Ingredients
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- 12 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cup granulated sugar
- 24 cup whole milk
- 1.50 cup water
- 36 large eggs
Nutritional Information
Calculated based on standard values with available measurements and may therefore not be accurate.
Nutritional information not available.
Creme caramel
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F)
Step 2
Make the caramel:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Let it cook, without stirring, until it turns a golden amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Quickly pour the caramel into the bottoms of six ramekins or a large baking dish. Tilt the ramekins/dish to evenly coat the bottoms. Set aside to cool and harden.
Step 3
Heat the milk: In another saucepan, heat the milk until it's hot but not boiling. Remove it from the heat.
Step 4
Prepare the custard mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Step 5
Strain the custard: For a smoother texture, strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
Step 6
Pour into ramekins: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the ramekins.
Step 7
Bake:
Place the filled ramekins in a baking dish. Create a water bath by adding hot water to the baking dish so it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the centre.
Step 8
Chill:
Once done, remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill and set completely.
Step 9
Serve:
To serve, run a knife around the edge of each ramekin to loosen the creme caramel.
Place a serving plate upside down on top of the ramekin and quickly invert it to release the dessert with the caramel sauce on top.
Enjoy this classic creme caramel as a delightful dessert!
Recipe Story
Creme caramel, a beloved classic dessert, tantalises taste buds with its luscious caramel sauce draped over a velvety custard. This timeless treat embodies elegance and simplicity in a perfect balance, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful. The recipe, a fusion of culinary craftsmanship and a touch of alchemy, invites both novice and seasoned cooks to master the art of dessert making.
At its heart, creme caramel is a delicate dance between caramelisation and custard creation. The process begins by delicately crafting a golden-hued caramel by gently coaxing sugar and water into a rich, amber elixir. This liquid gold is then artfully poured into ramekins or a baking dish, awaiting its role as the sweet, sticky pedestal for the custard.
The custard, a harmonious blend of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, emerges as the star of this ensemble. Whisked to perfection, the custard embodies a creamy, silky texture, promising a luxurious mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the caramel's decadent sweetness. This concoction is then carefully ladled over the cooled caramel, each ramekin becoming a vessel of promise for the dessert's final form.
A gentle, precise bake in a water bath transforms this amalgamation into a culinary masterpiece. The low and slow heat tenderly coaxes the custard into a velvety embrace while retaining its subtle jiggle—an indication of its readiness. Once cooled and patiently chilled, the creme caramel is unveiled, its sweet scent beckoning dessert enthusiasts to indulge.
Upon serving, the ramekins undergo a delicate manoeuver—a swift inversion onto plates. With a gentle tap and a hopeful breath, the creme caramel releases its hold, revealing a captivating sight: the smooth custard crowned with a glistening coat of caramel, a testament to the dessert's allure.
Creme caramel transcends mere indulgence; it embodies an experience—a symphony of flavours, textures, and culinary finesse that elevates every dining occasion. Its simplicity belies its elegance, making it a cherished delight for generations past and present.
Photo by Michaela Baum on Unsplash
