Strawberry and Pineapple Dessert Tamales: Sweet, Tropical, and Absolutely Unreal

Most tamales stick to savory fillings—beans, pork, cheese. But why should savory have all the fun? Strawberry and pineapple dessert tamales are the sweet rebellion your taste buds deserve.

Imagine fluffy masa hugging juicy fruit, steamed to perfection, and finished with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar. These aren’t your abuela’s tamales (unless your abuela has a killer sweet tooth). They’re the perfect fusion of tradition and tropical vibes.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to pull them off. Ready to upgrade your dessert game?

Let’s go.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

discover exactly how to eat in a way that BOOSTS your metabolism, balances hormones, FIGHTS stubborn belly fat, heals your gut, and increases your energy, regardless of your "bad genetics".

First, it’s unexpected. Dessert tamales are rare, and the combo of strawberry and pineapple is a straight-up flavor explosion. The sweetness of the fruit caramelizes slightly during steaming, creating pockets of jammy goodness.

The masa? Light, slightly sweet, and the perfect vehicle for the filling. Plus, they’re versatile—serve them warm with ice cream, cold as a snack, or even grilled for a crispy edge.

And let’s be real, they’re Instagram gold.

Ingredients

Grab these to make about 12 tamales:

• Masa dough: 2 cups masa harina, 1 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 cups warm water or milk.
• Filling: 1 cup diced strawberries, 1 cup diced pineapple, 2 tbsp honey or agave, 1 tsp cinnamon.
• Extras: 12 corn husks (soaked), extra honey or powdered sugar for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the husks: Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes until pliable. Pat dry.
2. Make the dough: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in masa harina, baking powder, salt, and liquid until smooth.
3. Mix the filling: Toss strawberries, pineapple, honey, and cinnamon in a bowl.
   

   Try not to eat it all straight.

   
   
4. Assemble: Spread 2 tbsp dough on a husk, add 1 tbsp filling, fold sides, then tie or tuck the ends.
5. Steam: Stand tamales upright in a steamer, cover, and steam for 45–50 minutes. Let cool slightly before devouring.

Storage Instructions

These tamales keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge. Wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container.

To reheat, steam for 10 minutes or microwave (30-second bursts). For longer storage, freeze them (up to 3 months)—just thaw and steam before serving.

Benefits of This Recipe

discover exactly how to eat in a way that BOOSTS your metabolism, balances hormones, FIGHTS stubborn belly fat, heals your gut, and increases your energy, regardless of your "bad genetics".

Besides being delicious? They’re portable, making them perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.

The fruit adds vitamins (hey, it’s basically health food), and the masa provides fiber. Plus, they’re customizable—swap fruits, adjust sweetness, or even add chocolate. And did we mention they’re a guaranteed conversation starter?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling: Too much fruit = bursting tamales.
  

  Keep it to 1 tbsp per tamale.

  
  
• Dry dough: If your masa cracks, add more liquid. It should spread like peanut butter.
• Undercooking: Steam until the masa pulls away from the husk easily. No one likes gummy tamales.

Alternatives

No strawberries?

Use raspberries or mango. Vegan? Swap butter for coconut oil.

For a richer twist, add cream cheese to the filling. Or go wild—drizzle with chocolate sauce instead of honey. The world is your tamale.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, but drain it well.

Fresh pineapple has better texture, but canned works in a pinch. Just don’t tell the food snobs.

Why is my masa sticking to the husk?

You might’ve undercooked it or didn’t spread the dough thick enough. Steam longer and aim for a 1/4-inch layer.

Can I make these gluten-free?

They already are!

Masa harina is corn-based. Just double-check your baking powder (some brands contain gluten).

Final Thoughts

Strawberry and pineapple dessert tamales are the upgrade your dessert lineup didn’t know it needed. They’re fun, flavorful, and proof that tamales don’t always have to be savory.

Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, these are a win. Now go steam some happiness.

discover exactly how to eat in a way that BOOSTS your metabolism, balances hormones, FIGHTS stubborn belly fat, heals your gut, and increases your energy, regardless of your "bad genetics".