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Calabaza en Tacha (Candied Pumpkin): A Sweet Tradition for Beginners and Home Cooks in the USA

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Make traditional Calabaza en Tacha (Candied Pumpkin) at home! This authentic Mexican dessert features tender pumpkin pieces simmered in a sweet piloncillo and cinnamon syrup — perfect for beginners and home cooks in the USA who want to experience the cozy flavors of Día de los Muertos and fall.

  • Author: Nia Yarden
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert / Traditional Mexican
  • Method: Simmered / Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 pounds pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 cup piloncillo (or dark brown sugar substitute)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3–4 cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • Orange peel (optional, for aroma)
  • Pinch of salt

Optional:

  • Raisins or orange juice for extra flavor
  • Ground cinnamon for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pumpkin: Peel, remove seeds, and cut the pumpkin into medium chunks (2–3 inches).
  2. Make the syrup: In a large pot, combine water, piloncillo, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange peel. Heat until the piloncillo dissolves.
  3. Simmer: Add pumpkin pieces to the syrup. Lower heat and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, spooning syrup over pumpkin occasionally.
  4. Check doneness: Pumpkin should be soft but not falling apart, and coated with syrup.
  5. Serve: Place pumpkin in a bowl, drizzle with syrup, and sprinkle with ground cinnamon if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
  6. Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat gently or serve cold.

Notes

Choose firm pumpkin like kabocha or sugar pumpkin for best texture. Calabaza en Tacha tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. For a twist, add orange juice or a few raisins to the syrup. Vegan-friendly and gluten-free.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.nytrecipe.com/calabaza-en-tacha-candied-pumpkin/