Introduction
Crème Caramel is a classic French dessert that is perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth. This delicious dessert consists of a creamy, smooth custard that is baked with a caramel topping. When inverted, the caramel creates a beautiful syrupy sauce that coats the custard. In this blog post, we will be sharing an easy recipe for making Crème Caramel at home.
Ingredients
- 200g granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a saucepan, combine 200g of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture turns golden brown.
- Pour the caramel into four 6-ounce ramekins and swirl to coat the bottom. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the ramekins.
- Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and fill the dish with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set but still jiggles slightly in the center.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- To serve, run a knife around the edge of each ramekin to loosen the custard. Invert onto a plate, tapping gently to release the custard and caramel sauce.
Variations
- Vanilla Bean Crème Caramel: Split 1 vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod to the milk in step 4. Remove the pod before dividing the mixture between the ramekins.
- Chocolate Crème Caramel: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the egg mixture in step 4.
- Coffee Crème Caramel: Dissolve 2 tbsp instant coffee in 2 tbsp hot water. Add the coffee to the egg mixture in step 4.
- Coconut Crème Caramel: Substitute 1 cup of coconut milk for 1 cup of the milk in step 4.
Conclusion
Crème Caramel may seem like a fancy dessert, but with this easy recipe, you can make it at home with minimal effort. It’s a great way to impress guests or treat yourself to a delicious sweet treat. Try out the variations to find your favorite flavor or stick to the classic recipe for an elegant dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
FAQ
What is Crème Caramel?
Crème Caramel is a French dessert that’s similar to flan. It’s made with a custard base that’s topped with caramel sauce.
What ingredients do I need to make Crème Caramel?
You will need milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and water to make Crème Caramel.
Can I use low-fat milk to make Crème Caramel?
You can use low-fat milk to make Crème Caramel, but it will change the texture and flavor of the dessert.
How do I make the caramel sauce?
To make the caramel sauce, you need to melt sugar in a saucepan over low heat until it turns amber in color. Then, pour the caramel into the ramekins and swirl to coat the bottom.
Can I make Crème Caramel ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Crème Caramel ahead of time. It needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
What if my Crème Caramel doesn’t set?
If your Crème Caramel doesn’t set, it’s likely because it didn’t cook long enough. You can try cooking it for a bit longer or placing it in the fridge to set.
Can I use a different type of sugar to make the caramel sauce?
You can use different types of sugar to make the caramel sauce, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor of the dessert.
Can I use a different type of milk to make Crème Caramel?
You can use different types of milk to make Crème Caramel, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and flavor of the dessert.
How do I know when the Crème Caramel is done?
To know if the Crème Caramel is done, insert a knife into the center of the custard. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
How long can I keep Crème Caramel in the fridge?
You can keep Crème Caramel in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Crème Caramel?
No, you cannot freeze Crème Caramel. Freezing will ruin the texture of the custard.
