Leche Frita Recipe (Fried Milk)

A delightful and typical Spanish delicacy, leche frita. Leche frita, which translates to “fried milk,” is a delicious treat that is velvety and reminiscent of pudding. The very best? It's an incredibly easy recipe.

Leche Frita

Leche Frita is an intriguing combination of simple ingredients such as milk, sugar, and flour that are transformed into a sweet, creamy center encased in a crispy, golden fried shell. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, custard-like interior is truly a delight for the senses. Leche Frita is traditionally sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon, adding an extra touch of sweetness and spice. 

You might enjoy these recipes:

• Dulce de Leche Cortada Recipe
• Puerto Rican Arroz Con Leche
• Tres Leches Limber Recipe

Ingredients needed:

The ingredients for making leche frita that will become your family’s favorite are listed below. Please scroll down to view our printable recipe card that includes the detailed steps and measurements.

• Cornstarch
• Flour: Add more to coat the leche frita.
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Eggs: Beaten
• Butter

How to cook leche frita from scratch? 

1. Whisk: Start by whisking together the cornstarch, flour, and sugar in a bowl. Add 1 cup milk and whisk to combine, then set aside. 
2. Simmer: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining milk with the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer and remove from the heat. 
3. Thicken the mixture: Slowly pour the milk over the flour mixture, stirring to incorporate. Return to the saucepan and cook, over medium heat, for 10 more minutes or until the mixture is thick like pudding. 
4. Refrigerate: After that, grease a baking pan and pour the pudding. It should be around ¾ inch thick. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
5. Slice: Remove from the refrigerator and slice into squares. 
6. Melt: Next, heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat until it's melted. 
7. Fry until golden brown: Dredge each one with flour and then dip into the beaten egg. Then transfer to the skillet and fry for around 1 minute per side or until golden brown. 

How to serve:

Leche Frita is a delightful dessert that can stand on its own, but if you're looking to create a full dessert experience, you might consider pairing it with the following:

Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of coffee or espresso cuts through the sweetness of Leche Frita, creating a balanced flavor profile. A Spanish cortado, which is equal parts espresso and steamed milk, would be a particularly good match.

Dessert Wine

A sweet dessert wine, like Málaga, can complement the creamy sweetness of Leche Frita.

Ice Cream

Pairing Leche Frita with ice cream, particularly a cinnamon or vanilla flavor, can create an indulgent dessert experience.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruits like berries, apples, or peaches can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich Leche Frita.

Chocolate Sauce

For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce over the Leche Frita can add an extra layer of decadence.

Frequently asked questions

What is interesting about Leche Frita?

What makes leche frita truly interesting is the process of turning a sweet milk-based custard into a fried delicacy, creating an unusual yet delightful contrast between the creamy interior and the crispy, golden exterior. Traditionally prepared during Lent and especially for Easter, it's now savored year-round. The dish allows for variations, with some recipes incorporating lemon peel, cinnamon, or even brandy in the custard. 

Why is Leche Frita popular in Spain?

Leche Frita, or ‘fried milk,' has gained popularity in Spain due to its unique taste, simplicity, and deep cultural roots. The dessert is made from simple, readily available ingredients like milk, sugar, and flour, which are cooked into a custard, then fried – giving it an interesting flavor profile of a crispy exterior with a creamy interior. 

What is a fun fact about Leche Frita?

A fun fact about Leche Frita is that its name, which directly translates to ‘fried milk,' accurately describes its unique preparation process. This traditional Spanish dessert involves cooking a sweet milky custard until it's firm enough to be sliced, then coating these slices in flour and egg before frying them. The result is a delicious treat with a crispy exterior and a creamy, custard-like interior. 

How to store leftovers:

Storing leftover Leche Frita is quite straightforward. Once the dessert has cooled down, it should ideally be placed in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing moisture from the fridge. You can refrigerate the leftover Leche Frita squares for up to 3 days. 

If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the fried Leche Frita squares. Simply arrange them on a tray and freeze them before transferring them into a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. When you're ready to enjoy them again, just thaw them in the fridge and reheat gently.

Recipe tips: 

You can make a large batch and freeze them before frying. Then you can just remove it from the freezer and cook.