Easy Traditional Spanish Natillas Recipe – Creamy Dessert Magic

Creamy natillas dance with rich, velvety textures that define Spanish dessert traditions.

Sweet custard recipes whisper stories of familial comfort and culinary heritage.

Generations have cherished this delightful treat, passing down techniques from grandmother to grandchild.

Silky smooth with subtle hints of cinnamon, natillas represent more than just a simple dessert.

These delectable puddings capture the essence of Spanish home cooking, blending simplicity and elegance in every spoonful.

Regional variations add unique character to this classic preparation, reflecting local ingredients and cultural nuances.

Each bite connects you to a vibrant culinary landscape steeped in warmth and nostalgia.

Traditional Spanish Natillas That Melt in Your Mouth

• Savor Silky Smoothness: The dessert delivers an incredibly creamy texture that glides effortlessly across your palate, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that melts like soft velvet.
• Embrace Comforting Warmth: Infused with gentle cinnamon and vanilla notes, this traditional Spanish treat wraps you in a nostalgic embrace of familiar, heartwarming flavors that transport you to cozy kitchen memories.
• Quick Culinary Charm: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dessert brings gourmet elegance to your table without requiring advanced cooking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks seeking a delightful sweet finale.
• Cultural Connection: By enjoying natillas, you're not just eating a dessert but experiencing a piece of authentic Spanish culinary heritage, connecting with generations of home cooks who have lovingly prepared this classic treat.

Ingredients That Bring Spanish Natillas to Life

• Milk: Rich, whole milk creates the smooth, creamy texture of the custard.
• Cream: Adds extra richness and silky consistency to the dessert.
• Egg Yolks: Provide the classic custard structure and luxurious golden color.

• Sugar: Essential for sweetening the custard and balancing the creamy flavors.
• Cinnamon Stick: Adds warm, traditional Spanish aromatic notes to the dessert.
• Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Extract: Brings deep, classic vanilla flavor and fragrance.

• Maria Cookies: Traditional Spanish cookie for serving alongside or crumbling on top of the natillas.
• Ground Cinnamon: Light dusting for decoration and extra aromatic touch.
• Lemon Zest: Optional ingredient for subtle citrus brightness and complexity.

Steps to Make Traditional Spanish Natillas

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

• Whole milk
• Egg yolks
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Cinnamon stick
• Vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract
• Maria cookies for serving
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Step 2: Prepare Milk Infusion

Warm milk in a saucepan with cinnamon stick. Let the flavors meld together gently, creating a rich aromatic base. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb the cinnamon essence.

Step 3: Mix Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy. Add cornstarch and mix until completely smooth with no lumps.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Slowly pour the warm milk through a strainer into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat.

Step 5: Thicken the Custard

Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This typically takes 5-7 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and pudding-like.

Step 6: Add Flavoring

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean seeds. Mix well to distribute the flavor evenly.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Pour the custard into individual serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 8: Final Touch

Before serving, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top. Place a Maria cookie alongside or on top of each custard serving.

• Use a low, gentle heat to prevent egg curdling
• Constant stirring is key to smooth texture
• Fresh ingredients make the best flavor
• Can be prepared a day in advance
• Serves 4-6 people

Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed chilled as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal.

Tips for Smooth, Creamy Spanish Natillas

• Temper Eggs Carefully: Slowly add hot milk to egg yolks while constantly whisking to prevent scrambling and ensure a silky smooth texture.
• Select Quality Ingredients: Use fresh eggs, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Stir continuously over low heat to achieve a thick, creamy consistency without burning the custard.
• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate natillas for at least 2 hours to develop a perfect set and enhance the dessert's refreshing taste.
• Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or place a traditional Maria cookie on top for an authentic Spanish presentation that delights both eyes and palate.

Store and Reheat Spanish Natillas Without Splitting

• Refrigerate: Store natillas in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. Keep the dessert chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator to preserve its delicate texture and creamy consistency.
• Cover Surface: Before sealing the container, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the natillas to prevent a skin from forming and protect the pudding from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Reheating: Unlike many desserts, natillas are best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving, as this can compromise the smooth texture. Instead, remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let it come to the perfect, silky-smooth temperature for enjoying its traditional Spanish flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Spanish Natillas

• Pair with Sweet Sherry: Enhance the creamy natillas with a glass of Pedro Ximénez sherry, whose rich, syrupy sweetness complements the dessert's delicate vanilla and cinnamon notes.
• Match with Crisp Maria Cookies: The classic Maria cookie served alongside natillas creates a delightful textural contrast, offering a satisfying crunch against the smooth custard.
• Combine with Coffee: A small cup of Spanish café solo or cortado provides a bold, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet, velvety dessert, balancing the flavors perfectly.
• Elevate with Fresh Berries: A small garnish of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a bright, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the natillas, refreshing the palate.

Twists on Classic Spanish Natillas to Try

• Citrus Zest Natillas: Brighten the classic recipe by adding fresh orange or lemon zest directly into the custard, creating a vibrant and tangy flavor profile that complements the traditional creamy base.
• Chocolate Infusion Natillas: Melt high-quality dark chocolate into the custard during cooking, transforming the dessert into a rich, decadent version that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Almond Crunch Natillas: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top of the chilled custard, adding a delightful nutty texture and enhancing the traditional dessert with a satisfying crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle Natillas: Create a luxurious topping by drizzling homemade caramel sauce over the chilled custard, introducing a deep, golden sweetness that elevates the classic Spanish dessert.

Traditional Spanish Natillas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Silky Spanish natillas showcase a creamy custard dessert from traditional kitchens across Spain. Rich egg yolks, vanilla, and cinnamon create a luxurious sweet pudding that connects generations through delightful spoonfuls of comfort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (500 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 lemon peel
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 package Maria cookies
• Ground cinnamon for dusting

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and equipment, ensuring everything is clean and within reach for a smooth preparation process.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk (946 milliliters / 32 fluid ounces), cinnamon stick, and vanilla bean, heating gently over medium-low temperature to infuse deep, rich flavors without scorching.
3. Separate egg yolks carefully, placing them in a large mixing bowl and discarding whites or saving for another recipe.
4. Whisk egg yolks thoroughly with granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, creamy consistency with a light, ribbon-like texture.
5. Slowly strain the warm, aromatic milk mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, removing cinnamon stick and vanilla bean fragments while incorporating it into the egg mixture.
6. Return the combined liquid to the saucepan, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon over low heat until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon, approximately 8-10 minutes.
7. Remove from heat immediately to prevent curdling, and continue stirring for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure smooth consistency.
8. Transfer the warm custard into individual serving dishes, allowing natural cooling at room temperature for about 20-25 minutes.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to achieve the traditional chilled, silky texture.
10. Before serving, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top and garnish with a classic Maria cookie for an authentic Spanish dessert presentation.

Notes

• Prepare the custard base using whole milk, creating a rich and velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
• Separate egg yolks carefully to ensure a smooth, silky consistency without any unwanted scrambled egg bits.
• Use fresh cinnamon stick and pure vanilla extract for an authentic Spanish flavor that elevates the dessert’s traditional profile.
• Chill the natillas thoroughly before serving to achieve the perfect creamy and refreshing texture that defines this classic dessert.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and place a traditional Maria cookie on top for an authentic presentation that delights both eyes and taste buds.
• Store leftover natillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its delicate flavor and creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg