Cajeta in English is basically caramelized goat’s milk similar to “dulce de leche.”
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During Christmas, we usually give our neighbors buñuelos or tamales. This year, I’ve decided to give out this delicious sweet treat. It makes a great holiday gift!
Drizzle it on top of Mexican Flan or ice cream, and get ready to say yum!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Real goat’s milk
- sugar
- baking soda
- vanilla extract
That’s it! This is a very simple recipe, but it requires a whisk and a lot of patience.
Know the Difference
Cajeta vs. Caramel vs. Dulce de Leche
The main difference is in the type of milk that is used.
- Caramel uses cow’s milk.
- Cajeta uses goat’s milk.
- Dulce de leche uses condensed milk.
All three are made in the same way by heating up the milk and stirring for a long time until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes.
- Add the milk, sugar, and vanilla to a stock pot on medium heat.
- Once it begins to simmer, add the baking soda.
You’re going to need to play with the heat as it cooks.
The baking soda will cause the milk mixture to bubble and rise. That’s why you can’t leave the pot alone. You DON’T want it to boil over and go all over the stove.
Once it rises (because it will), change to low heat or turn the heat off completely until it goes back down. Then, turn the heat back on or keep it on low.
Different Types of Cajetas
- Quemada – Translation “burned cajeta.” This version is one of the most popular types. Deep in color and has a mild burned taste.
- Cajeta Envinada – Originally made with wine, but now you’ll see brandy, tequila, rum and other liquor added to the caramel.
- De Vainilla – BINGO! That’s what we are making in this recipe. Since we are adding vanilla, it is considered cajeta de vainilla and has a creamy flavor.
- After 30 minutes, this is what it looks like.
- Discard some of the foam, using a spoon.
Whatever you do, DO NOT stop stirring!
In Mexico, you will see this Mexican dessert made in large copper pots (cazo de cobre) with a long wooden paddle over a flame. Some home cooks will also make it in clay pots or a dutch oven.
Since most cooks north of the border don’t cook like this, I suggest you use a large pot. Choose a pot that will allow for the rise and fall of the simmering liquid.
- After 55 minutes, this is what it looks like.
- Remove some more of the foam.
Notice how the color has changed. It has picked up the golden color that we’re looking for.
The Maillard reaction happens when amino acids and sugar mix together. It gives the cajeta its brown color and complex flavor
- See the large bubbles and the caramel color It almost looks like lava.
- Turn off heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Check the consistency. It should be thick and stick to the wooden spoon or whisk. You should be able to see the bottom of the pot when stirring.
If you let it cook longer than an hour, it will become thicker and darker.
Team Work:
Don’t go stir-crazy! (Wink! Wink!) Take turns making the “cajeta candy.”
If you are giving this as a gift, I suggest you make it a family affair and have others in your family take turns in the stirring.
Where to Buy It
Cajeta Coronado is probably the most well-known brand in Mexico that makes this delicious dessert.
You can buy the squeezable bottle with its easy-pour design at just about any Mexican market. Some large chain grocery stores may even be offering it in the Hispanic food section. Or buy it online.
Storing instructions
Place the cajeta in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If it hardens, place in warm water for a few minutes before using.
More Mexican Desserts:
Picture apple slices or your morning french toast with this caramelized milk topping. YUM! Or give it away at Christmas to your friends and family. This labor of love will bring a lot of joy to the world. 🙂
This easy cajeta recipe is one of the best dessert toppings. It’s sure to tickle your taste buds!
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Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!
Cajeta
Ingredients
- 4 cups goat milk
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- ½ tspn baking soda
Instructions
- Pour all the ingredients (except for the baking soda) into a large, heavy stock pot.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Once it's simmering, add the baking soda.
- Stir for 45 minutes on medium-low.
- When it begins to bubble over, reduce heat.
- (Or turn off completely until the bubbles reduce. Then turn back on to low-med heat).
- Remove some of the foam on top.
- It will begin to develop a caramel color.
- Do not stop stirring.
- After 55 minutes, check the texture.
- The texture will be thick and coat the back of a cooking spoon.
- Once this happens, remove from heat.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before pouring into an airtight container.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.
Such an easy recipe to make. Such a perfect topping for any dessert like ice cream. Yum!
I’m so glad you found the recipe easy to follow, and I couldn’t agree more! Cajeta is such a versatile topping that goes well with many desserts. It’s delicious!
Oh my, this Mexican caramel sauce looks so delicious and very enticing! Such a great sauce to boost any dessert dish! Loving this already! Thanks for sharing this with us! I can’t wait to make this at home!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re looking forward to trying out this Cajeta recipe.
Can this Cajeta recipe be used in Empanadas, or will it simple come running out like the store bought Cajeta in plastic containers? Trying to make Cajeta empanadas n have tried several attempts at thickening store bought Cajeta with no luck due to it simply seeping out the empanadas
I suggest making this recipe for cajeta. If you want it thicker, let it cook a little longer. You’ll need to really watch it at the end. If it cooks too long, it will harden.
I loooooove this! I didn’t have baking soda so I used double the amount of baking powder after seeing that recommended online.
It is DELICIOUS! I had to control myself not to eat all of it right away when it was still creamy! Will definitely make it again and gift a batch to my best friend. Thanks for this easy recipe!
So good right? Glad you enjoyed it!
Absolutely delicious..
Thank you very much!
Made this using milk from my goats since and it’s absolutely delicious! Planning on making more soon!
Sounds amazing! Glad you enjoyed this.
Looks soo good, would like to try the dulde de leche, would the recipe be the same only substituting 1 can of condensed milk instead of the 4cups of goat milk?
Yes. Same recipe. Just use regular milk instead goat’s milk.
Look forward to making this!
So yummy. Hope you try it!
I can’t take my eyes off these sensational looking caramel! Oh my goodness, this is really tempting. I could use this dark caramel with so many recipes, i’m gonna try it with popcorns for the weekend. YUM!
Whoa! this is something new. Love all the ingredients and so well explained.
Do you have to use goat milk? If so where do you find goat milk. I have never seen it in any dairy section of any store…
To make cajeta, yes, you need goat’s milk. I have it at my regular store. I also know that Whole Foods and specialty stores have it.
What a fabulous variation on caramel, I must try this! I love the idea of using goat’s milk and appreciate your explanation of the difference between caramel, cajeta, and dulce de leche. Thanks for sharing a fun recipe and your pictures are beautiful.
This caramel sauce looks so thick, delicious and decadent! It should be a requirement to add this sauce to all fall and holiday desserts from now until Christmas!
I’ve been making my own cajeta for quite a long time, and I never stop enjoying it. It is just too good. Love the consistency of yours – just the way I like mine. I should definitely try your recipe – it looks great!
Wow! I never tried to use goal milk in my recipes before, but it looks so delicious! Does it come out creamier than a regular caramel?
Ooh I haven’t heard of this before, but it sounds so rich and sweet! Look forward to making a batch soon!
One of my favorite sauces to make. I use it very often on my favorite buns with a cup of hot drink. I wonder if this recipe is easier than the one I am currently using… That would be amazing! 😉
I have always wondered about the difference between cajeta, caramel, and dulce de leche. I love your idea of giving this as Christmas presents. What a great gift!
I had to look it up myself. lol. Cajeta is delicious! Hope you get to try this recipe.
Yum! This Cajeta looks really delicious, Maggie. This will be perfect on my toast every breakfast or for my dessert. Thank you for sharing.