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    Home » Recipes » Cakes and Cupcakes

    Mexican Caramel Sauce (Cajeta)

    Published: Sep 29, 2018 Modified: January 13, 2022 by Nina

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    Cajeta sauce in a mason jar tied with a ribbon.

    Cajeta is a Mexican caramel sauce that is made of sweetened goat's milk that is simmered until it thickens and caramelizes.  This makes a perfect topping for any dessert!

    Cajeta in a mason jar decorated with ribbon.

    This recipe came about when I picked up some goats milk on clearance at my local grocery store.  I brought it home and started to think what I should make with it.  Originally I planned to make whipped cream out of it, but that sounded a tad too ambitious for this time of year.  Anyone else feeling the urgent need to finalize their Christmas baking lists?  Yes, I make lists 🙂

    A fabulous dessert topping

    Cajeta sounded like a wonderful topping for a pumpkin cheesecake (look forward to this post tomorrow!), and so I decided on making Cajeta.  I can not stress how easy this is.  Yes, it takes about 1.5 hours to make, but you just let it simmer away and give it a stir every so often when passing by.  How easy is that!?!

    Cajeta in a mason jar decorated with ribbon.

    How to make Cajeta

    You start with goats milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, salt, and vanilla in a large pot over medium heat.  You bring this to a boil and then add in baking soda.  The baking soda helps bring the milk to a high heat without scorching the heck out of it.  This will froth a little bit with the addition of baking soda, so make sure you use a large pot.  Turn down the heat until the mixture is at a gentle simmer. Stir every 10 mins or so until it has turned a golden brown and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

    If you like dulce de leche then you will love Cajeta!  I urge you to try this recipe and let me know what you think!

    📋 Recipe

    Cajeta sauce in a mason jar and tied with a ribbon.

    Mexican Caramel Sauce (Cajeta)

    Nina
    Cajeta is a Mexican caramel sauce that is made of sweetened goat's milk that is simmered until it thickens and caramelizes.  This makes a perfect topping for any dessert!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 150 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 cups goats milk
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda

    Instructions
     

    • In a large pot, stir together milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, salt, and vanilla. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.
    • Remove from heat and stir in baking soda.
    • Lower heat and simmer mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir every 10 minutes for about 1.5 hours, until it turns a light golden brown colour. Remove cinnamon stick and stir occasionally until mixture has thickened and coasts the back of the spoon.
    • Allow mixture to cool and store in airtight container. This will keep for 1 week refrigerated.

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    Nutrition

    Serving: 10gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 221mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 197IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 137mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram!Mention @ninakneadstobake or tag #ninakneadstobake!

    Recipe adapted from Tablespoon.

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    Hi, I'm Nina! I am a self-taught baker and have a love for baking and trying new techniques. Here you will find easy step-by-step sweet and savoury recipes, with lots of tips.

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