Indulge in the luscious world of desserts with our exquisite Crème Caramel recipe. This classic French delight effortlessly marries the silkiness of custard with the allure of caramel, resulting in a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures. Elegantly crowned with a glossy caramel glaze, each spoonful unveils a delicate dance between creamy sweetness and a subtle hint of bitterness, making this timeless treat a true culinary masterpiece.
The Best Creme Caramel Recipe
Creme caramel, a classic dessert beloved worldwide, is a delicate and luscious treat that combines rich, velvety custard with a golden layer of caramelized sugar. Creme caramel, often referred to as flan, is a popular dessert made from a creamy custard base and a layer of caramelized sugar. It is typically prepared by first melting sugar in a mold until it caramelizes, then pouring in a mixture of eggs, milk or cream, and flavorings such as vanilla. The dessert is baked in a water bath until the custard sets, and after cooling, it is inverted onto a plate to reveal the caramelized sugar sauce that coats the top. The contrast between the silky custard and the sweet, slightly bitter caramel makes for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
For the Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Start by making the caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even caramelization. Once the desired color is reached, immediately pour the caramel into the bottoms of your individual custard molds or ramekins, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Be careful as the caramel will be very hot.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk until it's warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking. This will temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a smooth texture.
- Pour the strained custard mixture into the prepared caramel-coated molds or ramekins.
- Place the molds into a large baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the molds. This creates a water bath that will help the custard cook evenly.
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the custards from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the custard to fully set.
- To serve, run a knife around the edge of each mold to loosen the custard. Invert the mold onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel to drizzle over the custard.Enjoy your homemade creme caramel!
Video
Notes
Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the custard while baking to prevent overcooking.
Take note of these when making a creme caramel recipe:
1. *Caramelization Process:* When making the caramel, be attentive as the sugar caramelizes. Watch closely to prevent the sugar from burning, which can lead to a bitter taste. Once the caramel reaches a deep amber color, remove it from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
2. *Water Bath:* Using a water bath (also known as a bain-marie) is crucial for ensuring even and gentle cooking of the custard. The water bath helps prevent the custard from curdling or becoming too firm around the edges. Make sure the water doesn't seep into the custard during baking.
3. *Straining the Custard:* Straining the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve is important to remove any potential bits of cooked egg or curdled parts. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture in the final dessert.
Remember, creme caramel is a delicate dessert, and attention to detail during each step will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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