23 Of The Most AMAZING Natilla Recipes

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Natillas is basically a Spanish egg custard dessert, usually flavored with vanilla and sugar to taste.

23 Of The Most AMAZING Natilla Recipes

Of course, that is the traditional way of making it, but there are also countless adaptations of this famous Spanish dessert. Here are 23 of my favorites… 

1. Natillas de Leche (Spanish Custard)

Natillas de Leche (Spanish Custard)
Image Source: thespruceeats

Of course, the first natilla recipe I wanted to show you just had to be one for the original kind! No fancy bells and whistles on this one, just good old-fashioned vanilla egg custard.

This recipe is super easy to follow and the result is always delicious. 

2. Colombian Natilla (Cinnamon Milk Custard)

Colombian Natilla (Cinnamon Milk Custard)
Image Source: curiouscuisiniere

This Columbian version of the traditional Spanish dessert stays more or less true to its roots but with the flavorful spicy addition of cinnamon.

It is sweet and tasty, and a favorite in Columbia (and most of South America) during the festive period. 

3. Orange Natilla Custard Pie

Orange Natilla Custard Pie
Image Source: tasteofhome

The sweet orange zest in this recipe brings a citrusy edge to your favorite custard dish!

It tastes so lovely and smooth, and looks incredibly impressive when it is freshly made, making it the perfect showstopper dessert for any dinner party! It also has some lovely spices such as cinnamon and star anise to really make it pop. 

4. Espresso Coffee Natillas

Espresso Coffee Natillas
Image Source: thefoodieslarder

So, you love coffee and you love custard.

Ever thought about putting them both together and seeing what happens? Well, this is what happens – it is a delicious espresso flavored Natillas that makes the perfect after-dinner treat or mid-morning caffeinated snack!

Serve it with your favorite biscuit for a true coffee break vibe!

5. Natillas

Natillas
Image Source: wikihow

I know it is super basic, but I wanted to include the WikiHow version of the natillas recipe, mainly because it breaks down the difference between Spanish natillas and Columbian natillas, as well as providing super simple and easy to follow recipes for each! 

6. Natilla with Fresh Berries

Image Source: patijinich

These individual natillas are served in small ramekins, meaning you can cook up a huge batch and keep them in the fridge for dessert all week. These are served with fresh berries for some extra sweetness and a pop of color. 

7. Natilla Muffins

Natilla Muffins

These Natilla muffins bring an American twist to this famed Spanish dessert. Stud them with chocolate chips for a really muffin-y feel.

They are super delicious and filling, as well as being easy to eat on the go (unlike regular natillas that cannot be so easily transported. 

8. Vegan Butternut Squash Natillas (Spanish Custard)

Vegan Butternut Squash Natillas (Spanish Custard)
Image Source: simpleveganblog

Hey, just because you are a vegan, doesn’t mean you need to miss out on delicious Spanish custards like natillas.

This vegan version uses plant-based milk, cornstarch, and oddly enough, butternut squash to get the custard texture just right.

As odd as all these sound, don’t be put off as this tastes delicious and is the perfect vegan alternative to egg custard! Just pack it full of vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar for the most authentic taste! 

9. Homemade Chocolate Custard With Orange (Natillas De Chocolate Con Naranja)

This chocolate flavored custard has also been adorned with orange to bring two delicious flavors to an often plain and simple custard dessert. I love this recipe as it partners delicious chocolate with creamy custard!

The recipe maker used orange-flavored chocolate first, but you may be better using the best quality dark chocolate and topping with an orange segment or zest when they have set! 

10. Natilla: Creamy Custard

Natilla: Creamy Custard
Image Source: foodandwine

This simple recipe should not be underestimated, especially since it uses very few ingredients and is so simple to make.

The basic flavors used in this dish mean that you can add whatever toppings you like if you want to spruce it up or leave it as it is for a traditional Spanish dessert. 

11. Natilla (Colombian Custard)

Natilla (Colombian Custard)
Image Source: insearchofyummyness

This adaptation of the Columbian version of the Spanish natillas is sure to be a holiday favorite with your family and friends.

The process of making it is a little more tricky than some others on this list, and the ingredient list is longer, but it is well worth it when you taste the deliciously sweet and slightly spicy result! 

12. Orange And Avocado Natilla (Mexican Custard Pudding)

Orange And Avocado Natilla (Mexican Custard Pudding)
Image Source: avocadosfrommexico

I know I know…do I really have to put avocados in everything? Sure, they do get a lot of flack but in this case, they go really well in the recipe.

They add to the texture, resulting in a thick, smooth, and creamy custard that tastes especially good with the addition of orange juice and cacao nibs! Not to be missed! 

