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Leche Frita

Delightful Leche Frita: Creamy Fried Milk for Every Occasion

Leche Frita is a delightful Spanish dessert, combining a crispy exterior with a rich, creamy interior—a perfect treat for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Mixture
  • 4.5 cups whole milk Provides the creamy base; use it for the best texture.
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar Adds sweetness to the cream; swap for powdered sugar when coating.
  • 1 stick cinnamon stick Infuses warm spice flavor; ground cinnamon is a quick substitute.
  • 1 piece lemon peel Adds bright citrus zest; try using orange peel for a different twist.
  • 1 piece orange peel Complements the lemon flavor; optional or replace with another citrus.
  • 0.5 cups cornstarch Helps thicken the mixture; for a gluten-free version, use only cornstarch.
  • 0.5 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure; feel free to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
For the Frying
  • 2 cups sunflower oil Ideal for frying due to its neutral taste; any similar oil will work.
  • 3 large eggs Binds the coating; replace with a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 1 cup additional flour Creates a crispy outer layer when frying.
For the Sweet Coating
  • 0.5 cups sugar Elevates flavor when garnishing the fried pieces; adjust sweetness as desired.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Added to the sugar for coating.

Equipment

  • large saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • sharp knife
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan, combine whole milk with granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, lemon peel, and orange peel. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch and all-purpose flour with the remaining whole milk until smooth. After 15 minutes, strain the infused milk to remove the peels and cinnamon stick, then gradually mix in the thickening mixture.
  3. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for 6-7 minutes until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
  4. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible.
  5. Once chilled, remove the set leche frita from the refrigerator, and cut it into squares or rectangles.
  6. Set up an assembly line for frying with all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon.
  7. Heat enough sunflower oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each piece of leche frita first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  8. Remove each piece from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. While warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure to stir continuously when thickening the milk to avoid lumps; an immersion blender can help rescue any stubborn lumps. Allow leftover Leche Frita to cool before storing in a sealed container lined with paper towels to maintain crispness.

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