Easy Crème Caramel Recipe
This delightful Easy Crème Caramel is a dessert that exudes elegance while being surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Unlike the traditional individual servings, this recipe is crafted in a single loaf pan, allowing for a beautifully cohesive presentation, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Its creamy custard base paired with a rich caramel layer provides a sweet finish that can be savored on its own or enhanced with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Sweet
Description
This Easy Crème Caramel is a rich and velvety dessert made simpler by baking it in a loaf pan rather than in individual ramekins. The caramel layer is both easy to create and provides a stunning visual appeal when flipped out onto a serving platter. Best of all, this dessert can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight, making it a perfect choice for entertaining or special occasions.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dessert:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Sugar |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 1 ½ cups | Milk |
| ½ cup | Heavy Cream |
| 4 | Eggs |
| 4 | Egg Yolks |
Nutritional Information
This recipe offers a delightful indulgence, and here’s what you can expect per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 238.7 |
| Total Fat | 11.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 226.9 mg |
| Sodium | 66.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 25.2 g |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
| Aggregate Rating | 4.5 |
| Review Count | 2 |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Easy Crème Caramel:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This will ensure that your custard cooks evenly and achieves that perfect creamy texture.
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Prepare the Caramel: In a medium skillet, combine ½ cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Cook this mixture over high heat until it reaches a deep amber color, which should take about 4 minutes. Remember to swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Coat the Pan: Once the caramel has reached the desired color, carefully pour it into an 8-by-4 ½-by-3-inch metal loaf pan. Make sure to evenly coat the bottom of the pan to create a lovely caramel layer for your dessert.
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Let the Caramel Set: Allow the caramel to harden at room temperature. This will create a delightful layer that will add sweetness to the custard once it’s inverted.
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Mix the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of sugar, 1 ½ cups of milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, 4 eggs, and 4 egg yolks until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend is what gives the crème caramel its rich, custardy texture.
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Pour Custard into the Pan: Carefully pour the prepared custard mixture into the pan over the hardened caramel. Take your time to ensure it’s poured gently to prevent disturbing the caramel layer below.
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Prepare the Water Bath: Place the loaf pan in a small baking dish and add enough water to the baking dish to reach halfway up the sides of the loaf pan. This water bath will help regulate the temperature while baking and prevent the custard from curdling.
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Bake: Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. The custard is done when it is set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. A gentle jiggle in the middle is a good sign that it will firm up as it cools.
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Cool and Chill: Once baked, carefully remove the pan of custard from the baking dish and let it cool to room temperature. After it has cooled, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
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Unmold and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, run a thin knife around the edges of the custard to loosen it from the pan. Invert the loaf pan onto a plate, allowing the caramel to flow over the custard. Slice into portions and serve chilled, perhaps garnished with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Conclusion
This Easy Crème Caramel recipe is a testament to how simple techniques can lead to impressively delicious results. With its luscious custard and sweet caramel topping, this dessert will undoubtedly steal the show at any gathering. Prepare it in advance for a stress-free entertaining experience, and enjoy every decadent bite with your friends and family.
This indulgent dessert is a perfect addition to your repertoire of recipes, ensuring you have a sophisticated yet easy-to-make treat ready whenever you want to impress.
