There’s a certain joy that comes from the sweet smell of frying dessert dancing through the kitchen, and today, I’m excited to share a cherished treasure from Spain: Leche Frita, or fried milk. This delightful treat captivates the senses with its creamy, velvety core nestled beneath a perfectly crispy shell, making it an irresistible addition to any gathering. Its subtle infusion of citrus and a hint of warm cinnamon evoke memories of family celebrations, particularly around Easter.
This recipe proves that extraordinary desserts can be remarkably simple! Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking to impress your guests or someone new to the kitchen, Leche Frita offers a comforting familiarity while inviting creativity with variations in flavor and preparation. Trust me—nothing pairs better with your favorite cup of coffee or tea than these delightful bites. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to indulge in the rich tradition of homemade Spanish sweets—your taste buds will thank you!
Why is Leche Frita a Must-Try Dessert?
Irresistible Crunchiness: The golden-brown exterior provides a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy interior.
Versatile Flavoring Options: You can easily experiment with various flavors, from vanilla to chocolate!
Quick and Simple: This recipe doesn’t require advanced skills—just follow straightforward steps!
Perfect for Gatherings: Impress friends and family with this traditional Spanish dessert at your next get-together.
Gluten-Free Adaptable: Swap ingredients as needed to cater to dietary preferences, such as using only cornstarch.
Once you try this delightful treat, you’ll never want to reach for fast food again! So, if you’re eager to explore more ways to create homemade magic in your kitchen, check out our unique dessert recipes for more inspiration.
Leche Frita Ingredients
• Dive into the rich flavors of Leche Frita and create a delightful dessert that will transport you to Spain!
For the Milk Mixture
- Whole Milk – Provides creaminess and forms the base of the dessert; using low-fat can lighten it up.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds the perfect sweetness; can be substituted with powdered sugar for a smoother coating.
- Cinnamon Stick – Infuses warmth and aroma; use ground cinnamon if you don’t have sticks on hand.
- Lemon Peel – Offers a bright citrus flavor; orange peel can work as a substitute or omit for a milder taste.
- Orange Peel – Complements the lemon well; this ingredient is optional for those who prefer less citrus.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the milk to create a creamy texture; using just cornstarch makes it gluten-free!
- All-Purpose Flour – Adds structure; you can substitute gluten-free flour if needed.
- Sunflower Oil – Perfect for frying with a neutral flavor; feel free to use any frying oil with a high smoke point.
For the Coating
- Eggs – Binds the flour and sugar for a crispy coating; consider an egg substitute for a vegan option.
- All-Purpose Flour (for coating) – Helps the egg adhere to the pieces; gluten-free flour is great here as well.
- White Sugar – Sweetens the final coating; brown sugar can be swapped in for a richer taste.
- Ground Cinnamon – Elevates the flavor of the finished dish; keep it or try other spices for a fun variation.
How to Make Leche Frita
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Infuse Milk: Start by peeling the lemon and orange. In a pot, combine the peels, sugar, and cinnamon with 4 cups of milk. Bring to a boil, then let it cool to room temperature, allowing those delightful flavors to meld.
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Prepare Thickeners: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and flour with a bit of the remaining milk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps for that perfect creamy texture.
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Combine: Once your infused milk has cooled, remove the peels and warm it slightly. Gently mix in the thickening milk, then cook over medium-high heat. Stir constantly for about 6-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency.
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Set Mixture: Pour the thickened milk into a parchment-lined baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight until it’s perfectly firm.
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Cut and Coat: After chilling, remove the mixture from the dish and cut it into pieces. Set up bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and a sugar-cinnamon mix for coating.
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Fry: Heat the oil to 350°F. Dip each piece of leche frita first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and carefully fry until golden brown, turning them as needed. Drain on paper towels and generously coat with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
Optional: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Leche Frita
- Oil Temperature Check: Ensure your frying oil is around 350°F for the crispiest results; use a wooden spoon to see if bubbles form for readiness.
- Prevent Skin Formation: Cover the milk mixture tightly with plastic wrap while cooling, preventing unsightly skin from forming as it sets.
- Uniform Pieces: Cut the chilled leche frita into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and achieve the perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Avoid Lumps: Stir the milk mixture constantly while thickening to prevent lumps; an immersion blender can also help achieve a silky texture.
- Creative Variations: Feel free to explore different flavorings for your leche frita, like incorporating vanilla or chocolate to delight your taste buds!
