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Silky Spanish Natillas Recipe

Silky Spanish Natillas


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy natillas dessert delights with rich egg custard perfected in Spanish kitchens. Smooth vanilla-infused pudding offers sweet comfort you’ll savor slowly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 lemon peel
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 package maria cookies
  • ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions

  1. Infusion Preparation: Gently warm milk with cinnamon stick and vanilla bean in a saucepan over medium-low heat, allowing aromatic essences to permeate the liquid without boiling.
  2. Egg Mixture Technique: Whisk egg yolks and sugar until the blend achieves a pale, velvety consistency with a delicate ribbon-like appearance.
  3. Milk Integration: Carefully strain the infused milk through a fine-mesh sieve into the egg mixture, removing any cinnamon and vanilla fragments while creating a smooth base.
  4. Custard Development: Transfer the combined liquid back to the saucepan, stirring continuously over low heat until the mixture thickens and elegantly coats a wooden spoon, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  5. Cooling Protocol: Remove from heat, continuing to stir for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure a silky texture, then pour the custard into individual serving dishes.
  6. Chilling and Presentation: Allow the custard to cool at room temperature for 20-25 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to develop the traditional Spanish natillas texture.
  7. Final Garnish: Dust with ground cinnamon and accompany with a classic Maria cookie just before serving, creating an authentic and visually appealing dessert experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Curdling: Stir constantly and maintain low heat to avoid scrambling eggs, ensuring a smooth, silky custard texture.
  • Infuse Flavors Gently: Heat milk with cinnamon and vanilla slowly to extract maximum aromatic essence without burning.
  • Strain for Smoothness: Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg or spice fragments, creating a perfectly refined dessert.
  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to develop the traditional creamy consistency and enhance flavor depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg