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| Meta Title | Classic Spanish Custard Recipe (Natillas de Leche) |
| Meta Description | Natillas de Leche is a rich vanilla-flavored egg custard from Spain, lightly flavored with lemon and cinnamon. Here's a recipe to make it. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | By
Lisa & Tony Sierra
Lisa and Tony Sierra are writers and Spanish food experts who lead culinary tours of the country.
Updated on 11/5/25
(128)
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
128 ratings
This recipe features a classic Spanish custard with rich vanilla and gentle citrus notes.
Simple pantry ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and cornstarch make this dessert accessible.
The custard thickens on the stovetop without baking, making it practical for home cooks.
Although the exact origin of
natillas
(custard in English) is not known, nuns in convents across Europe prepared them. One of the theories is that the nuns actually developed the dessert. No matter where natillas came from, one thing is certain: They conjure up childhood memories for many Spaniards, and along with
flan
,
cuajada,
and
crema catalana
,
they are comfort food in Spain.
This recipe is for the basic vanilla-flavored natillas that are thick, creamy, and a rich yellow color. Although infused with lemon and cinnamon flavor when cooking, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top just before serving. Other popular flavors for natillas include chocolate and
turrĂłn
.
Never Lose a Recipe Again!
Love a Spruce Eats recipe?
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Keep Screen Awake
6
cups
whole milk
, divided
1
lemon
, zested
1
cinnamon stick
5
tablespoons
cornstarch
8
large
egg yolks
8
tablespoons
confectioners' sugar
1/2
teaspoon
pure vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
, for garnish
Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Pour 5 cups of milk into a large saucepan. Add lemon peel and cinnamon stick and warm the milk, uncovered, over medium heat, until just before it boils. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
In a small bowl, whisk remaining 1 cup milk with the cornstarch.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Place egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and beat with an
electric mixer
until it is frothy.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Add the milk-cornstarch mixture and continue to beat with mixer until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick from the warm milk, using a slotted spoon.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Return the pot to the stove on medium heat. After milk is hot, but not boiling, add the
vanilla extract
.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Slowly pour egg yolk mixture into the warming milk, while beating with electric mixer on low speed.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Using a wooden spoon, stir continuously over medium heat, so the milk does not stick. Stir until mixture thickens.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Ladle thickened mixture through a fine mesh
sieve
placed over a large bowl, in order to eliminate any lumps.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Pour strained natillas mixture evenly into 6 small bowls, ramekins, or cups. Allow to cool to room temperature on the counter, then cover ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.Â
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Once chilled, garnish with cinnamon before serving.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Nutrition Facts
(per serving)
299
Calories
15g
Fat
24g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Ă—
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories
299
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
15g
19%
Saturated Fat 7g
35%
Cholesterol
303mg
101%
Sodium
201mg
9%
Total Carbohydrate
24g
9%
Dietary Fiber 0g
2%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein
17g
Vitamin C 1mg
7%
Calcium 325mg
25%
Iron 1mg
8%
Potassium 422mg
9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Rate This Recipe
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Sure, this will do.
I'm a fan—would recommend.
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Thanks for your rating! |
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# Natillas de Leche (Spanish Custard)
By
[Lisa & Tony Sierra](https://www.thespruceeats.com/lisa-tony-sierra-3082803)
[Lisa & Tony Sierra](https://www.thespruceeats.com/lisa-tony-sierra-3082803)
Lisa and Tony Sierra are writers and Spanish food experts who lead culinary tours of the country.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' [Editorial Process](https://www.thespruceeats.com/about-us-4776236#toc-editorial-guidelines)
Updated on 11/5/25
(128)
Save
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:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-hero-01-ee6ad7ef4e4a44c5a0842158692e68fa.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-hero-01-ee6ad7ef4e4a44c5a0842158692e68fa.jpg)
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Refrigerate: 45 mins
Total: 80 mins
Servings: 6 servings
128 ratings
Write a Review
[Add a comment](https://www.thespruceeats.com/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593)
SaveRecipe
- This recipe features a classic Spanish custard with rich vanilla and gentle citrus notes.
- Simple pantry ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and cornstarch make this dessert accessible.
- The custard thickens on the stovetop without baking, making it practical for home cooks.
