Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of making an Authentic Spanish Crema Catalana, a luxurious custard dessert that rivals crème brûlée. This classic dish showcases a velvety texture infused with zesty citrus peels and aromatic cinnamon, finished with a rich caramelized sugar crust that offers a satisfying crunch. Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying as a special treat, this recipe is both straightforward and rewarding. Customize your crema catalana with fresh fruits or berries for an added burst of color and flavor. Enjoy the elegant presentation and the irresistible charm of this traditional Spanish dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 large piece lemon peel
- 1 large piece orange peel
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup white sugar (caster)
- Additional sugar for caramelizing
- Fresh fruit or berries (for decoration – optional)
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a heavy-based saucepan with citrus peels and cinnamon stick until simmering. Remove from heat.
- Create a slurry by dissolving cornstarch in a splash of water.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale, then mix in the cornstarch slurry along with hot milk.
- Strain the citrus peels and cinnamon from the milk, then combine it with the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
- Return to low heat, whisking until thickened to pudding consistency.
- Divide into ramekins, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize using a blowtorch or broiler.
- Optionally top with fresh fruit before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (120g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 165mg