Leche Frita Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful dessert and make it your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delightful gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk for a lighter, dairy-free treat.
- Citrus Infusion: Replace lemon peel with lime or grapefruit peel for a zesty twist that adds a new dimension.
- Chocolate Delight: Stir in cocoa powder to the milk mixture for a chocolatey version that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Flavor Boost: Add vanilla extract or almond extract to the milk mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate nutmeg or a dash of cardamom alongside the cinnamon for a warm spiced kick.
- Fried Variation: Instead of frying, use an air fryer for a healthier cooking method while maintaining a satisfying crunch.
- Nutty Crust: Roll the coated leche frita in crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts before frying for added texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Leche Frita?
Imagine filling your home with the delightful aroma of frying desserts as you prepare to indulge in something truly special.
- Espresso or Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of Leche Frita, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of oranges and grapefruits, drizzled with honey, will enhance the dessert’s citrus notes. This vibrant combination brightens the meal and invigorates your palate.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the crunchy exterior, adding a delightful creamy layer to each bite of fried milk.
- Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Warm, rich hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon ties the dessert’s flavors together, creating a cozy experience. Serving it with Leche Frita will evoke warmth and nostalgia.
- Almond Biscotti: A crunchy, nutty biscotti pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of Leche Frita, offering a wonderful contrast in texture. This combo is perfect for coffee dunking!
- Fruit Compote: A homemade berry or apple compote adds lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the dish beautifully. Each spoonful elevates the experience with bursts of flavor.
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a light, sweet dessert wine or a sparkling cava to bring a touch of elegance to your gathering. The effervescence can be a refreshing complement to the richness of the dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Leche Frita are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the creamy milk mixture and set it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring the delightful flavors meld beautifully overnight. Simply follow the first four steps of the recipe, allowing the mixture to firm up in a covered dish for optimal quality. When you’re ready to serve, cut the chilled mixture into pieces, coat them in flour and egg, and fry them just before serving. This way, you save time on busy weeknights without sacrificing the delicious contrast of crispy and creamy in each bite!
How to Store and Freeze Leche Frita
Room Temperature: Consume your Leche Frita fresh for the best flavor and texture; it’s best enjoyed warm right after frying.
Fridge: Store leftover Leche Frita in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place paper towels inside to absorb excess moisture and keep it crispy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cut pieces of Leche Frita in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to regain that delightful crispy exterior, or enjoy directly from the freezer after thawing.
Leche Frita Recipe FAQs
What type of milk should I use for Leche Frita?
Absolutely, whole milk is ideal as it gives the dessert that creamy texture we crave! However, if you’re looking for a lighter version, low-fat milk works too, albeit with a slight change in richness.
How do I store leftover Leche Frita?
Store your leftover Leche Frita in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To preserve its delicious texture, I recommend placing paper towels inside the container to absorb any excess moisture that may accumulate.
Can I freeze Leche Frita for later?
Yes, you can freeze Leche Frita! Cut it into pieces and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
What if my Leche Frita mixture doesn’t thicken properly?
If you find that your mixture isn’t thickening, it could be due to not stirring continuously while cooking or not letting it cook long enough. Simply increase the heat slightly and continue to stir for another minute or two until it reaches the desired custard-like consistency. If lumps form, an immersion blender is a great tool to achieve that silky texture!
Is there a gluten-free option for Leche Frita?
Very! You can make Leche Frita gluten-free by using only cornstarch instead of the all-purpose flour. Just adjust the quantities, and you’ll still get that creamy, rich dessert without any gluten.
Can I add flavorings to my Leche Frita?
Absolutely! You can easily elevate your Leche Frita by experimenting with different flavorings. Adding a splash of vanilla extract or even some cocoa powder for a chocolate version can make for delightful variations that everyone will love!
Savory Sweet Leche Frita: Irresistible Spanish Fried Milk Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling the lemon and orange. In a pot, combine the peels, sugar, and cinnamon with 4 cups of milk. Bring to a boil, then let it cool to room temperature.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and flour with a bit of the remaining milk until smooth.
- Once your infused milk has cooled, remove the peels and warm it slightly. Gently mix in the thickening milk, then cook over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes, until thickened.
- Pour the thickened milk into a parchment-lined baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
- After chilling, cut the mixture into pieces. Set up bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and a sugar-cinnamon mix for coating.
- Heat the oil to 350°F. Dip each piece in flour, then in the egg mixture, and fry until golden brown. Drain and coat with sugar-cinnamon mix.
- Optional: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
