Crema Catalana

chefs-mate chefs-mate 0 Comments
Servings: 6 Difficulty: Advanced
Jump To Recipe Print Recipe
A classic Spanish custard with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust and citrus notes
Crema Catalana recipe image

Crema Catalana is a rich, velvety custard dessert hailing from Catalonia, Spain, renowned for its smooth texture and distinctive caramelized top. Unlike crème brûlée, this version incorporates lemon and orange peels and cinnamon into the milk base, infusing the custard with warm, aromatic citrus flavors. The dish is finished by sprinkling brown sugar over the chilled custard and broiling it until a glass-like, crackling crust forms. It is an elegant yet approachable treat perfect for dinner parties or special celebrations, offering a delightful contrast between the cool, creamy interior and the hot, crunchy exterior.

Crema Catalana recipe image
Print Recipe

Crema Catalana

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 Calories: 126.0

Description

Crema Catalana is a rich, velvety custard dessert hailing from Catalonia, Spain, renowned for its smooth texture and distinctive caramelized top. Unlike cr&# 195;¨me brûlée, this version incorporates lemon and orange peels and cinnamon into the milk base, infusing the custard with warm, aromatic citrus flavors. The dish is finished by sprinkling brown sugar over the chilled custard and broiling it until a glass-like, crackling crust forms. It is an elegant yet approachable treat perfect for dinner parties or special celebrations, offering a delightful contrast between the cool, creamy interior and the hot, crunchy exterior.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Combine whole milk, lemon peel strips, orange peel strips, and cinnamon sticks in a heavy medium saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to infuse the flavors.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the lemon peels, orange peels, and cinnamon sticks.
  5. Using an electric mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until light, fluffy, and lemon-colored.
  6. Beat the cornstarch into the egg yolk mixture until smooth.
  7. Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, ensuring it is fully incorporated.
  8. Return the combined mixture to the same saucepan.
  9. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, whisking constantly to prevent curdling, for about 10 minutes.
  10. Divide the hot custard evenly among six 2/3-cup custard cups or ramekins.
  11. Refrigerate the custards for at least 3 hours or overnight until completely set and cold.
  12. Preheat the broiler to high.
  13. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the surface of each chilled custard.
  14. Broil until the brown sugar melts and caramelizes into a crisp crust, watching closely to prevent burning.
  15. Serve immediately while the top is still warm and crunchy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 126.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.0g5%
Saturated Fat 2.1g11%
Cholesterol 6.0mg2%
Sodium 120.0mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 15.0g5%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 15.0g
Protein 10.2g21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: catalan cream, crema catalana, spanish dessert, custard, caramelized, lemon zest, orange zest, cinnamon, egg yolk, cornstarch, broiled, citrus, traditional, chilled, dessert recipe, spanish cuisine, easy dessert, make ahead, vegetarian dessert, comfort food
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious