Sweet Potato Candy Dulce De Camote
Experience the sweet and spiced delight of *Sweet Potato Candy Dulce de Camote*, a traditional Latin American treat that transforms humble sweet potatoes into bite-sized confections bursting with flavor. This easy-to-make recipe combines mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, warm cinnamon, and a hint of lemon zest, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's perfectly balanced with subtle citrus notes. Sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract add a rich creaminess, while a light dusting of powdered sugar provides a delicate finishing touch. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime snacking, these homemade candies are as fun to shape as they are to eat. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry ingredients, this is an irresistible way to elevate sweet potatoes to a whole new level.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Sweet potatoes (medium-sized, orange variety preferred)
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 0.25 cup Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 2-inch chunks for even cooking.
Place the sweet potato chunks in a medium-sized pot, add enough water to cover them, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and mash them in a large mixing bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sweetened condensed milk, water, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
Set the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking or burning.
Continue cooking and stirring for about 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. It should have a slightly sticky, dough-like consistency.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes, until it is comfortable to handle.
Using greased hands or a spoon, shape the sweet potato mixture into small balls, logs, or any desired candy shape. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
If desired, dust the candies lightly with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1753 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.9 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 26 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 245 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 427.9 g | 156% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 384.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.2 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 333 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 1184 mg | 25% | |
*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.
