Leche Asada Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes  

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

Leche Asada Ingredients

Leche Asada Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Generously butter a 9-inch round baking dish with the unsalted butter, making sure to coat the bottom and sides.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, split vanilla bean and its seeds, cinnamon stick, and orange zest. Heat over medium until just steaming, but not boiling. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean pod.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and sea salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
  5. Slowly pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  6. Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher to remove any solids and ensure a silky texture.
  7. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar (about 2-3 tablespoons) over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Using a kitchen torch or by placing the dish under a broiler, caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Let cool for a few minutes.
  8. Pour the strained custard mixture gently over the caramelized sugar in the baking dish.
  9. Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish, creating a water bath.
  10. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
  11. Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully chilled.
  12. To unmold, run a thin knife around the edge of the custard. Place a serving plate over the dish and invert quickly. Lift off the baking dish to reveal the caramel top.
  13. Garnish with fresh berries or candied orange peel if desired before serving.

Estimated Calories: 220, Servings: 8

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About Leche Asada Recipe

If you're searching for the best and most authentic dessert to impress your friends and family, look no further than this delicious Leche Asada recipe! This classic treat is a staple in many homes, and for good reason-it's quick, easy, and absolutely tasty. The simple ingredients come together to create a homemade masterpiece that's both creamy and perfectly caramelized on top. If you've ever wondered how to make a dessert that's both comforting and impressive, this is the perfect recipe to try.
One of the best things about this Chilean favorite is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients-milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla-you can whip up a quick and delicious treat in no time. The process is straightforward, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers. If you're looking for tips to achieve that perfect golden top and creamy texture, be sure to follow the recipe closely and use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The result is a tasty, authentic dessert that everyone will love.
Whether you're making this homemade Leche Asada for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, you'll love how simple and rewarding it is. The best part is that you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste-add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of citrus zest for an extra layer of flavor. Don't forget to share your own tips and tricks for making the perfect Leche Asada! With this easy and authentic recipe, you'll have a delicious dessert that's sure to become a family favorite.

Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, think of Leche Asada as a delicate painting that needs the right frame to stay beautiful. The best way to keep this delicious dessert fresh is to treat it like a prized artwork, placing it in an airtight container and tucking it into the refrigerator. Just as a good frame protects a painting from dust and damage, a tight seal keeps out unwanted odors and preserves the healthy, creamy texture of your recipe. This method is both easy and fast, ensuring your treat is ready to enjoy whenever you crave a quick bite.
Shelf life for Leche Asada can be compared to the lifespan of a bouquet of fresh flowers. While the dessert starts off vibrant and inviting, its peak only lasts a few days before it begins to wilt. For the best experience, enjoy your creation within three to four days, much like you would display flowers at their brightest. Waiting too long is like leaving the bouquet out in the sun, as the flavors and texture will fade, and the once-great dessert will lose its charm.
Spotting spoilage in Leche Asada is similar to noticing when fruit in a bowl starts to go bad. At first glance, everything may look fine, but a closer inspection reveals subtle changes. If you see any liquid pooling, a sour smell, or a change in color, it is a clear sign that the dessert is no longer good, just as a bruised apple signals the end of its prime. Trust your senses, and remember that a healthy, delicious treat should always look and smell inviting, making it easy to know when it is time to say goodbye and whip up a fresh batch with your favorite recipe.

Leche Asada Story

Sharing this dish with my grandmother was like opening a well worn book together, each bite turning a page filled with memories and laughter. She always said the best stories are the ones you can taste, and as we sat at her kitchen table, the air was thick with nostalgia and the promise of something delicious. The recipe had been passed down like a family heirloom, and preparing it together felt as easy and natural as breathing, a quick way to bridge the gap between generations.
On a first date, serving this dish was my way of offering a handshake in the language of comfort food. It was like inviting someone to join you on a walk through a familiar park, where every step is both new and reassuring. The conversation flowed as smoothly as the dish itself, and the healthy glow of shared enjoyment made the evening feel both fast and timeless. Sometimes, a good meal is the shortcut to understanding, and that night, it was the map that guided us.
When I brought this dish to a potluck with strangers, it acted as a universal translator, turning awkward introductions into great conversations. Like a well tuned instrument in an orchestra, it harmonized with the diverse flavors of the gathering, making everyone feel at home. The quick smiles and easy laughter that followed were proof that a delicious recipe can be the thread that weaves people together, no matter how different their backgrounds.

Healthy Leche Asada Tips

Making Leche Asada healthier is like tuning a classic car for better fuel efficiency without losing its vintage charm. Just as you'd swap out heavy parts for lighter, more efficient ones, you can substitute full-fat dairy with low-fat or plant-based milk in your homemade recipe. Using less sugar or a natural sweetener is like switching to a cleaner-burning fuel-your dessert still runs smoothly, but with less impact on your health. Eggs are the engine of this authentic treat, but you can use fewer yolks or even try an egg substitute to keep cholesterol in check, ensuring your easy, quick, and delicious Leche Asada remains a tasty, guilt-free pleasure. Think of adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or orange zest as the final polish, enhancing flavor without extra calories, making your best, simple, and perfect recipe shine with health. With these tips, you're not just making a dessert-you're crafting a health-conscious masterpiece that keeps the spirit of the best Chilean Leche Asada alive, proving that delicious and health can go hand in hand.

Leche Asada History

Leche Asada's cultural origins are like the roots of a sturdy tree, deeply embedded in the fertile soil of Chilean tradition. Just as a family heirloom is passed down through generations, this dessert has been lovingly shared at gatherings, celebrations, and Sunday lunches, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. The best part is how it brings people together, much like a good story told around a table, making every bite feel like a delicious memory. Its presence in Chilean homes is as common as a favorite song, always ready to lift spirits and create a sense of belonging.
The evolution of the recipe is similar to a river that carves new paths as it flows, adapting to the landscape it encounters. Over time, Leche Asada has seen quick and easy tweaks, with cooks experimenting to make it healthier or to suit modern tastes, just as a painter might add new colors to a classic scene. The great thing about this evolution is that it keeps the dessert relevant, allowing each generation to put its own stamp on the recipe while still honoring its origins. Like a well-worn recipe card with notes in the margins, the dish continues to change, yet always remains familiar and comforting.
Regional adaptations of Leche Asada are like dialects of a language, each with its own unique twist but all sharing the same foundation. In some areas, the recipe is made fast and simple, while in others, it is dressed up for special occasions, showing how flexible and easy it is to personalize. These variations are a good example of how food can reflect the character of a place, with each version offering a delicious snapshot of local tastes and preferences. Just as a classic tune can be remixed into something new, Leche Asada's adaptability ensures it remains a favorite across Chile, always ready to surprise and delight.