Creme Caramel(Vanilla Custard With Caramel Sauce)
Creamy vanilla custard topped with rich caramel sauce, offering a silky texture and sweet, caramelized flavor that suits special occasions and elegant desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C).
- Split the vanilla bean in two lengthwise and place in a saucepan with the milk.
- Bring the milk to a simmer, then remove from heat.
- Cover and let stand to infuse.
- Place half the sugar in a saucepan.
- Add the lemon juice and water, then bring to a boil.
- Cook until an amber-colored caramel forms.
- Remove from heat and pour the caramel into a 2-quart metal mold, souffle dish, or cake tin; it can also be divided into individual souffle dishes.
- Quickly turn the mold to coat the bottom and sides with caramel.
- Break the eggs into a large bowl and add the remaining sugar.
- Whisk until well blended, then delicately pour the hot milk through a fine sieve into the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the caramel-coated mold.
- Place the mold in a water bath and bake for 1 hour (or 45 minutes for individual molds), until the custard is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the water bath and let cool.
- Unmold onto a plate and serve at room temperature or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a silky texture, make sure to strain the milk mixture before combining it with the eggs. If you don't have a vanilla bean, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. For a twist, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of orange zest for added flavor. Keep an eye on the caramel as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crème caramel chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an elegant dessert spread, consider serving it alongside Spanish Pavlova or other light desserts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave in short intervals or place the custard in a water bath to retain its creamy texture while warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creme Caramel(Vanilla Custard With Caramel Sauce) contains roughly 225 calories, with 4g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can use alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk, but keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess will vary. Whole milk provides the richest texture, so choose a full-fat alternative if possible.
What should I do if my caramel hardens?
If your caramel hardens before you can pour it, gently reheat it over low heat with a splash of water until it melts again. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can easily burn.
How can I tell when the custard is done baking?
The custard is done when it is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean. If it looks too wobbly, give it a few more minutes in the oven, checking frequently.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).