This homemade Tamarindo candy is sweet, tangy, spicy and incredibly addictive with the perfect chewy texture.
Made with softened tamarind pulp, brown sugar and a generous coating of my homemade Tajin seasoning, these little tamarind candy balls are bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite. They’re easy to make, require just a few ingredients and taste just like the classic Mexican tamarind candies you’ve loved so much.
If you love sweet and spicy treats, you’re going to absolutely love these Tamarindo candies. Tamarind has such a unique flavor- tangy, fruity, slightly sour and deeply rich all at once- and paired with the chili lime seasoning- it just tastes incredible.
I've used tamarind quite a bit in my Indian recipes too- my tamarind date chutney and to make my batch of homemade Vindaloo paste, so of course, I had to try another unique way to put it to use.
Quick Look: Tamarindo Candy
- 🔪Prep time: 15 minutes
- ⏲️Cook time: 5 minutes
- 👪 Servings: 12-15 candies
- 📋Main ingredients: Tamarind pods, brown sugar and Tajin seasoning.
- ♨️Cooking method: Soak tamarind → remove pulp → mix with sugar → roll into balls → coat in Tajín.
- ⭐Difficulty: Easy
- 🥣Serving ideas: Enjoy as a sweet snack, party candy or after-meal treat- like my Tajin and Chamoy strawberries.
Jump to:
What's So Great About the Recipe?
- They taste very similar to traditional Mexican tamarind candies- if you love Mexican food, you'll love these too!
- No baking or fancy equipment is needed to put these together. Just a few minutes of hands-on kitchen time and some bowls.
- Like my chili lime pepitas and roasted Tajin nuts and seeds, they're great to make and serve when you're entertaining.
Recipe Ingredients
- Tamarind pods: Fresh tamarind pods create the perfect chewy, tangy base for the candy.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the tamarind mixture into a dough-like consistency. You can also use date sugar if you want to keep it natural.
- Tajin seasoning: Gives the candy its signature spicy, salty and citrusy coating.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Mix in a little lime zest for extra citrus flavor. I like using my lime infused salt sometimes.
- Roll the candies in sugar and a bit of chili powder if you can't find Tajin or just want a sweeter version.
- Add a touch of honey if the tamarind mixture feels too dry. I like using my habanero infused honey sometimes- just to give it a touch of extra heat.
- If you don't have fresh tamarind pods, you can mix de-seeded dates and some tamarind concentrate and use the mixture as a base for the tamarind candy.
How to Make Tamarindo Candy
Step 1: Place the tamarind in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let it soak until softened.
Step 2: Use your fingers to mash the softened tamarind and separate the pulp from the seeds and fibers. Transfer the tamarind pulp to a bowl and add brown sugar.
Step 3: Mix everything together until it forms a thick dough-like mixture.
Step 4: Scoop small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls. Roll each tamarind ball in Tajín seasoning until fully coated.
💭Top Tip
If the tamarind mixture feels too sticky to roll, lightly grease your hands with a little oil before shaping the candy balls.
Tips & Tricks to Nail the Recipe
- Soaking the tamarind properly makes it much easier to remove the pulp. Make sure you give it enough time to soak and remove as many seeds and fibers as possible for a smoother candy texture. I did this when I made my date caramel sauce too.
- Taste the mixture before rolling and adjust the sugar depending on how tangy your tamarind is.
- Chill the candy balls for 15-20 minutes if they feel too soft.
- Roll the candy balls in Tajin by using two spoons- not your hands. The warmth of your hands will cause the candy to start melting.
How to Serve Tamarindo Candy
These Tamarindo candies are perfect as a sweet-and-spicy snack or little after-meal treat- kind of like my mango and Tajin bites.
You can also package them up in small jars or treat bags for parties, festive gatherings or homemade edible gifts. They pair beautifully with fresh fruit, mango slices or even a chilled glass of Agua Fresca. I always team them up with a jar of my spicy cocoa dusted almonds or my favorite Mexican chili oil.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Store the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tamarind can vary in moisture. Simply add a little more brown sugar or chill the mixture before rolling.
More Interesting Mexican Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
If you tried this tamarindo candy or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Tamarindo Candy
Ingredients
- 1 pound tamarind pods
- 16 ounces brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoon Tajin seasoning
Instructions
- Place the tamarind in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let it soak until softened.
- Use your fingers to mash the softened tamarind and separate the pulp from the seeds and fibers. Transfer the tamarind pulp to a bowl and add brown sugar.
- Mix everything together until it forms a thick dough-like mixture.
- Scoop small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls. Roll each tamarind ball in Tajin seasoning until fully coated.
Notes
- Soaking the tamarind properly makes it much easier to remove the pulp. Make sure you give it enough time to soak and remove as many seeds and fibers as possible for a smoother candy texture.
- Taste the mixture before rolling and adjust the sugar depending on how tangy your tamarind is.
- Chill the candy balls for 15-20 minutes if they feel too soft.
- Roll the candy balls in Tajin by using two spoons- not your hands. The warmth of your hands will cause the candy to start melting.
