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Piloncillo

 
Piloncillo
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What is Piloncillo?

The name piloncillo refers to the traditional cone shape in which the sugar is produced. It is also know as panela and panocha. There are actually two varieties of piloncillo produced one is lighter (blanco) and one darker (oscuro). The cone size can vary from as small as 3/4 ounce to as much as 9 ounces per cone. The cones shown in the picture above are about 3" tall.  Learn more about piloncillo in our article here.

Substitute for Piloncillo

If you don't have piilncillo you can substitute:
  • Equal amounts of dark brown sugar (piloncillo has a higher molasses content). You can also add a couple of teaspoons of molasses to kick up that flavor.
  • OR - Us equal amounts of light brown sugar for sweetness but will lack the stronger flavor of molasses.

Equivalents

1 #3 cone = 4 ounces

metric conversions →

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How To Use

Piloncillo is very hard compared to the brown sugar you purchased in a box at the local grocer. Chop the piloncillo with a serrated knife. You can substitute piloncillo in any recipe calling for dark brown sugar.

Nutrition Information For Piloncillo

Serving Size
1 cup packed
 
Calories
836
Calories from Fat
0
 
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g
0%
Saturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 62mg
0%
Potassium
293g
10%
Total Carbohydrate 216g
70%
Dietary Fiber 0g
0%
Sugars 213g
Protein 0g
0%
 
Vitamin A  0% • Vitamin C  0%
Calcium  0% • Iron  0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Favorite Piloncillo Recipes

  • Oaxacan Pumpkin Tamales
    Oaxacan Pumpkin Tamales (Tamales Miahuatecos) are a savory pumpkin tamale recipe with a filling of black beans flavored with pasilla de oaxaca chiles, anise and garlic. Makes 12 tamales
  • Chocolate Tamales
    This is a sample recipe from Tamales 101 by by Alice Guadalupe Tapp. The tamales are flavored with Mexican chocolate OR semisweet chocolate chips
  • Mexican Champurrado
    Mexican Champurrado is a special hot chocolate thickened with masa and flavored with piloncillo and anise seed. The traditional drink is actually Mexican Atole with the addition of chocolate.
  • Mexican Atole
    Mexican Atole is a traditional warm almost porridge-like drink made thick with masa. The chocolate version is Champurrado, other versions are flavored with fruits or nuts. Recipe uses piloncillo (Mexican unrefined brown sugar), cinnamon (canela), and vanilla bean.
  • Mexican Chocolate Pots de Creme With Piloncillo
    Recipe made with piloncillo,  Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, milk and eggs

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