Pumpkin Tamales Recipe

Experience the delightful fusion of sweet and savory with these Pumpkin Tamales! Unlike traditional dessert tamales, these are enjoyed alongside savory dishes in Mexico, offering a unique culinary adventure. This simple recipe delivers perfectly spiced pumpkin filling nestled in soft corn husks. A delightful twist on a classic, perfect for a festive gathering or a cozy night in.

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 60 mins

Calories 319.6 kcal

Protein 11g

Rating Be the first

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Tamales

Masa Harina Flour
Pumpkin Puree
¾ cup granulated sugar
Vanilla Extract
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Mace
½ cup raisins
Corn Husks

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Pumpkin Tamales? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Pumpkin Tamales

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree, and ¾ cup granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground mace, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ cup raisins. Stir until everything is thoroughly blended.
To assemble the tamales, lay out your corn husks. Place 2-3 heaping tablespoons of the masa mixture onto the smooth side of each husk, spreading it evenly.
Fold the sides of the husk inward, then fold the bottom up and over the filling. Tie the tamale securely at both ends using kitchen twine or by tucking in the husk.
Prick each tamale several times with a fork or toothpick to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Repeat steps 3-5 until all the masa mixture is used.
Place the tamales upright in a steamer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Steam for 45-50 minutes, or until the masa is cooked through and easily peels away from the husk.
Let the tamales cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

100g

Fat

Carbs

24g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Appetizers & Snacks Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Sweets & Sides Side Dishes Salmon Recipes The Americas American Mexican Vegetarian Fall Recipes Holiday Recipes Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Pumpkin Tamales?

Pumpkin Tamales takes about 90 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Pumpkin Tamales?

Pumpkin Tamales has approximately 319.6 calories per serving, with about 11 g protein, 24 g carbohydrates and 3 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Pumpkin Tamales?

The key ingredients for Pumpkin Tamales are Masa Harina Flour, Pumpkin Puree, Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Mace. See the full list with measurements above.