I’m sharing this simple candy recipe called Yema. It is a Filipino custard candy made with condensed milk and egg yolks. The word “Yema” means “egg yolk” in Spanish. During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, they used egg whites and eggshells for construction to support stone walls together. The indigenous Filipinos found a way to reuse the discarded egg yolks by mixing them with milk and that’s how the name “Yema” candy got discovered.
Making this is very simple. All you have to do is combine all the ingredients and keep stirring until it’s thick. Then, you can shape them into round balls or pyramids. You can also wrap them with colorful cellophane, similar to the plastic wrapped on top of the toothpicks.
I used to eat Yema a lot when I was a kid because it is sweet and delicious. It is soft and melts in your mouth, and you can just keep eating until they’re gone. Once in a while, I make this when I have a craving. Even if you’re not a Filipino, but you like sweets, and knowing how inexpensive and simple it is to make this, it’s definitely a must to try. This is perfect for party treats too!
- 1 can, 14 oz. condensed milk
- 5 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp. crushed peanuts (optional)
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Pour the egg yolks into a medium or large bowl. Then, add the condensed milk and peanuts into the bowl. Mix altogether.
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Melt the butter into a medium heat saucepan.
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Pour the mixture and stir constantly.
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Keep stirring until the mixture has already thickened.
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Turn off the oven and wait for the yema to cool down.
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Use a spoon to scoop the desired amount then use both hands to form them into balls.
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Place on a flat dish and insert a toothpick on top of each. Serve.
