Leonese-style Caramelized Custard (Natillas Caramelizadas a la Leonés)

Natillas Caramelizadas a la Leonés, or Leonese-style Caramelized Custard, is a traditional dessert from the region of León in Spain. This creamy and indulgent custard is flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest, and topped with a layer of caramelized sugar for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Leonese-style Caramelized Custard (Natillas Caramelizadas a la Leonés)

Ingredients

  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar until well combined.
  3. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 10-15 minutes).
  5. Divide the custard among 6 ramekins and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of sugar over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and bubbly.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Total time:
45 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
35g
Protein
6g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Saucepan Mixing bowl Whisk Ramekins Kitchen torch

Tools

Stovetop

Serving suggestions

Serve the Natillas Caramelizadas a la Leonés chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a twist of lemon zest.

Tips & tricks

For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the whole milk with heavy cream.

Cost

$8