrup for a sweet, aromatic bite that captures the heart of Mexican culinary heritage.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 medium (about 4 lbs) pumpkin
- 2 cones (about 8 oz total) piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar cone)
- 2 sticks cinnamon stick
- 4 cups water
- 2 strips (optional, for extra flavor) orange peel
- 4 pieces cloves
- 1 teaspoon (optional) vanilla extract
Instructions
Wash the pumpkin thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut it into large wedges, leaving the skin on. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
In a large pot, combine the piloncillo cones, cinnamon sticks, water, orange peel (if using), and cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the piloncillo is fully dissolved.
Once the syrup is ready, carefully place the pumpkin wedges into the pot, skin-side down. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
Simmer the pumpkin for about 1.5 to 2 hours, occasionally spooning the syrup over the pumpkin as it cooks. It’s ready when the pumpkin is tender and caramelized with a deep golden-brown color.
If using vanilla extract, stir it into the syrup during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an added layer of flavor.
Allow the pumpkin to cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, drizzling extra syrup on top for extra sweetness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
287 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.8 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 63.4 g | ||
| Protein | 2.4 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 91 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 800 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
