Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Leche Asada is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of custard with the sweetness of caramelized milk. What makes it special is the caramelized crust that forms during the baking process, adding texture and flavor to the creamy base. It’s a great alternative to flan, and the simple ingredients make it accessible for anyone looking for an authentic yet easy Latin dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or just for an everyday treat, Leche Asada is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten.
- Add the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top (optional) for added flavor.
- Place the baking dish in a larger pan and add hot water to the outer pan, creating a water bath that covers about halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This will help cook the leche asada gently and evenly.
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the leche asada cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. You can refrigerate it for a couple of hours to let it set further, if preferred.
- Slice into squares and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 8-10 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Coconut Flavored: Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the mixture for a tropical twist.
- Caramelized Top: For a deeper caramelized flavor, broil the top for a couple of minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with spices like nutmeg or allspice, in addition to or instead of cinnamon.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk and the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free version, if available.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store Leche Asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This dessert can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, let it come to room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave.
FAQs
What is Leche Asada?
Leche Asada is a Latin American dessert made of milk, eggs, and sugar that is baked to create a custard-like texture with a caramelized top. It’s similar to flan but with a firmer, more cake-like texture.
Can I make this without a water bath?
While a water bath is ideal for even cooking, you can bake Leche Asada without one. Just be sure to check it regularly to ensure the edges don’t overcook.
Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can use skim milk or any other milk substitute, but the texture and richness may be slightly different. Whole milk provides a creamier consistency.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Leche Asada can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better after a few hours of chilling.
What other flavorings can I add?
You can experiment with other flavorings such as orange zest, almond extract, or even a splash of rum for a unique twist.
How do I know when it’s done?
Leche Asada is done when the top is golden and slightly caramelized, and a knife or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I make this in a larger or smaller pan?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the pan. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as a larger pan will result in a thinner custard, and a smaller one will require a bit longer baking time.
Can I use homemade sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, you can use homemade sweetened condensed milk, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the canned version.
Is Leche Asada the same as flan?
While similar, Leche Asada is firmer than flan and has a slightly different texture. Flan typically has a more jiggly, creamy texture, while Leche Asada is thicker and more cake-like.
How should I serve Leche Asada?
Leche Asada can be served chilled or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, or you can garnish it with whipped cream or fresh fruit for an added touch.
Conclusion
Leche Asada is a delicious and comforting Latin American dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smooth, creamy texture and caramelized top, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Easy to make and full of flavor, this dessert is a wonderful alternative to more traditional custard recipes like flan. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, Leche Asada is the perfect dessert to indulge in!
Print
Leche Asada
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1-2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and delicious Caramel Apple Smoothie that blends the sweet flavors of apple and caramel with a touch of cinnamon. A perfect fall-inspired treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
In a blender, combine the chopped apple, vanilla yogurt, milk, caramel sauce, cinnamon, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and add honey if you prefer a sweeter smoothie.
- Pour the smoothie into glasses and drizzle with extra caramel sauce on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Smoothie!
Notes
- For a thicker smoothie, freeze the apple pieces before blending.
- Use almond milk and dairy-free yogurt to make this smoothie vegan.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth and flavor.
- For a protein boost, add a scoop of protein powder.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
