What Is The Difference Between Cajeta and Caramel?
Cajeta is a sweetened caramelly syrup or paste made from goat’s milk, water and sugar. Cajeta is a very popular drink in Mexico, and it can be served cold or hot. It is also used in making Mexican desserts such as enchiladas con cajeta.
Caramel is made from sugar heated until its color darkens to various degrees and flavor becomes deep brown to black, with an oily appearance when cool. Caramel is traditionally used in making candy, baked goods and desserts.
The main differences between cajeta and caramel are the consistency, amount of sugar used and caramelization process. Cajeta has a more fluid, slightly thick texture with a lighter color than caramel. Caramel has a glossy texture with an intense color and flavor.
Similarities Between Caramel and Cajeta
Both cajeta and caramel have a glossy texture with an intense color and flavor. Cajeta is a more fluid, slightly thick syrup or paste and caramel has a glossy texture with an intense color and flavor. Both cajeta and caramel are used in dessert and sweets making.
History Of Cajeta
Cajeta is a popular treat in Mexico, and it is made from goat’s milk, water and sugar. It can be served cold or hot. It is also used in making Mexican desserts such as enchiladas con cajeta.
“Cajeta” comes from the Spanish word “caja,” which means “box.” Caja de Leche translates to “goat’s milk box.” The version of cajeta found in Europe originated as a traditional New Year’s dessert from the Canary Islands.
History Of Caramel
“Caramel” comes from the French word “caramel,” which means “burnt residue.” It refers to the caramelized sugar of a pastry or dessert made by cooking it in a pan until it is dark brown. In his book “The Lively Art of Living,” David Fairchild described the history of caramel:
“Caramel was originally known in medieval France as bronzing. Caramelized sugar was first made by heating it to high temperatures and beating it every so often until the sugar became dark brown. In 1393, Archdeacon Chaston gave instructions in his `Curye on Inglysch’ for cooking the syrup and powdered sugar, which would eventually be called caramel.
Uses for Cajeta
Cajeta is used to make sweet treats such as a number of Mexican desserts, and it can also be used in baking. Examples include cajeta de membrillo, cajeta jello, cajeta quesadillas with fruit salsa, churros with cajeta & chocolate ganache, and coffee with cajeta.
Uses for Caramel
Caramel is used in making candy, baked goods and desserts. It is very popular in the United States and much of Europe. It is a topping for popcorn, ice cream, and often used as a filling for chocolates.
Can Caramel Be Substituted For Cajeta?
For most desserts, yes caramel can be substituted for cajeta. It makes a good alternative if you don’t have cajeta on hand, and it can be used in a variety of dishes. However, cajeta can be substituted for caramel in some recipes. If the recipe calls for a liquid topping to drizzle over the dessert, cajeta is just as good.
Bottom Line
Caramel and cajeta are made from similar ingredients and have a similar texture, but they are still different. Cajeta is a more fluid, slightly thick syrup or paste and caramel has a glossy texture with an intense color and flavor. It is easy to substitute caramel for cajeta in most recipes, although it may not work for all applications.