Delightful Creme Caramel Recipe

This exquisite creme caramel recipe provides a rich, silky dessert that is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. With its smooth custard base and sleek caramel topping, it strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and elegance. The process involves simple ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar, with a hint of vanilla, to create a timeless dessert. Attention to detail during preparation and cooking ensures a flawless texture and flavor. The caramel is made by browning sugar to a golden hue, adding a deliciously nutty taste to the dessert. This classic treat is suitable for various occasions—from casual dinners to festive celebrations. It can be easily adapted with different flavors or served alongside complementing dishes to enhance the experience. Storing the dessert overnight in the refrigerator helps the flavors to meld beautifully, offering enhanced taste and texture. Serve it with pride, reflecting both its heritage and its universal appeal. This dessert will not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also elevate your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

400 ml milk
385 g sweetened condensed milk
80 g sugar
4 eggs
2 egg yolks
90 ml hot water
Vanilla extract or essence

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

In a saucepan, gently whisk together the eggs and egg yolks until just combined to ensure a smooth mixture.
Gradually add both the condensed milk and regular milk to the egg mixture, stirring continuously. Afterward, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
In another pan, melt the sugar over medium heat, watching carefully as it begins to caramelize and turn a golden-brown color.
Once the sugar reaches the desired color, cautiously add the hot water in stages. Be aware that the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir constantly to achieve a smooth caramel consistency.
Pour the prepared caramel into a baking dish, tilting the dish to evenly coat the base with the caramel layer.
Pour the egg mixture over the caramel in the baking dish. A 17 cm diameter dish works well, but smaller individual ramekins can also be used for individual portions.
Place the dish on a baking rack in the oven, utilizing the steam function if available, and bake at 100°C for 40 minutes.
If your oven lacks a steam function, cover the dish and bake for 45 minutes at 160°C. For smaller dishes, reduce the time to about 15 minutes with steam, or 30 minutes without.
The dessert is ready when the custard is set but still slightly wobbly when the dish is gently shaken. Remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor and firmness.
The following day, gently run a knife around the edge of the dish to loosen the pudding.
Invert a serving plate over the dish and, with a quick motion, flip it over to release the creme caramel. Allow the caramel sauce to ooze over the top for a beautiful presentation.

Tips

Use room temperature ingredients to achieve a smoother texture.
For a twist, consider infusing the milk with a cinnamon stick or citrus peel before mixing with the eggs.
Ensure that the caramel does not cook too long, as it can easily burn and become bitter.
Experiment with using almond milk or coconut milk for alternative dietary needs.

Variations

Substitute regular milk with almond or soy milk for a lactose-free version.
Add a dash of orange zest to the custard mix for a citrus-flavored caramel.
Use maple syrup instead of caramel for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve creme caramel with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Pair with fresh fruits such as berries or sliced mango for a refreshing balance.
Enjoy alongside a cup of espresso for a delightful after-meal treat.

Best Places

Café Central - A cozy spot renowned for its classic creme caramel. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Maison Bertaux - Offers a delightful take on creme caramel in the heart of London. Location: 28 Greek Street, London, United Kingdom.
Café de la Paix - A historic café serving exceptional desserts in Paris. Location: 5 Place de l'Opéra, Paris, France.
Buvette Gastrothèque - Known for French-inspired cuisine and delicious desserts. Location: 42 Grove St, New York, USA.
Pastelaria Versailles - A Lisbon favorite with a charming atmosphere. Location: Avenida da República 15A, Lisbon, Portugal.
Caffe Florian - A Venetian staple offering exquisite desserts. Location: Piazza San Marco, 57, Venice, Italy.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Delivers a taste of tradition in Milan. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, Milan, Italy.
La Duree - Delightful Parisian pastries and classic desserts. Location: Champs-Elysées, Paris, France.
La Glace - One of the oldest and finest pastry shops in Copenhagen. Location: Skoubogade 3, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Majestic Café - Offers a fine dining experience with delicious desserts in Porto. Location: Rua Santa Catarina 112, Porto, Portugal.