Crema Catalana (creamy Catalan-style Custard)

Crema Catalana, also known as Catalan-style custard, is a classic dessert from the Catalonia region of Spain. It is a creamy and indulgent dessert with a caramelized sugar topping that adds a delightful crunch.

Crema Catalana (creamy Catalan-style Custard)

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Peel of 1 lemon
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the cinnamon stick and lemon peel over medium heat until it almost comes to a boil. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
  3. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
  4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Divide the custard into serving dishes and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar on top of each custard. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch or by placing the dishes under the broiler until the sugar melts and turns golden brown.
  7. Let the sugar topping harden for a few minutes, then serve the crema catalana immediately.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
10 minutes
Total time:
25 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
12g
Protein
6g

Supplies

Saucepan Whisk Serving dishes

Tools

Kitchen torch (or broiler)

Serving suggestions

Serve the crema catalana with fresh berries or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & tricks

Be careful when caramelizing the sugar topping to avoid burning it. Keep a close eye on the process to achieve a perfect golden-brown finish.

Cost

$8