Cajeta (Mexican Caramel)

During Christmas, most Mexicans give each other buñuelos or tamales. This year, I’ve decided to give out this delicious sweet treat.

Cajeta in English is basically caramelized goat’s milk similar to “dulce de leche.”

Spread some on your toast in the morning or drizzle it on top of flan, and get ready to say YUM!

How to Make Cajeta

You only need these ingredients:

• Goat’s milk
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Vanilla

That’s it! This is a very simple recipe, but it requires a whisk and a lot of patience.

Cajeta vs. Caramel vs. Dulce de Leche:

• 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 until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes.

• Add the milk to a stock pot.
• Add the sugar to the pot.
• Add the vanilla.
• Once it begins to simmer, add the baking soda.

Now, the stirring begins. I refer to the next hour and half as the “yo-yo dance.”

The baking soda will cause the milk mixture to bubble and rise. That’s why you can’t leave the pot alone. It can boil over and go all over the stove.

Once it rises (because it will), lower the heat or turn the heat off completely until it goes back down. Then, turn the heat back on or keep on low.

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.

This is what it looks like after 30 minutes.

In Mexico, you will see this Mexican dessert made in a large cazo de cobre (copper pot) with a long wooden paddle over a flame. Some home cooks will also make it in clay pots.

Since most cooks north of the border don’t cook like this, I suggest you use a large, heavy pot. Choose a pot that will allow for the rise and fall of the simmering liquid.

This is what it looks like after 55 minutes.

Notice the color has changed. It has picked up the golden color that we’re looking for, but it still has not picked up the consistency. It still needs more time to develop the thickness.

Whatever you do, don’t stop stirring, or it will bubble up on you.

This is what it looks like after 1 hour 30 minutes.

See the large bubbles. It almost looks like lava.

Check the consistency. It should be thick and sticking to the spoon.

Once that happens, remove the pot from heat and immediately pour into containers.

Where to Buy Cajeta

This is Cajeta Coronado. It is probably the most well-known brand in Mexico that makes this delicious dessert.

You can buy it at any Mexican market, or order it online. (AFFILIATE)

Some large chain grocery stores may even be offering it in the Hispanic food section.

How long does cajeta last

• Cajeta lasts for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Cajeta lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.

Sometimes, it can be too thick. If that’s the case, place the container in warm water before using.

Drizzle some on apple slices or your morning french toast. Or give it away at Christmas to your friends and family. This labor of love will bring a lot of joy to the world. 🙂

Print Recipe

5 from 10 votes

Cajeta

Cajeta is a Mexican caramel sauce made from the milk of a goat that will float your boat. The sauce is delish on any dessert dish.

Cook Time1 hr 30 mins

Total Time1 hr 30 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 16 ounces

Calories: 141kcal

Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

• 4 cups goat milk
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1/2 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.
• If it begins to bubble over, reduce heat.
• It will begin to develop a caramel color.
• Stir constantly for another 45 minutes.
• It will start to bubble. The texture will be thick and will coat the spoon.
• Once this happens, remove from heat.
• Immediately pour into an airtight container.

Notes

The baking soda will cause the milk mixture to bubble and rise. That’s why you can’t leave the pot alone. It can boil over and go all over the stove.

Once it rises (because it will), lower the heat or turn the heat off completely until it goes back down. Then, turn the heat back on and keep on low. 

You might need to do this a few times. 

Whatever you do, don't stop stirring. 

Cajeta can sometimes be too thick. If that’s the case, heat it up in warm water before using.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Cajeta

Amount Per Serving

Calories 141 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 7mg2%

Sodium 39mg2%

Potassium 124mg4%

Carbohydrates 28g9%

Sugar 28g31%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 121IU2%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 82mg8%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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