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Leche Frita (Spanish Fried Milk)

Delicious Leche Frita: Spanish Fried Milk

Leche Frita (Spanish Fried Milk) is a delightful dessert with a crunchy exterior and creamy interior, blending flavors of citrus and cinnamon.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Milk Mixture
  • 4 cups whole milk The key for creaminess; substituting low-fat milk changes texture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Adds the perfect sweetness; consider using sweeteners for a sugar-free version.
  • 1 stick cinnamon stick Provides warm flavors; ground cinnamon is a substitute but lacks the depth.
  • 1 piece lemon peel Offers bright citrus notes; other citrus peels can add a twist.
  • 1 piece orange peel Offers bright citrus notes; other citrus peels can add a twist.
For Thickening
  • ½ cup cornstarch Thickens the mixture; gluten-free choice if avoiding flour.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour Gives the structure; can be entirely replaced with cornstarch for gluten-free options.
For Frying
  • 1 cup sunflower oil Neutral for frying; can also use canola or vegetable oil.
  • 2 medium eggs Binds and enhances texture; flax eggs or aquafaba work as vegan alternatives.
For Coating
  • 1 cup powdered or granulated sugar Sweetens and flavors the fried dessert; adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Complements the outer coating with warmth; optional but enhances deliciousness.

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • bowl
  • Sharp Knife
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Slotted Spoon
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium pot, combine 4 cups of whole milk with granulated sugar, lemon peel, orange peel, and a cinnamon stick. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and let sit until it cools to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. While the milk cools, whisk together ½ cup of the remaining milk with cornstarch and flour in a bowl until completely smooth and lump-free.
  3. Remove the lemon peel, orange peel, and cinnamon stick from the cooled milk, and transfer the infused milk to a larger pot. Gradually mix in the cornstarch and flour mixture while stirring to combine. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for about 6-7 minutes, until it thickens significantly.
  4. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the thickened Leche Frita mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, until firm.
  5. Once set, lift it out using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles. Prepare an egg wash with medium eggs in one bowl and a shallow dish with flour next to it.
  6. In a large skillet, heat sunflower oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F. Dip each piece into flour, then the egg wash. Fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  7. Remove fried pieces from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain. Mix powdered or granulated sugar with ground cinnamon and coat each piece while still warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 180mgSugar: 15gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure the thickened milk surface is level before chilling; this makes cutting easier later. Stir constantly to avoid lumps while cooking. Make sure oil reaches about 350°F for the perfect crispy exterior.

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