Natillas (Mexican Custard)

Simple pantry ingredients combine in this recipe for natillas, or Mexican custard, that's easy to make ahead and chill for dinner parties.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 158 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 0.75 cup white sugar
• 2.25 cups milk, divided
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Dissolve 3/4 cup sugar and cornstarch in 1 cup of milk. Beat egg yolks. Add beaten egg yolks, 1 tablespoon nutmeg, and salt. This makes a thick paste.

Step 2

Put the rest of the milk in a heavy pan over low heat. Add the paste mixture and stir constantly. Cook until mixture comes to a boil and thickens or coats a spoon.

Step 3

Beat egg whites until stiff and then add 1 tablespoon sugar as you continue beating. Fold this mixture into hot custard.

Step 4

Pour into individual ramekin serving dishes (sometimes I use thick martini glasses if I want to get fancy).

Step 5

Chill for a minimum of 5 hours and sprinkle remaining nutmeg over chilled dessert for presentation.