Cuajada (Basque Set Milk Dessert)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Custards puddings creams Easy

Fresh milk gently warmed and set with rennet into a soft, delicate curd, chilled and served with honey and walnuts. It needs no cooking beyond warming the milk. Makes 4 servings in about 2 hr 40 min.

Prep 10 min

Cook 30 min

Cooling 2 hr

Total 2 hr 40 min

Servings 4

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

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servings

4 ¼ cups (1000 ml)whole milk (pasteurized, not ultra-pasteurized), sheep or cow
¼ tsp (1 ml)liquid rennet, or per package directions
3 tbsp (60 g)honey
¼ cup (30 g)walnuts, chopped

Fresh ingredient guides

WalnutsHow to pick, season & nutrition · 219 kcal per 30 g

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Instructions

Divide the rennet among four small clay or glass dishes first (about 4 drops each, or follow the package).
Heat the milk gently to about 104 F (40 C), stirring; it should feel just warm. Do not exceed 113 F (45 C) or the rennet will not work.
Pour the warm milk into the dishes and do not stir or move them.
Leave at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes until set like a soft custard.
Chill at least 2 hours.
Top with honey and walnuts and serve without stirring.

Tips

Do not use ultra-pasteurized milk; it will not set.
Do not move the dishes while setting.
Sugar or jam can replace the honey.
Use pasteurized milk and keep the finished dessert refrigerated.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make cuajada (basque set milk dessert)?

Plan on 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, plus 2 hours to chill. The recipe makes 4 servings.

How should I store cuajada (basque set milk dessert)?

Refrigerate covered up to 3 days.

Can I make cuajada (basque set milk dessert) ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

A simple dessert of northern Spain, traditionally made by shepherds from sheep's milk set with rennet; called mamia in Basque. Serve it with light wine.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 4 servings this recipe makes.

252 Calories / serving

13.4g Fat

25.7g Carbs

9.4g Protein

25.6g Sugar

Whole recipe (4 servings): ~1008 cal · 54g fat · 103g carbs · 38g protein · 102g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.