Manjar Blanco (Guatemalan Milk Drink)

Name: Manjar Blanco (Guatemalan Milk Drink)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 liter Milk; 2 Unit Egg yolks; 1 ½ cup Sugar; 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract; ½ cup Sultanas (golden raisins); 9 tablespoon Cornstarch; 1 pinch Salt; Unit Lemon peel; 1 Unit Cinnamon stick; Unit Ground cinnamon

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Manjar Blanco is a traditional Guatemalan milk-based drink thickened with cornstarch and enriched with egg yolks, creating a smooth, custard-like texture perfect for serving chilled.

Total

20 min

Servings

8

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From En Recetas-guatemala · by Guatemala Recipes

Instructions

1
In a pot, add the milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and egg yolks, and mix well.
2
In a separate container with water or milk, dissolve the cornstarch with vanilla.
3
Once the milk begins to boil, add the cornstarch mixture and stir constantly.
4
Add the sultanas and lemon peel.
5
When it boils again, beat continuously for five minutes.
6
Pour the mixture into jars, glasses, or a deep dish and add the manjar and ground cinnamon.
7
Let it cool and store in the refrigerator.
8
For a thicker consistency, you can add more cornstarch (2 to 3 extra tablespoons).
9
To decorate, you can add a few mint leaves.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Dissolve cornstarch in a separate container with water or milk before adding to the hot mixture to prevent lumps.
Beat continuously for five minutes after the mixture returns to a boil to achieve the proper thick, smooth texture.
Use fresh egg yolks and avoid boiling too vigorously to prevent curdling.

Substitutions

Sultanas (golden raisins) → regular raisins or dried currants (same texture and sweetness)
Vanilla extract → almond extract (1–2 teaspoons for a different but complementary flavor)
Egg yolks → cornstarch slurry only (increases thickener but loses richness)

Storage & make-ahead

Pour into jars or glasses, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Stir well before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make Manjar Blanco ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the full recipe, pour into jars or glasses, cool completely, then refrigerate. It will keep for several days.

What does Manjar Blanco taste like?

It's a sweet, creamy drink with vanilla and cinnamon notes, enriched by egg yolks and sultanas for texture and flavor.

How do I get a thicker consistency?

Add 2 to 3 extra tablespoons of cornstarch dissolved in milk before adding to the hot mixture, as noted in step 8.

Is this drink served hot or cold?

It is cooled and stored in the refrigerator, so it's served cold.

Can I substitute the sultanas?

Yes, raisins, dried currants, or chopped dried fruit work as alternatives for the sultanas.

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