Leche Merengada Popsicles Recipe: Spanish Summer Treat 2026

Leche merengada is a beloved Spanish drink made from milk, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest, traditionally lightened with whipped egg whites. These popsicles capture that same aromatic flavor in frozen form, swapping the egg whites for cream to create an irresistibly smooth and rich texture. The result is a refreshing summer treat that tastes like Spain in every bite.

You don't need special molds to make these at home. Any food-safe small cup works perfectly—paper coffee cups or yogurt containers are great options, as long as they aren't glass. This means you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes, even without fancy equipment.

The flavor is delicately spiced and citrusy, with a creamy consistency that melts slowly on the tongue. They're a wonderful way to cool down on hot days and a fun dessert to make with kids.

Ingredients for Leche Merengada Popsicles

For 6 popsicles

• 350 ml whole milk
• 150 ml heavy cream (at least 35% fat)
• 90 g white sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Ground cinnamon (optional, for serving)

How to Make Leche Merengada Popsicles Step by Step

1. Infuse the milk mixture

Start by combining 350 ml whole milk, 150 ml heavy cream, 90 g white sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and the zest of 1 lemon in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

2. Let it steep and remove aromatics

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes so the milk absorbs the full aroma of the cinnamon and lemon. After 10 minutes, fish out the cinnamon stick and lemon zest and discard them.

3. Fill the molds and freeze

Pour the mixture into a pitcher and let it cool to room temperature. Then divide it among popsicle molds and place them in the freezer for 4 hours.

4. Insert sticks and freeze again

After 4 hours, the popsicles will be slightly frozen, so insert the sticks now. Return them to the freezer and let them freeze completely for 24 hours.

5. Unmold and serve

To unmold, dip the molds briefly in warm water. Serve the popsicles with a light dusting of ground cinnamon if desired.

Tips for the Best Leche Merengada Popsicles

Use full-fat dairy

The creaminess of these popsicles comes from the fat content. Whole milk and heavy cream with at least 35% fat are essential for that rich, smooth texture. Skimping on fat will result in icy, less satisfying popsicles.

No molds? No problem

If you don't have popsicle molds, small food-safe cups work just as well. Paper coffee cups or yogurt containers are ideal—just avoid glass, which can crack in the freezer. Insert sticks once the mixture is partially frozen.

Adjust the sweetness

The sugar level is balanced for a lightly sweet treat. If you prefer a sweeter popsicle, you can add a bit more sugar to the milk mixture before boiling. Taste the mixture after the sugar dissolves and adjust to your liking.

30 Go-To Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a little bit of everything—cozy comfort classics, tried-and-true dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent treat is calling my name, I'll reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this sophisticated Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And on days when I want something fruity and cozy, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my reliable pick.

Come breakfast time or when I'm after a lighter bite, I'll whip up these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple I can keep on hand, this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe does the trick.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean-inspired spreads, I'll bounce between this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, golden Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, velvety Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. And when the occasion calls for something a touch fancier, this elegant Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is a favorite of mine to serve.

Hearty midday meals and slow, cozy suppers are where these shine: the warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply savory Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and silky Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. Craving something even more substantial? I'll bake up this hearty Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultimate comfort plate, this French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

When street-food cravings hit or I'm feeding a crowd, out come this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crunchy Salchipapas recipe, boldly seasoned Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These fuss-free Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also make a great little appetizer or snack.

And when I'm mixing drinks and planning a whole spread for company, dinner often gets paired with a cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To tie the whole meal together, I like setting out this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side, or finishing the table with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of cooking, testing, and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the finest dishes are built on three things: simplicity, dependable technique, and serious flavor.

These are the recipes I find myself making over and over—whether it's a fast solo meal or a festive spread for loved ones.

On the sweet side, the rich, velvety Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something that feels fancy yet comes together easily. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled after the beloved Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture really helps, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

For something light and effortless, I'll typically make the traditional Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. When I want a heartier comfort dish, I'm quick to suggest the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the speedy weeknight winner, this One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I'm also a big fan of sharing dishes rooted in tradition from all over the world, like the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crisp Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and Spain's classic Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another category I turn to often, since it delivers great texture without eating up time. My regular lineup includes the Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be indulgent, cheesy, and completely satisfying without any gluten.

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