Name: Crème Caramel Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 6 h 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 125g sugar; ¼ cup water; ⅔ cup cream; 1 ⅓ cups milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract with seeds; 1 tsp vanilla essence; 3 whole eggs; 2 egg yolks; 75g sugar; 2 pinches salt (optional)

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If you have been dreaming of a silky-smooth dessert that gracefully balances sweet caramel and creamy custard, this Crème Caramel Recipe will absolutely delight you. This classic French dessert is truly a showstopper with its glossy golden caramel topping and luscious vanilla-infused custard beneath, making every spoonful a celebration of delicate textures and rich flavors. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or satisfy a sweet craving, mastering this Crème Caramel Recipe will bring a slice of elegance and comfort to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Six small white ramekins with colorful bases in green, yellow, and black sit inside a black baking tray placed on a white marbled surface. Each ramekin contains a layer of amber liquid at the bottom. A clear measuring cup with pale yellow liquid is being poured by a woman’s hand into one of the ramekins, creating the second creamy layer on top of the amber layer. The tops of two ramekins show the smooth, light yellow creamy layer fully poured. The scene is well lit and simple. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

As simple as it looks, the magic of this Crème Caramel Recipe comes from perfectly balanced, essential ingredients that each bring their own charm to the final dish. From the creamy texture created by the blend of cream and milk to the deep flavor provided by vanilla and caramelized sugar, every element is vital for that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

⅔ cup cream: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the custard.
1 ⅓ cups milk: Provides balance and lightness to prevent the custard from being too dense.
1 tsp vanilla extract with seeds: Gives an authentic vanilla aroma and those lovely specks to the custard.
1 tsp vanilla essence: Enhances the vanilla flavor for extra depth.
125g sugar: Used in caramelizing to create that iconic golden crust and subtle burnt sugar flavor.
¼ cup water: Helps to dissolve the sugar evenly when making the caramel.
3 whole eggs: Essential for structure and custard’s creamy texture.
2 egg yolks: Add creaminess and color to the custard.
75g sugar: Sweetens the custard itself for that perfect balance.
2 pinches salt (optional): A tiny touch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.

How to Make Crème Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ramekins and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C. Lightly grease six ramekins around 9cm in diameter for easy release, then nestle them into a deep baking dish. This will be the water bath to cook your custards gently and evenly without cracking or curdling.

Step 2: Warm Cream, Milk & Vanilla

In a saucepan, gently heat the cream, milk, and vanilla beans and essence until the mixture is hot but not boiling. Heating the dairy slowly with vanilla infuses the custard with a fragrant creaminess that will set the stage for the rich flavor of your crème caramel.

Step 3: Make the Caramel

Using a small frying pan, combine 125g of sugar with ¼ cup of water over high heat. Avoid stirring; let the sugar dissolve and then start to caramelize. Once it begins to turn a golden amber in the center, swirl the pan gently to even out the color. Keep a close eye—caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.

Step 4: Coat the Ramekins

Remove the caramel from heat once it reaches a rich golden brown or just starts to smoke. Quickly spoon a large dollop of caramel into each ramekin, tilting them to evenly coat the bottoms with this glossy, aromatic syrup. This hardens into a shiny crust that melts into the custard during baking, creating the classic sauce.

Step 5: Temper the Eggs

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt for a few minutes until smooth. Then add a small amount of the hot dairy mixture and whisk briskly to gently raise the egg temperature without scrambling. Repeat this step once more before combining the rest of the milk and cream, ensuring a silky custard base.

Step 6: Strain and Fill

To achieve that perfectly smooth texture, strain the custard mixture through a fine sieve back into the pot. Pour about ½ cup of this luscious custard carefully into each caramel-lined ramekin, setting the stage for the gentle bake ahead.

Step 7: Bake in a Water Bath

Place the baking dish with ramekins in the oven’s center rack. Pour boiling water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the ramekins. This water bath will maintain a steady, gentle heat to bake the custard evenly and prevent cracking or curdling.

Step 8: Baking and Cooling

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stopping when the custard is mostly set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. This resting time is crucial as it allows the caramel to dissolve into a syrupy sauce that perfectly complements the creamy base.

Step 9: Serve with a Flurry

When ready to serve, run a sharp knife gently around the edges to loosen the custard. Place a plate on top of the ramekin and flip quickly—the custard will slip out, dripping with caramel sauce, ready to delight your eyes and your taste buds.

How to Serve Crème Caramel Recipe

Two white plates each hold a single round flan dessert with a smooth, creamy pale yellow base and a shiny, amber-colored caramel sauce pooling around it. The flan is slightly domed on top and the caramel glistens with a soft, sticky texture. Plates are placed on a white marbled surface with a folded white cloth napkin on the side and two golden spoons next to an orange cloth napkin in the background. The lighting softly highlights the glossy surfaces, giving a clean and elegant look to the setup photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple and elegant with a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint to add a pop of color and subtle tang that complements the caramel’s richness.

Side Dishes

This creamy dessert pairs beautifully with light, fresh fruits like sliced oranges or a bright fruit salad. Alternatively, serve it alongside a cup of strong espresso or aromatic tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Crème Caramel Recipe in individual glasses for a modern twist or drizzle extra caramel sauce artistically on the plate for an impressive restaurant-style touch. A dusting of flaky sea salt over the caramel adds a sophisticated contrast that’s unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. The custard holds up beautifully for up to 3 days, and the sauce will gradually become more infused, deepening the flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dessert, as the texture of the custard can change and become grainy upon thawing. Your best bet is to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Crème caramel is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Serve straight from the fridge for that perfect balance of cool, creamy custard and warm caramel sweetness.

FAQs

Can I use just milk instead of cream and milk?

Using only milk will give a lighter custard but with less richness and creaminess. The cream adds that luxurious texture that defines a traditional Crème Caramel Recipe.

How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel should be a golden brown color and just starting to smoke lightly. It’s critical not to let it darken too much or it will taste bitter.

Why do I use a water bath for baking?

The water bath provides gentle, even heat around the custards, preventing curdling and cracks by controlling the baking temperature.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavor and texture improve when you make it a day ahead and let it chill overnight, allowing the sauce to develop properly.

How do I unmold the custard without breaking it?

Run a thin knife around the edges and quickly invert the ramekin onto a plate. The caramel sauce will help release the custard smoothly.

Final Thoughts

This Crème Caramel Recipe is truly a timeless dessert that brings warmth and elegance to any occasion. It’s a wonderful treat to share with loved ones, showcasing how a few simple ingredients can create a dessert that’s all about comfort and indulgence. I encourage you to dive in and make this classic at home—you’ll be amazed at how satisfying and impressive this silky caramel custard can be.