Dulces Enchilados or Chamoy Candy
Just 4 ingredients is all you need to make chamoy candy or dulces enchilados. These chamoy soaked and Tajin sprinkled Mexican candies are sweet, tangy, tart and spicy too. Sometimes called chamoy candy or pica pica candy, these are an easy to make treat.
What Are Dulces Enchilados
Dulces enchilados translates to chile spiced candies. Another name for them is also chamoy candy, or some people also call them pica pica candy.
Whichever name you use, it’s all still describing the same Mexican candy made sweet, tart and spicy.
These treats are sold all over Mexico in the little shops (or tienditas), grocery stores, street vendors, and even at the candy shops of high end department stores. They’re an everyday snack or also fun treats at the fairs.
If you love sweet, savory and spicy together then chamoy candies are a must try. You don’t have to be in Mexico to try them, you can make them right at home.
Chamoy Candy Ingredients Needed
You only need 4 ingredients for these spicy Mexican candies.
- candy (more info below)
- chamoy sauce
- powdered sugar
- chile-lime seasoning or Tajin
You can get these ingredients at the Mexican grocery stores and some even at a regular grocery store, as well as Amazon.
A Healthier Variation
If you don’t to use candies and want a healthier variation then you could use dried fruits.
I’ve seen dried apples, pineapples and fruits like these prepared the same way as these candies. They’re also delicious and perhaps a tiny bit healthier.
Is This Vegan?
No, it’s not.
The powdered sugar unless it states that it’s vegan, it isn’t. Refined white sugar is made using bone char to refine it, therefore it doesn’t qualify as vegan.
Depending on the chamoy sauce brand you use, some are made with artificial colors. Many artificial colors are not vegan. You could always make the chamoy at home to ensure it doesn’t have animal products.
The traditional candies used in dulces enchilados tend to be gummies.
Gummy candies are mostly made with gelatin, which is an animal product. Some too also have beeswax as an ingredient. Additionally some of the coloring used is not vegan. So be aware of this if you’re a strict vegan or vegetarian.
What Types of Candies to Use
The best types of candies to use for this recipe are ones that the sauce and chile powder will easily adhere to. Though you could use Skittles, the hard candy outer surface prevents the chamoy sauce mixture to stick to them.
- peach rings
- gummy bears
- Swedish Fish
- Sour Patch Kids
- Jujubes candy
You can use a mix of different candies or only use one type. It’s up to you.
If you buy the candies at a Mexican food store or Mexican candy store, look for the bags of mixed candies. That is what I used.
Peta has more information about which candies are vegan and the ingredients used in some that make them not be vegan or vegetarian friendly. Check out the article here, “Which Candies are Vegan?“.
More Sweet and Spicy Mexican Treats to Try
Below are some more fun Mexican treats you can enjoy as a snack or dessert.
- Mostachones
- Mangonada
- Mexican Mango Flowers
- Fresas con Crema
- Vegan Fresas con Crema
- Carlota de Limón (Mexican Lime Icebox Cake)
- Easy Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
How to Make Chamoy Candy
This is one of the easiest and quickest treats you can make in a quick short steps.
- Whisk the chamoy sauce and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Mix until there are no sugar lumps. If you keep your chamoy in the fridge like me, then you can microwave the mixture for 10 seconds to help melt the sugar. Allow to cool before continuing.
- Mix in the candies into the bowl, mix until everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle in the Tajin or chili powder and mix until well combined.
- Serve and sprinkle more chile powder if desired. Enjoy
Helpful Tips
You’ll noticed that I mixed the candies right into the bowl of the chamoy sauce. You can do this if you are using a variety of candies or gummies.
Instead of doing it like I did, you could set up small bowls with the different candies. Then pour the chamoy sauce into each individual bowl and mix until well combined. Or if you use bowls with lids then you can cover them and just shake until the candies are well coated.
This last idea is great so that people you share with, don’t have to pick out only the candies they like.
How to Serve Dulces Enchilados
These can be enjoyed as a fun snack anytime you like. They are a great treat when you’re watching movies or sports on TV. Pair them with your favorite Mexican beer and it’s delicious.
You could also serve them at a party for kids or adults, Halloween parties too. Add them to the food table — this is when separating the candy varieties into their own bowls would be a great idea.
How to Store
To store any leftovers make sure you place then in an airtight container. If you live in a hot place like I do, you may want to place them in the fridge.
Consume within a couple of days of making for best taste.
Dulces Enchilados or Chamoy Candy
Ingredients
- 12 oz candies of your choice
- ¼ cup chamoy sauce
- 1½ Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons of Tajin seasoning or chile powder
Instructions
- Whisk the chamoy sauce and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Mix until there are no sugar lumps. If you keep your chamoy in the fridge like me, then you can microwave the mixture for 10 seconds to help melt the sugar. Allow to cool before continuing.
- Mix in the candies into the bowl, mix until everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle in the Tajin or chili powder and mix until well combined.
- Serve and sprinkle more chile powder if desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Get The Ingredients
I’ve done a search on Amazon for the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. I like to use the peach flavored chamoy sauce from Tajin brand.
I’ve also included a couple of vegan gummies, but if you click here there’s a full search of candy options for you.
Please be aware that I do make a very small commission on sales, it’s income to help fund the free recipes to you. Thank you!
Nancy Lopez is a food blogger and author of the cookbook Mexican Tamales Made Meatless. Born in Mexico, raised in the US, and currently living in Southern Mexico, she has followed a meatless diet for almost 10 years. It is her passion and mission to share all she has learned about vegan Mexican cooking and vegetarian Mexican recipes. Mexican Made Meatless is a blog dedicated to preserving the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine just without the meat. It’s a place to celebrate Mexican culture and all it’s delightfully delicious traditional foods. Read more…
Mouth watering
Thanks, hope you make them soon!
I will try them soon absolutely! A Mexican touch for halloween… hehe! Thank´s for sharing, your recipes are always awesome!!!… o)
Thanks so much Jorge! 🙂
It’s delicious! My daughter and her friends love it!
Thank you Amanda, happy to hear they enjoyed the candies.