Creme caramel, also known as flan, is a classic dessert loved for its smooth custard topped with rich caramel. Originating from France, this decadent treat has charmed taste buds around the world with its creamy texture and sweet caramel flavor.

Despite its elegant appearance, making creme caramel is surprisingly simple, making it an ideal dessert for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Crafting the perfect creme caramel requires a delicate balance of ingredients and techniques. The creamy custard is enriched with eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract, creating a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.

Meanwhile, the caramel adds a delightful contrast with its deep, amber hue and rich sweetness. Baked to perfection, the custard sets beautifully while maintaining a gentle wobble at its center, ensuring a velvety smooth texture with every spoonful.

While it may seem intimidating at first glance, mastering the art of creme caramel is well within reach for home cooks of all skill levels. With a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Expert Tip: To ensure even baking, place the baking dish in a water bath (bain-marie) while in the oven. This gentle heat distribution helps prevent the custard from curdling and ensures a silky texture.

Ingredients

Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar lends its sweetness and depth of flavor to the dessert. When heated, sugar caramelizes, creating a rich and golden syrup that coats the custard.

Milk: Whole milk forms the base of the custard, contributing to its creamy texture and rich flavor. Its subtle sweetness and smooth consistency complement the other ingredients, resulting in a velvety smooth dessert.

Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the custard, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel and silky consistency. Their protein content helps the custard set during baking, ensuring a firm yet delicate texture.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract infuses the custard with its warm and aromatic flavor, adding depth and complexity to the dessert. Its floral notes complement the sweetness of the caramel, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Expert Tip: For a smoother custard, strain the egg mixture before pouring it into the baking dish to remove any lumps or air bubbles.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled creme caramel slices on elegant dessert plates for a sophisticated presentation.
• Garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of visual appeal.
• Pair creme caramel with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine to complement its rich and creamy flavor profile.
• For added indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
• Accompany creme caramel with fresh berries or a fruit compote to add a refreshing contrast to its creamy sweetness.

Expert Tip: Be cautious when making the caramel sauce, as melted sugar can cause severe burns. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and watch the caramel closely to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent air bubbles from forming in my custard?

To avoid air bubbles, gently whisk the custard mixture and pour it through a fine-mesh sieve before baking. This helps to remove any lumps or air pockets, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.

Why did my caramel sauce crystallize instead of caramelizing?

Caramelization relies on precise temperature control and careful attention to prevent crystallization. Make sure to dissolve the sugar completely in water before heating, and avoid stirring once the mixture starts to boil. Additionally, brushing the sides of the saucepan with water can help prevent crystallization by dissolving any sugar crystals that form.

Can I use low-fat milk or substitute dairy-free alternatives in this recipe?

While whole milk is preferred for its richness and creaminess, you can use low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk or coconut milk. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the custard may vary slightly depending on the milk used.

How long should I chill the creme caramel before serving?

Chill the creme caramel in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully and develop its flavors. This ensures a firm yet creamy texture that is perfect for slicing and serving.

Can I make creme caramel ahead of time?

Yes, creme caramel can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply cover the baking dish with cling film and keep it chilled until ready to serve. Allow the creme caramel to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Vanilla Custard
• French Crullers
• Crème Brûlèe

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Crème Caramel

by Nabeela Kauser

Crème caramel is the ideal balance between lightness and indulgence. This silky, melt-in-your-mouth dessert is a traditional French family favourite dessert made with homemade caramel sauce with a gorgeously creamy custard layer.

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine French, Western

Servings 8

Calories 280 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 200 g Granulated Sugar
• ▢ 800 ml Milk
• ▢ 6 Eggs
• ▢ 2 tsp Vanilla Extract

For the caramel

• ▢ 150 g Granulated Sugar
• ▢ 3 tbsp Water

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F) and place a roasting pan filled with about 2cm of hot water in the oven. This will be used later for baking the creme caramel.
• In a saucepan, combine 150g granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
• Stop stirring and let the mixture cook until it turns golden brown, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Be careful not to burn the caramel.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly pour the caramel into a 9 inch baking dish, swirling it around the sides. Set the dish aside to cool.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 800ml whole milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 200g granulated sugar until well combined.
• Pour the mixture through a sieve into a jug, then pour it into the prepared baking dish.
• Carefully place the baking dish into the roasting pan filled with hot water in the oven.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the custard is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
• Remove the baking dish from the roasting pan and let it cool.
• Once cooled, cover the baking dish with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• To serve, run a knife around the edge of the baking dish and invert it onto a large serving plate. The caramel should be on top and drizzle down the sides of the custard.
• Slice the creme caramel into portions and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 8gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 87mgPotassium: 203mgSugar: 49gVitamin A: 345IUVitamin D: 2µgCalcium: 146mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Baking, Caramel, Custard, Food, Party, Party Food, Recipe, Sweet

Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!