One of Oaxaca’s most traditional dishes, Nicuatole is an ancient Zapotec corn pudding that sets into a trembling, jelly-like dessert. Fresh corn is blended and strained into corn milk, then cooked slowly with sugar and cinnamon until it thickens into a glossy custard that firms as it chills. Plain, snowy white and faintly sweet, it is one of the oldest desserts in Mexico, and one of the most delicate.
Nicuatole
One of Oaxaca’s most traditional dishes, Nicuatole is an ancient Zapotec corn pudding that sets into a trembling, jelly-like dessert.

Step by stepInstructions
- Blend the corn kernels with 2 cups of the water until very smooth, then strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, pressing out every drop of corn milk.
- Combine the corn milk with the remaining water, sugar, cinnamon stick and salt in a pot.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a glossy, pudding-like texture that coats the spoon, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, stir in the vanilla if using, and pour the mixture into a shallow dish or individual molds.
- Cool to room temperature, then chill until firmly set like a delicate jelly. Cut into squares and serve cold.
💡 Chef tips & storage
The constant stirring is essential — corn milk scorches quickly. The dessert sets entirely from the corn's own starch, so be patient and cook it thick enough before pouring.

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