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
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
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and equipment, ensuring everything is clean and within reach for a smooth preparation process.
- 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.
- Separate egg yolks carefully, placing them in a large mixing bowl and discarding whites or saving for another recipe.
- Whisk egg yolks thoroughly with granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, creamy consistency with a light, ribbon-like texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent curdling, and continue stirring for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure smooth consistency.
- Transfer the warm custard into individual serving dishes, allowing natural cooling at room temperature for about 20-25 minutes.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to achieve the traditional chilled, silky texture.
- 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