13. Chocolate Natilla

Chocolate Natilla
Image Source: dominosugar

Only the best quality chocolate that you can afford should be used for this delicious chocolate natillas recipe. You could even use evaporated or condensed milk for an even richer flavor.

This is a must-have dessert for any chocolate lover…and I have to say, that last ingredient on the list that says: ‘rum (optional)’ is vital! There is no ‘optional’ needed! 

14. Cheese and Fig Tartlets with Natillas

Cheese and Fig Tartlets with Natillas
Image Source: foodnetwork

This delicious recipe is sweet and savory all at the same time. I love it as a fancy dinner party starter, and the natillas complement the cheese and fig.

Use a really good quality ricotta cheese and the freshest figs you can find for the best result. It is certainly going to impress at your next party, that’s for sure! 

15. Natillas with Caramelized Pineapple

Natillas with Caramelized Pineapple
Image Source: honestcooking

The natillas recipe on this one is the simple, traditional Spanish egg custard version. No frills are needed.

What makes it extra special is the addition of the caramelized pineapple on top. It is such a delicious and decadent feature that would not look out of place at the fanciest dinner party.

You could even make it alcoholic by making a caramelized rum pineapple instead. 

16. Vegan Apple Natillas

Vegan Apple Natillas

As I said earlier, being vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a tasty egg custard.

Well, technically it won’t be an egg, but you understand what I mean! This natillas recipe uses oat milk and agar powder in place of dairy milk and eggs to create the custard texture.

It uses fresh apples for the most unique, sweet, and fresh flavor. The addition of cinnamon sticks gives it that recognizable sweet and spicy warmth of the traditional natillas. Not to be missed if you eat a vegan diet! 

17. Chocolate Natillas with Coffee-Bean Granita

Chocolate Natillas with Coffee-Bean Granita
Image Source: epicurious

These are a little more time consuming than some of the other recipes on the list since it includes a granita! This is a frozen alcoholic (it can be made non-alcoholic if needed) sweet treat, flavored with coffee.

They look fancy, they taste fancier, and they will be a welcome treat on a hot summer’s day! 

18. Arequipe (Dulce de Leche) Natilla

Arequipe (Dulce de Leche) Natilla
Image Source: sweetysalado

Two delicious desserts – dulce de leche and natillas – are married together in this Columbian inspired festive favorite!

You can buy yourself a store-bought dulce de leche (also known as arequipe) at the grocery store, or, if you prefer, you can make your own as the recipe maker very kindly links her recipe for dulce de leche in this post!

It is sure to be a welcome treat for your family on Christmas day! 

19. Grown-Up Natillas

Grown-Up Natillas
Image Source: cookpad

Based on the school lunch version of natillas served in Spanish schools, this recipe was created by someone who wanted to make natillas more adult friendly.

As such, it contains some espresso and rum! No complaints about that here, that’s for sure. Try these grown-up natillas for yourself today! Just don’t let the kids try it…

20. Spanish Mango Natilla / Natilla de Mango Espanola

Spanish Mango Natilla / Natilla de Mango Espanola
Image Source: justapinch

This mango-flavored recipe for natillas is a little different from the others on the list since it uses Ladyfingers sponge cakes and mango for a slightly different taste and texture.

It is certainly not one to be missed, especially if you are a fan of this exotic fruit! 

21. Natilla with Blackberry Sauce

Image Source: quericavida

The natilla recipe itself is super simple (and oddly enough, doesn’t use eggs, making it perfect for someone with an egg allergy).

What makes this one super special is the blackberry sauce that is made to be served with it! The tart sweetness of the blackberries works well against the smooth, creaminess of the natillas! 

22. Cuban-Style Natilla Custard with Rice

Cuban-Style Natilla Custard with Rice
Image Source: carolinarice

This delicious and filling dessert is a sort of fusion between natillas and rice pudding! The addition of jasmine rice in this recipe makes it far thicker and gives the natillas a very different texture from its usual smoothness.

The flavor is the same as traditional natillas, but the rice just gives it that unique edge! If you are a fan of rice pudding then you will love this dessert, that’s for sure. 

23. Colombian Christmas Custard (Natilla Colombiana)

Colombian Christmas Custard (Natilla Colombiana)
Image Source: thespruceeats

This particular natillas dish is a traditional Columbian version often served at Christmas. I love this particular recipe because of how thick it is. I mean, just look at the photos! It is thick and sturdy enough to be cut into slices.

This recipe also features an additional optional ingredient of coconut shreds. I think this really brings the recipe together and highly recommend using it!