Creme Caramel: A Silky and Decadent Dessert
Creme Caramel, also known as Flan in some countries, is a timeless dessert that brings together the delicate flavors of vanilla and caramel in a rich and smooth custard. With its perfectly balanced sweetness and silky texture, this dessert is ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a dinner party or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, creme caramel is a comforting classic that never fails to impress.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this indulgent dessert at home, using simple ingredients and a bit of patience for the perfect result.
Creme Caramel Recipe:
Servings: 6
Category: Dessert
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 450g |
| Heavy Cream (Fresh) | 150g |
| Granulated Sugar | 120g |
| Whole Eggs | 220g |
| Egg Yolks | 20g |
| Vanilla Bean (Pod) | 1 |
| Granulated Sugar (for Caramel) | 150g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
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Begin by preparing the caramel, which is a key element of this dish. In a medium saucepan with a thick bottom, add 150g of granulated sugar. Heat over medium-high heat. Do not stir. Instead, gently swirl the pan as the sugar begins to melt and turn golden. Be careful not to let it burn.
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As the sugar begins to melt, it will first form clumps before completely liquefying into a clear amber-colored syrup. Once it reaches this stage, carefully pour the caramel into 6 small ramekins or custard cups (each around 180ml in capacity). Ensure that the caramel coats the bottom of each dish evenly by gently swirling the ramekins.
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After pouring the caramel, set the ramekins aside and move on to the next steps of the recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Infused Milk
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Pour the whole milk into a medium-sized bowl. Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife. Add both the vanilla seeds and the pod to the milk.
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Place the milk and vanilla mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to avoid scalding.
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Once the milk is just about to reach a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the vanilla to infuse in the milk for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the milk to absorb the full depth of flavor from the vanilla.
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After 30 minutes, remove the vanilla pod from the milk, ensuring that the seeds are fully incorporated into the liquid. Set the milk mixture aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Custard Base
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While the milk is infusing, take another medium-sized bowl and beat the whole eggs and egg yolks together with the 120g of granulated sugar. Use a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed, but avoid incorporating too much air into the mixture.
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Once the eggs and sugar are combined, slowly add the infused milk mixture to the eggs, pouring it in a thin stream while gently whisking to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Once all of the milk has been added, continue whisking until the custard mixture is smooth and well-combined.
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To ensure a smooth custard, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or jug. This will remove any stray bits of egg or vanilla pod, ensuring the custard is silky and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Creme Caramel
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Now it’s time to assemble the creme caramel. Take the ramekins with the caramel at the bottom and carefully pour the custard mixture into each one. Use a ladle or a small measuring cup to distribute the mixture evenly, filling each ramekin about three-quarters of the way full.
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Place the ramekins into a large, high-sided baking dish. This is where the magic happens, as the custards will bake in a water bath, ensuring they cook gently and evenly.
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Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish, making sure the water reaches about a third of the way up the sides of the ramekins. This will create the perfect environment for the custards to set without overcooking.
Step 5: Bake the Creme Caramel
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), and make sure to use the static (conventional) setting, not fan-assisted. Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish with the ramekins into the oven.
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Bake the custards for about 50 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the custards. You’ll know they are ready when the custards are set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
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Once the creme caramel is done, remove the ramekins from the water bath carefully (use tongs or oven mitts), and let them cool down. Then, refrigerate them for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best results.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
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When you’re ready to serve, take the ramekins out of the refrigerator. Run a knife gently around the edges of the custard to loosen it from the sides of the ramekin.
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Place a small plate over the top of the ramekin and, holding both the ramekin and the plate, invert the dish. The creme caramel should slide out easily, with the caramel forming a glossy sauce over the custard.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the silky smooth custard with its rich vanilla flavor and sweet, golden caramel sauce.
Tips for Perfect Creme Caramel:
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Caramelizing the sugar: Be patient when making the caramel. Sugar can quickly go from golden to burnt, so it’s important to keep an eye on it and swirl the pan gently instead of stirring.
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Infusing the vanilla: Allowing the milk to infuse with the vanilla bean for a full 30 minutes will create a more intense and flavorful base for your custard.
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Water bath: Ensure that the water level in the baking dish covers about a third of the way up the sides of the ramekins. This gentle baking method ensures a smooth and even custard without any cracking or curdling.
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Chilling time: Creme caramel benefits from an overnight chill. It allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly, making it even more delicious.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugars | 38g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 75mg |
This Creme Caramel recipe brings the richness and smoothness of a traditional French dessert into your home kitchen with ease. The caramel creates a delightful contrast with the velvety custard, and each bite offers a sweet, comforting experience. Whether for a family dinner or a special celebration, this dessert will surely become a favorite in your repertoire.