Although the exact origin of *natillas* (custard in English) is not known, nuns in convents across Europe prepared them. One of the theories is that the nuns actually developed the dessert. No matter where natillas came from, one thing is certain: They conjure up childhood memories for many Spaniards, and along with [flan](https://www.thespruceeats.com/classic-vanilla-flan-recipe-3083004), *cuajada,* and *[crema catalana](https://www.thespruceeats.com/authentic-crema-catalana-recipe-3083001),* they are comfort food in Spain.
This recipe is for the basic vanilla-flavored natillas that are thick, creamy, and a rich yellow color. Although infused with lemon and cinnamon flavor when cooking, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top just before serving. Other popular flavors for natillas include chocolate and [*turrĂłn*](https://www.thespruceeats.com/turron-spanish-almond-christmas-candy-3082947).
### Never Lose a Recipe Again\!
Love a Spruce Eats recipe? [With MyRecipes, your personal home for recipes](https://www.myrecipes.com/authentication/login?regSource=12cxnj&isMyrecipes=true&utm_source=thespruceeats&utm_medium=editorial), easily save and organize your favorites, plus thousands more, in one convenient place.
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## Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk, divided
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 tablespoons [cornstarch](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thicken-a-sauce-with-cornstarch-996071)
- 8 large egg yolks
- 8 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, for garnish
## Steps to Make It
1. Gather the ingredients.
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The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
2. Pour 5 cups of milk into a large saucepan. Add lemon peel and cinnamon stick and warm the milk, uncovered, over medium heat, until just before it boils. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
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The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
3. In a small bowl, whisk remaining 1 cup milk with the cornstarch.
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The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
4. Place egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and beat with an [electric mixer](https://www.thespruceeats.com/mixer-buying-guide-909083) until it is frothy.
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The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
5. Add the milk-cornstarch mixture and continue to beat with mixer until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
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:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-05-792f498f60b941cb9452fbc9ea596ba1.jpg)
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
6. Remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick from the warm milk, using a slotted spoon.
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-06-ed3f23e8703f401eab5de7bf462d286c.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-06-ed3f23e8703f401eab5de7bf462d286c.jpg)
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
7. Return the pot to the stove on medium heat. After milk is hot, but not boiling, add the [vanilla extract](https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-vanilla-extract-1666074).
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-07-594041f183a346e5b6b6c8cfdae04e70.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-07-594041f183a346e5b6b6c8cfdae04e70.jpg)
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
8. Slowly pour egg yolk mixture into the warming milk, while beating with electric mixer on low speed.
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-08-a201e06265504bef8c0dd523aa0a2768.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-08-a201e06265504bef8c0dd523aa0a2768.jpg)
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
9. Using a wooden spoon, stir continuously over medium heat, so the milk does not stick. Stir until mixture thickens.
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-09-d3b6884d379644c0bb43ae88321e127d.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-09-d3b6884d379644c0bb43ae88321e127d.jpg)
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
10. Ladle thickened mixture through a fine mesh [sieve](https://www.thespruceeats.com/a-simple-definition-of-a-chinois-strainer-995616) placed over a large bowl, in order to eliminate any lumps.
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593-step-10-b9229f8bd2434bc68ca2412c1219dade.jpg)
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The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
11. Pour strained natillas mixture evenly into 6 small bowls, ramekins, or cups. Allow to cool to room temperature on the counter, then cover ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
12. Once chilled, garnish with cinnamon before serving.
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The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
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| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 299 | Calories |
| 15g | Fat |
| 24g | Carbs |
| 17g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
Ă—
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 6 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 299 |
| % Daily Value\* | |
| Total Fat 15g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol 303mg | 101% |
| Sodium 201mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrate 24g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 2% |
| Total Sugars 22g | |
| Protein 17g | |
| Vitamin C 1mg | 7% |
| Calcium 325mg | 25% |
| Iron 1mg | 8% |
| Potassium 422mg | 9% |
| *\*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.* | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Recipe Tags:
- [pudding](https://www.thespruceeats.com/search?q=pudding&page=1&searchType=recipe)
- [custard](https://www.thespruceeats.com/search?q=custard&page=1&searchType=recipe)
- [dessert](https://www.thespruceeats.com/search?q=&page=1&searchType=recipe&fh=eyJmYWNldHMiOnsiZ3JvdXBfY291cnNlIjpbeyJ2YWx1ZSI6ImRlc3NlcnQiLCJkaXNwbGF5TmFtZSI6ImRlc3NlcnQifV19fQ)
- [spanish](https://www.thespruceeats.com/search?q=&page=1&searchType=recipe&fh=eyJmYWNldHMiOnsiZ3JvdXBfY3Vpc2luZSI6W3sidmFsdWUiOiJzcGFuaXNoIiwiZGlzcGxheU5hbWUiOiJzcGFuaXNoIn1dfX0)
Rate This Recipe
I don't like this at all. It's not the worst. Sure, this will do. I'm a fan—would recommend. Amazing! I love it\! Thanks for your rating\!
