Cajeta Caramel Candy Recipe

Indulge in the rich, decadent flavor of authentic Mexican Cajeta Caramel Candy! This recipe, inspired by an old Mexican cookbook, transforms simple milk and sugar into a luscious caramel sauce perfect for elevating your desserts. Imagine the creamy sweetness drizzled over your favorite cake, spread on warm bread, or swirled into a scoop of ice cream. Unlike other caramel recipes, this 'burnt milk' (leche quemada) achieves its unique depth of flavor without actually burning the milk. Prepare to be amazed by the intense caramel notes and silky texture – a true taste of Mexico!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 105 mins
Calories 178.6 kcal
Protein 6g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
Cajeta Caramel Candy 13

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Cajeta Caramel Candy

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Cajeta Caramel Candy? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Cajeta Caramel Candy

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 quart (4 cups) whole milk and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula, until the mixture turns a deep golden amber color (about 30-45 minutes). Be patient and vigilant during this step; the caramel can burn easily.
  2. In a separate saucepan, combine the remaining 1 quart (4 cups) whole milk and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Add 1 cinnamon stick to the second saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Remove the cinnamon stick. Slowly and gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the caramel, whisking constantly to prevent scorching. This step is crucial for a smooth texture.
  5. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of melted caramel (approximately 30-45 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  7. Pour the cajeta into a clean glass container or jar.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cajeta to fully set and thicken.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

119g

Fat

11g

Carbs

11g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)