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Traditional Spanish Natillas dessert Recipe

Traditional Spanish Natillas dessert Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich and creamy Spanish natillas dance with silky custard elegance, whisking together simple ingredients into a classic Mediterranean treat. Cinnamon-kissed sweetness promises pure comfort that will transport you directly to warm Spanish kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 Egg Yolks
  • 500 milliliters (2 cups) Whole Milk
  • 4 Tablespoons Sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Essence

Thickening and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 4 Maria Style Cookies

Instructions

  1. Infuse whole milk with aromatic cinnamon stick, granulated sugar, and fragrant vanilla essence in a saucepan, warming gently over medium temperature until just before boiling point.
  2. Allow the spiced milk mixture to steep and mellow for approximately 10 minutes, releasing deep, rich flavors.
  3. Whisk egg yolks delicately in a separate bowl, then meticulously incorporate cornstarch, ensuring a silky, lump-free texture.
  4. Extract the cinnamon stick from the milk, then delicately introduce a small portion of warm, infused milk into the yolk mixture, carefully tempering the eggs to prevent curdling.
  5. Return the combined liquid to low heat, continuously stirring the mixture until it transforms into a luxurious, custard-like consistency reminiscent of traditional flan.
  6. Transfer the velvety natillas into individual serving ramekins, creating an elegant presentation.
  7. Crown each ramekin with crisp Maria cookies, adding a delightful textural contrast to the creamy dessert.
  8. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours, ideally overnight, allowing flavors to meld and custard to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Savor the authentic taste of a classic Spanish dessert that’s creamy, delicate, and bursting with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
  • Tempering eggs is crucial to prevent scrambling, ensuring a silky smooth custard with a luxurious texture.
  • Maria cookies add a delightful crunch and traditional touch, transforming this simple dessert into a nostalgic treat.
  • Refrigeration time is key for developing rich flavors and allowing the custard to set perfectly, so patience is essential.
  • Use fresh egg yolks and whole milk for the most authentic and velvety natillas experience.
  • Optional garnish with ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of sugar can elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 205 mg