Traditional Mexican Pumpkin Candy (Dulce De Calabaza)
Dive into this delightful recipe for Traditional Mexican Pumpkin Candy, also known as Dulce De Calabaza. This nostalgic treat evokes memories of vibrant flea markets and the heartwarming kitchens of our grandmothers. Prepare to enjoy the unique combination of a crunchy exterior with a tender, juicy core, bursting with the natural sweetness and freshness of ripe pumpkin. This version uses less sugar than typical recipes, allowing the pumpkin's rich flavor to shine through. Ideal for sharing with loved ones or as a sweet addition to festive celebrations, this recipe serves up to 60 wedges, each offering a taste of tradition and authenticity. Discover the joy of making this cherished candy at home, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
large ripe pumpkin
1 (cut into wedges)
hydrated lime (cal)
1 tablespoon per quart of water (for soaking)
water
as needed (for soaking and boiling)
sugar
equal to the weight of the pumpkin (for coating)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the pumpkin into uniform wedges or slices. Peel if desired, and cut them into your preferred bite-sized pieces.
2
Prepare the lime water by mixing 1 tablespoon of hydrated lime (cal) for each quart of water. Submerge the pumpkin pieces in this lime solution, ensuring they are fully covered. Let the pumpkin soak overnight to draw out excess moisture and enhance the texture.
3
After soaking, remove the pumpkin from the lime water and rinse it thoroughly under clear water at least three times to eliminate any lime residue.
4
In a large pot, cover the rinsed pumpkin with warm water and gradually bring it to a boil. Once boiling, allow it to simmer for 5 minutes to soften the pieces slightly.
5
Drain the pumpkin and give it two additional rinses with cold water before letting it drain for about an hour to remove excess moisture.
6
Using a fork, pierce each pumpkin piece several times to help infuse the sugar syrup during baking.
7
Weigh the drained pumpkin and measure out an equal amount of sugar based on this weight. Pour the sugar over the pumpkin pieces and lightly moisten them with water, ensuring that the sugar sticks without dissolving completely.
8
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the sugared pumpkin onto a baking sheet and bake for approximately 3 hours, or until the pumpkin has crystallized and developed a lovely glaze.
9
Once baked, remove the pumpkin from the oven and drain any excess syrup. To finish, lay the pieces out on wax paper to cool and dry completely.
10
Store the cooled pumpkin candy in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, double bag the leftover pieces and freeze them for future sweet cravings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Mexican Pumpkin Candy?
Traditional Mexican Pumpkin Candy, also known as Dulce De Calabaza, is a nostalgic treat with a crunchy exterior and a juicy core, often found in Mexican flea markets.
How many servings does this pumpkin candy recipe provide?
This recipe serves up to 60 wedges, making it perfect for sharing at festive celebrations.
What kind of pumpkin is best for this recipe?
A large ripe pumpkin is ideal for achieving the best flavor and texture.
What is the purpose of using hydrated lime (cal) in this recipe?
Hydrated lime is used in a soaking solution to draw out excess moisture and help the pumpkin maintain a firm, crunchy texture during the cooking process.
How much hydrated lime should be used?
Use 1 tablespoon of hydrated lime for every quart of water used for soaking.
How long should the pumpkin soak in the lime water?
The pumpkin pieces should be submerged and allowed to soak in the lime solution overnight.
How do I prepare the pumpkin before soaking?
Cut the pumpkin into uniform wedges or slices, peel if desired, and then cut them into your preferred bite-sized pieces.
How many times should the pumpkin be rinsed after the lime soak?
The pumpkin should be rinsed thoroughly under clear water at least three times to ensure all lime residue is removed.
Do I need to boil the pumpkin before baking?
Yes, after rinsing, cover the pumpkin with warm water, bring it to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes to soften it slightly.
What is the next step after boiling the pumpkin?
Drain the pumpkin, rinse it twice more with cold water, and let it drain for about an hour.
Why should I pierce the pumpkin pieces with a fork?
Piercing the pumpkin several times with a fork helps the sugar syrup infuse into the center during the baking process.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
The amount of sugar should be equal to the weight of the drained pumpkin pieces.
How is the sugar applied to the pumpkin?
Pour the sugar over the pumpkin pieces and lightly moisten them with water so that the sugar sticks without dissolving completely.
What is the oven temperature for baking Dulce De Calabaza?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
How long does the pumpkin candy need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 3 hours until the pumpkin has crystallized and developed a glaze.
What should I do after the pumpkin candy is finished baking?
Remove it from the oven, drain any excess syrup, and lay the pieces on wax paper to cool and dry.
How should Dulce De Calabaza be stored?
Store the cooled candy in the refrigerator; for longer storage, you can double bag and freeze the pieces.
How long will the candy stay fresh in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
Is this recipe lower in sugar than traditional versions?
Yes, this specific recipe uses less sugar than typical versions to allow the natural pumpkin flavor to stand out.
Can I peel the pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, peeling the pumpkin is optional and can be done based on your preference during the initial cutting stage.
What is the characteristic texture of this candy?
It features a unique combination of a crunchy exterior with a tender, juicy core.
Is this recipe considered authentic Mexican cuisine?
Yes, it is a traditional recipe often associated with Mexican heritage and family kitchens.
What can I do if I have leftover candy?
Leftovers can be frozen in double bags to satisfy future sweet cravings.
How do I ensure the sugar sticks to the pumpkin?
Lightly moistening the sugar-coated pieces with water helps the granules adhere to the pumpkin surface.
Does the pumpkin need to be dried before adding sugar?
Yes, you should let the pumpkin pieces drain for about an hour after their final rinse to remove excess moisture.
What is the main flavor profile of this treat?
The treat highlights the natural sweetness and freshness of ripe pumpkin, complemented by a caramelized sugar glaze.
Can this candy be served at holiday celebrations?
Yes, it is an ideal sweet addition to festive celebrations and holiday gatherings.
What tool is used to help the syrup penetrate the pumpkin?
A standard kitchen fork is used to pierce the pieces multiple times.
Why is the pumpkin rinsed multiple times after the lime soak?
Multiple rinses are essential to ensure no chemical lime residue remains on the food.
Should the pumpkin be uniform in size?
Yes, cutting the pumpkin into uniform wedges ensures even cooking and crystallization during the 3-hour bake.