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| Readable Markdown | By
[Lisa & Tony Sierra](https://www.thespruceeats.com/lisa-tony-sierra-3082803)
Lisa and Tony Sierra are writers and Spanish food experts who lead culinary tours of the country.
Updated on 11/5/25
(128)
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
128 ratings
- This recipe features a classic Spanish custard with rich vanilla and gentle citrus notes.
- Simple pantry ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and cornstarch make this dessert accessible.
- The custard thickens on the stovetop without baking, making it practical for home cooks.
Although the exact origin of *natillas* (custard in English) is not known, nuns in convents across Europe prepared them. One of the theories is that the nuns actually developed the dessert. No matter where natillas came from, one thing is certain: They conjure up childhood memories for many Spaniards, and along with [flan](https://www.thespruceeats.com/classic-vanilla-flan-recipe-3083004), *cuajada,* and *[crema catalana](https://www.thespruceeats.com/authentic-crema-catalana-recipe-3083001),* they are comfort food in Spain.
This recipe is for the basic vanilla-flavored natillas that are thick, creamy, and a rich yellow color. Although infused with lemon and cinnamon flavor when cooking, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top just before serving. Other popular flavors for natillas include chocolate and [*turrĂłn*](https://www.thespruceeats.com/turron-spanish-almond-christmas-candy-3082947).
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- 6 cups whole milk, divided
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 tablespoons [cornstarch](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thicken-a-sauce-with-cornstarch-996071)
- 8 large egg yolks
- 8 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, for garnish
1. Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
2. Pour 5 cups of milk into a large saucepan. Add lemon peel and cinnamon stick and warm the milk, uncovered, over medium heat, until just before it boils. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
3. In a small bowl, whisk remaining 1 cup milk with the cornstarch.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
4. Place egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and beat with an [electric mixer](https://www.thespruceeats.com/mixer-buying-guide-909083) until it is frothy.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
5. Add the milk-cornstarch mixture and continue to beat with mixer until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
6. Remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick from the warm milk, using a slotted spoon.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
7. Return the pot to the stove on medium heat. After milk is hot, but not boiling, add the [vanilla extract](https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-vanilla-extract-1666074).
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
8. Slowly pour egg yolk mixture into the warming milk, while beating with electric mixer on low speed.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
9. Using a wooden spoon, stir continuously over medium heat, so the milk does not stick. Stir until mixture thickens.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
10. Ladle thickened mixture through a fine mesh [sieve](https://www.thespruceeats.com/a-simple-definition-of-a-chinois-strainer-995616) placed over a large bowl, in order to eliminate any lumps.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
11. Pour strained natillas mixture evenly into 6 small bowls, ramekins, or cups. Allow to cool to room temperature on the counter, then cover ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
12. Once chilled, garnish with cinnamon before serving.
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 299 | Calories |
| 15g | Fat |
| 24g | Carbs |
| 17g | Protein |
Ă—
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 6 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 299 |
| % Daily Value\* | |
| Total Fat 15g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol 303mg | 101% |
| Sodium 201mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrate 24g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 2% |
| Total Sugars 22g | |
| Protein 17g | |
| Vitamin C 1mg | 7% |
| Calcium 325mg | 25% |
| Iron 1mg | 8% |
| Potassium 422mg | 9% |
| *\*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.* | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Rate This Recipe
I don't like this at all. It's not the worst. Sure, this will do. I'm a fan—would recommend. Amazing! I love it\! Thanks for your rating\! |
| Shard | 31 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 16553495538597850831 |
| Unparsed URL | com,thespruceeats!www,/natillas-de-leche-tradicional-recipe-3083593 s443 |