Natilla Colombiana

Squares of natilla with cinnamon sticks.

Natilla Colombiana is the creamiest, dreamiest custard recipe you could ask for. It's a traditional Colombian dessert made for the Christmas season. Made with rich whole milk, sugar, and Ceylon cinnamon, it will become a new favorite in your home for the holidays.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Dessert and Pastries

Cuisine: South American

Servings:

Calories: 165kcal

Author: Tristin @ Home Cooked Harvest

Ingredients

3 cups whole milk divided
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup panela grated
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter unsalted
ground cinnamon for topping optional

Instructions

In a medium pot, add in 2 cups of the milk, granulated sugar, panela, and cinnamon sticks, stir well with a wooden spoon.
Bring the mixture up to a boil over medium heat.
As soon as it comes up to a boil, remove from the heat and place on a cool burner.
In a medium bowl, slowly whisk the cornstarch into the remaining 1 cup of milk.
Remove the cinnamon sticks from the milk and place the pot over medium low heat. Add in the cornstarch mixture and the butter. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon for about 8-10 minutes, cook until the mixture is thick enough that when you stir you can see the bottom of the pan for a few seconds.
Pour the mixture into a buttered 9x9 inch square baking dish or a casserole dish. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.
Sprinkle with ground cinnamon or spoon on blackberry sauce and serve in slices.

Notes

- Keep stirring. Once the cornstarch gets added, be sure to stir constantly so that none of the custard starts to burn or gets lumpy.

- Add ins. Add in 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup of shredded coconut, 1/2 cup chopped nuts or a couple whole cloves (pull out when you pull out the cinnamon sticks) to the natilla.

- Substitute sugar: If you don't have panela or piloncillo, just replace it with brown sugar.
- Store natilla in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. It should last about 1-2 days in the fridge.

* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.

Nutrition