Traditional Colombian Natilla
Colombian natilla has always been one of my favorite Christmas and Año Nuevo (New Year’s) traditions. Growing up, my mom made it from scratch during the holidays with butter, milk, cinnamon, and panela for that rich caramel flavor.
Watching her stir the pot and add each ingredient little by little felt like a holiday ritual on its own.
Now, making natilla brings those memories back. It’s creamy, sweet, and pairs perfectly with crispy, cheesy Colombian buñuelos or a cup of coffee.
Natilla isn’t just a dessert—it’s a true taste of Christmas in Colombia, best enjoyed with family and friends gathered around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple ingredients like milk, cinnamon, and panela, natilla has a rich, creamy texture and a caramel flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- It’s a true Colombian Christmas tradition, often served with buñuelos for the perfect sweet and savory pairing.
- Whether you’re new to natilla or it’s already a family favorite, it’s an easy way to bring a taste of Colombian holiday into your home.
What is Natilla?
Natilla is a traditional Colombian dessert, especially popular during the holiday season. It has a smooth, custard-like texture that’s slightly firmer than a pudding but still creamy and soft.
Made with milk, cinnamon, panela (or brown sugar), and cornstarch, natilla isn’t overly sweet, which makes it perfect to enjoy alongside other holiday treats like crispy buñuelos.
In many Colombian homes, natilla is made from scratch in large batches and served warm or at room temperature.
What is Panela?
Panela is an unrefined whole cane sugar that’s essential in Colombian cooking. Made by evaporating the juice of sugarcane until it crystallizes into a dense block, panela has a rich caramel flavor that you won’t get from regular sugar.
For natilla, panela is what gives it that deep, unique sweetness.
In Colombia, panela is also used to make aguapanela, a warm drink prepared by dissolving panela in hot water and adding lime juice.
It’s often enjoyed during cooler weather and is said to have comforting, homey qualities. If you don’t have panela, you can use dark brown sugar, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Growing up, I learned a few tricks from my mom for making natilla. She’d always remind me to keep the heat low and stir slowly to keep it smooth.
She also insisted on using panela for that rich caramel flavor. Now, when I make natilla, those little tips make all the difference, and the smell of cinnamon and panela filling the kitchen brings back so many Christmas memories.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan – To cook the natilla mixture evenly.
- Whisk – For stirring the mixture as it thickens to keep it smooth.
- Wooden Spoon or Heatproof Spatula – For scraping the sides and bottom of the pan, especially as it begins to thicken.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out the milk, cornstarch, and panela.
- Fine Grater (optional) – If you’re grating panela or cinnamon sticks.
- Serving Dish or Small Bowls – Natilla is often poured into a single dish to set, or you can portion it into individual bowls.
Ingredients List (With Substitutions)
- Panela (or brown sugar) – a traditional Colombian sweetener for caramel flavor
- Whole milk – adds creaminess and richness
- Cornstarch – thickens the natilla to a pudding-like texture
- Ground Ceylon cinnamon – for warm, sweet cinnamon flavor
- Butter – adds smoothness and richness
- Grated coconut (optional) – a popular topping that adds flavor and texture
- Extra ground Ceylon cinnamon – for dusting on top
See detailed quantities in the recipe card below.
Tip: Dissolve Cornstarch Separately
To get a smooth, lump-free natilla, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold milk or water before adding it to the warm milk mixture. This step prevents lumps from forming, giving the natilla a creamy texture.
Instructions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, grated panela (or brown sugar), and ½ teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon. Stir until the panela is fully dissolved.
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little extra milk (or water) until smooth and lump-free.
Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat and keep stirring as the mixture thickens.
Add the butter and continue cooking on low heat, stirring constantly for about 10-15 minutes, until it reaches a thick, custard-like consistency.
Pour the natilla into a greased dish or mold. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until set and firm.
Sprinkle grated coconut and a light dusting of ground Ceylon cinnamon on top before serving. Serve chilled, cut into squares or scooped into bowls.
Tip: Chill Before Serving
Natilla is best served cold. Allow it to set in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving for the ideal texture.
Top Tips
- Use Ceylon Cinnamon for a Milder Flavor: Ceylon cinnamon has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than regular cinnamon, which complements the caramel flavor of the panela without overpowering it.
- Stir Constantly to Avoid Sticking: As the mixture thickens, be sure to stir continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure an even, smooth consistency.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Panela can vary in sweetness, so feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. Brown sugar is a good alternative if panela is unavailable.
- Grease the Dish or Mold: Grease the dish or mold before pouring in the natilla to make it easier to remove after it sets.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of panela?
Yes, if you don’t have panela, you can substitute with dark brown sugar. However, panela gives natilla its authentic caramel-like flavor, so the taste may differ slightly.
How should I store natilla, and how long does it keep?
Natilla should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about 3-4 days. It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold or slightly warmed.
Can I make natilla ahead of time?
Yes, you can make natilla a day in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
What to Serve with Natilla
Natilla is traditionally paired with buñuelos, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory for holiday gatherings. The rich, creamy texture of natilla complements the crispy, cheesy buñuelos, making them a classic Christmas duo in Colombian households. You can also enjoy natilla on its own with a sprinkle of cinnamon or alongside a warm cup of aguapanela or Colombian coffee for a cozy treat.
Other Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you’re making natilla, you might also enjoy these other Colombian favorites:
- Buñuelos – Crispy, cheesy fritters that pair perfectly with natilla.
- Huevos Pericos – Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and scallions, a great breakfast option with natilla.
- Arequipe – A sweet, caramel-like spread made from milk and sugar, perfect as a topping or on its own.
If you make this Colombian natilla, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment or a recipe rating, and I’ll try to respond to everyone.
And if you take a photo, tag me on Instagram! It’s always great to see how your dishes turn out.
Colombian Natilla
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan To cook the natilla mixture evenly.
- 1 Whisk For stirring the mixture as it thickens to keep it smooth.
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Heatproof Spatula
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Fine Grater (optional)
- 1 Serving Dish or Small Bowls Natilla is often poured into a single dish to set, or you can portion it into individual bowls.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Panela 1 Block, grated (or 1 cup packed brown sugar)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup grated coconut optional, for topping
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, grated panela, and ½ teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon. Stir until panela dissolves.
- In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in a little extra milk until smooth. Slowly add this to the milk mixture, stirring constantly.
- Lower heat to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add butter and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until it reaches a custard-like consistency.
- Pour into a greased dish and let cool. Refrigerate until firm.
- Garnish with grated coconut and a sprinkle of ground Ceylon cinnamon. Serve cold.
Notes
Tips for Colombian Natilla
- Dissolve Cornstarch Separately To get a smooth, lump-free natilla, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold milk or water before adding it to the warm milk mixture. This step prevents lumps from forming, giving the natilla a creamy texture.
- Use Ceylon Cinnamon for a Milder Flavor
Ceylon cinnamon has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than regular cinnamon, which complements the caramel flavor of the panela without overpowering it. - Stir Constantly to Avoid Sticking
As the mixture thickens, be sure to stir continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure an even, smooth consistency. - Adjust Sweetness to Taste
Panela can vary in sweetness, so feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. Brown sugar is a good alternative if panela is unavailable. - Grease the Dish or Mold
Grease the dish or mold before pouring in the natilla to make it easier to remove after it sets. - Chill Before Serving
Natilla is best served cold. Allow it to set in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving for the ideal texture.
