Colombian Natilla is a traditional Christmas dessert

Absolutely! Colombian Natilla is a traditional Christmas dessert—creamy, sweet, cinnamon-flavored, and similar to a thick custard or pudding.

Colombian Natilla Recipe

Serves: 6–8
Prep + cooking: about 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
• ½ cup cornstarch (about 60 g)
• ¾ cup brown sugar or panela, grated
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2–3 cloves
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional but traditional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Make the cornstarch mixture
   Put about 1 cup of the cold milk in a bowl. Add the cornstarch and whisk until completely smooth with no lumps.
2. Heat the milk
   Pour the remaining 3 cups of milk into a large saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, sugar/panela, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the cornstarch
   Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves if you like. Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while constantly whisking.
4. Cook until thick
   Keep stirring over medium-low heat for about 8–12 minutes. The mixture should become very thick—similar to a thick pudding.
5. Add flavor
   Stir in the coconut, vanilla, and butter. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
6. Set the natilla
   Pour into a lightly greased dish or individual molds. Smooth the surface.
7. Cool
   Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.
8. Serve
   Cut into squares or scoop onto plates. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

⭐ Colombian-style tip

For a more authentic flavor, use panela instead of regular white sugar. Coconut is also very popular in Colombian natilla.