Fried Milk Bites (Leche Frita)

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Prep Time:

  • 20 minutes prep
  • 2 hours chill time
  • 20 minutes cooking

Servings:

Makes about 25–30 bite-size pieces

Ingredients:

For the Milk Custard:

  • 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Peel of 1 lemon or orange (no white pith)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For Coating & Frying:

  • ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Syrup / Topping:

  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for shine)
  • Powdered sugar and ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Milk

  • In a medium saucepan, heat 3 ½ cups of milk with the cinnamon stick and citrus peel over medium heat.
  • When it’s about to boil, remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes.
  • Strain the milk to remove the peel and cinnamon.

2. Make the Custard Base

  • In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of cold milk with cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth (no lumps).
  • Slowly whisk the infused milk into the cornstarch mixture.
  • Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick — about 6–8 minutes.
  • The texture should be like thick pudding.

3. Chill

  • Line a square dish (8×8 inch) with parchment paper and pour in the custard.
  • Smooth the top, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

4. Cut & Coat

  • Once firm, lift the custard from the pan and cut it into cubes (about 1½-inch squares).
  • Coat each cube first in flour, then in beaten egg.

5. Fry

  • Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry a few cubes at a time until golden brown on all sides — about 1–2 minutes per side.
  • Drain on paper towels.

6. Make the Syrup (Optional but Delicious)

  • In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
  • Heat without stirring until golden caramel forms.
  • Add honey (optional) and swirl gently.
  • Drizzle over the fried bites while warm.

7. Serve

  • Dust with powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
  • Serve warm, crisp, and gooey inside.

Tips:

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of rum or amaretto to the milk mixture.
  • You can also roll the fried cubes in cinnamon sugar instead of drizzling syrup.
  • Best enjoyed fresh — crispy on the outside, silky in the middle!

Benefits:

  • Comfort food that blends creamy custard with a crunchy shell.
  • Versatile — serve as dessert, snack, or with coffee.
  • Make-ahead friendly — prepare the custard the day before frying.

Conclusion:

Fried Milk Bites are the ultimate combination of crispy and creamy — a nostalgic treat that brings warmth and sweetness to every bite. Whether you drizzle them with caramel or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar, these golden nuggets are bound to steal the show!

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