Nicaraguan
👍 Beginner Friendly
10 mineasy
NicaraguanDessert
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsCajeta de Leche is a cherished traditional sweet from Nicaragua that represents the heart of homemade comfort. This milk-based confection is carefully prepared by slowly reducing fresh milk with sugar until it transforms into a thick, fudge-like consistency with an irresistible caramel color and flavor. Enhanced with aromatic vanilla and a touch of cinnamon, each piece melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and dairy richness. Families across Nicaragua have passed down their own variations of this recipe through generations, often preparing large batches for holidays, family gatherings, or simply as an everyday indulgence. The process requires patience and constant stirring, but the reward is a deeply satisfying sweet that captures the essence of traditional Central American candy-making. Whether cut into small squares or rolled into balls, Cajeta de Leche brings joy to any table.
Instructions
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Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed stockpot and add the sugar, stirring until well combined.
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.
Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon to the mixture after about 30 minutes of cooking.
Continue cooking and stirring for another 50-60 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the pot regularly to prevent burning.
The mixture will gradually thicken and change to a deep caramel color. Test doneness by dropping a small amount into cold water - it should form a soft ball.
When the cajeta reaches the desired consistency and can hold its shape, remove from heat immediately.
Pour the hot mixture onto a greased baking sheet or into a greased square pan.
Allow to cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours until firm.
Once set, cut into small squares or rectangles using a sharp knife greased with butter.
Wrap individual pieces in wax paper or parchment paper for storage and serving.
Cajeta de Leche
5.0 (27)
A traditional sweet milk fudge from Nicaragua, slowly cooked until thick and creamy with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. This beloved treat has a rich caramel flavor and smooth texture perfect for any celebration.
medium
1h 40m
20 servings
Ingredients
0 of 5 checked
Main Ingredients
- 8 cups milk, whole milk preferred
- 4 cups sugar, granulated white sugar
Flavorings
- 2 teaspoons vanilla-extract, pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
Preparation
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened for greasing
Chef Tips
expert advice•For best results, use whole milk with higher fat content for a creamier texture.
•The key to perfect Cajeta de Leche is constant attention during cooking - never leave it unattended as it can burn quickly.
•If the mixture becomes too hard, you cooked it slightly too long; if too soft, cook a bit longer next time.
•Some families add a pinch of baking soda to help with the caramelization process.
•You can also add chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews for texture variation.
•For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with evaporated milk.
•The traditional method uses a copper pot, which distributes heat evenly, but any heavy-bottomed pot works well.
