Natillas Recipe: Creamy Spanish Custard in the Microwave 2026

Natillas are one of Spain's most beloved spoon desserts: a soft, creamy custard scented with lemon peel and cinnamon. This microwave version delivers that same irresistible old-fashioned flavor in a fraction of the time, with no double boiler and no constant stirring at the stove.

It is the perfect choice when you only want to make a small amount for two people, or when you are craving something sweet and traditional but want it fast. The milk is infused with lemon and cinnamon first, then combined with egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch, and cooked in two short bursts in the microwave so you can whisk it in between.

Once thickened, the custard is divided into individual dishes and chilled until set. Serve it sprinkled with ground cinnamon and topped with a cookie for a simple, comforting dessert that tastes like a classic Spanish bakery treat.

Ingredients for Natillas

These quantities make 2 servings of microwave natillas.

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (300 ml)
• Half a cinnamon stick
• A piece of lemon peel
• 2 medium egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons sugar (40 g)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
• 2 cookies (optional, for decoration)

How to Make Natillas Step by Step

1. Infuse the Milk

In a microwave-safe bowl, pour 1 1/2 cups of whole milk and add half a cinnamon stick and a piece of lemon peel. Heat for 2 minutes at 800 W, then let it cool slightly.

2. Whisk the Yolks with Sugar and Cornstarch

Meanwhile, in another bowl, whisk 2 medium egg yolks, 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until you get a pale, whitish mixture.

3. Pour the Milk over the Yolks

Remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick from the reserved milk and pour it little by little over the yolks, whisking constantly so they do not curdle and everything is well combined.

4. Heat 3 Minutes and Whisk

Return the mixture to the microwave and heat for 3 minutes at 800 W. Then whisk well with a manual whisk to avoid lumps.

5. Heat 2 More Minutes and Whisk Again

Heat for another 2 minutes at 800 W and, after that time, whisk again. At this point the natillas will have thickened to the perfect texture (keeping in mind that they will thicken more as they cool). If not, heat for 1 more minute at 800 W and whisk again.

6. Divide and Chill

Divide the natillas among individual small dishes, let them cool and keep them in the fridge for at least 3 hours.

7. Decorate and Serve

Before serving, decorate each dish with ground cinnamon and 1 cookie.

Tips for the Best Natillas

Infuse the Milk Well

The lemon peel and cinnamon stick are what give these natillas their classic Spanish flavor, so let the milk sit for a moment after heating before straining. This allows the aromas to fully blend into the milk.

Whisk Between Microwave Bursts

Heating the custard in two stages and whisking in between is the key to a smooth, lump-free texture. It also prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly or burning at the edges.

Chill for a Firm Set

The natillas will thicken further as they cool, so don't worry if they seem a little loose right after cooking. A minimum of 3 hours in the fridge gives them the perfect creamy consistency.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include 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 anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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