Crema Catalana Recipe is a traditional Spanish dessert that combines the smoothness of custard with an interesting golden caramelized crust.
Authentic Spanish Crema Catalana is a wonderful recipe that promises a creamy flavorful dessert that melts in the mouth. Featuring warm flavors of cinnamon and citrus.
Follow the easy steps to create this delicious treat. Perfect for any occasion, Crema Catalana is a dessert that combines deliciousness and ease, providing you with a heavenly dessert experience.
Left with lots of egg whites after making Crema Catalana, I turned them into a delightful Cloud Cake. These recipes are sure to bring joy to you and your family!
This was inspired by my Homemade Custard Recipe and Homemade Banana Pudding.
If you like this Crema Catalana Recipe then you will also enjoy 4 Cups of Caramel Pudding and Amazing Orange Custard Pudding.
Here are two more recipes, Coconut Macaroons and Turtle Cookie Balls to inspire you to make some delicious treats.
Jump to:
- ⭐Why You'll Love This Crema Catalana Recipe
- 🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
- 📖Variations of Crema Catalana
- 👩🏻🍳How to Make Crema Catalana
- 🔪Kitchen Tools Required
- ❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost and Serve
- 💭Tips for Making Crema Catalana
- ❓Frequently Asked Questions for Crema Catalana
- 🍮More Dessert Recipes!
- 🎥My Latest Video
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐Why You'll Love This Crema Catalana Recipe
This smooth creamy custard, infused with cinnamon and citrus, delivers a rich and satisfying experience perfect for ending any meal!
Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Elegant and Effortless: Impress with minimal effort. This recipe combines deliciousness with simplicity, fitting for special occasions or everyday treat.
- Creamy Indulgence: Dive into the creaminess of this dessert, A smooth custard that simply melts in your mouth.
- Explosion of Flavors: Enjoy a burst of deliciousness with the blend of cinnamon and zesty lemon, making every spoonful a delightful adventure of rich flavors.
- Balanced Sweetness: Experience the perfect harmony of sweetness, enhanced by a delicately crunchy caramelized sugar top.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Personalize your dessert experience by experimenting with variations. It is easy to give your own creative twists, making it uniquely yours.
- Homemade Comfort: Find comfort in the warmth of homemade goodness, as the inviting flavors fill your kitchen during the preparation of this classic Spanish dessert.
- Crisp Caramelization: "Have fun making your dessert look and taste awesome by creating a super cool sugary crust on top.
- Sensory Delight: Engage your senses in the smooth texture, aromatic spices, and the delightful crackle of caramel.
- Impressively Refreshing: Serve it chilled for a refreshing end to any meal, offering a delightful contrast to the warm, caramelized top.
- A Taste of Spain at Home: Transport yourself to the charming streets of Spain as you enjoy the authentic taste of Crema Catalana in the comfort of your home.
- Suitable for Any Occasion: Ideal for festivities, special holidays, brunch gatherings, luncheons, dinners, and more – this versatile dessert suits any occasion with ease.
If you want more desserts you should check out Chocoflan and Custard.
🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
Ingredients for this Crema Catalana recipe are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:
- Milk: Provides a creamy base for the custard.
- Cinnamon Stick: Infuses a warm and aromatic cinnamon flavor into the custard.
- Lemon Peel: Adds a hint of citrusy freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Egg Yolks: Contribute to the richness, texture, and color of the custard.
- Sugar: Sweetens the custard.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the custard its desired consistency.
- Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet and aromatic vanilla essence.
- Sugar: Creates a caramelized sugar crust on top of the custard, providing a delightful contrast in texture and sweetness.
Here are some substitutions for a classic Crema Catalana recipe:
- Milk: Go lactose-free or vegan by choosing almond, soy, or coconut milk alternatives.
- Cinnamon Stick: Ground cinnamon can be used as a substitute. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
- Lemon Peel: Substitute with orange zest for a citrusy aroma if lemon peel is unavailable.
- Egg Yolks: Create an egg-free version with commercial egg replacers, silken tofu, or applesauce. Note that texture and flavor may vary.
- Sugar: You can experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar, for a slightly different flavor.
- Cornstarch: Use arrowroot powder or potato starch instead of cornstarch.
- Vanilla: If you don't have vanilla extract, you can use vanilla bean paste or the scraped seeds from a vanilla bean.
- Sugar (for Caramelization): Try coconut sugar or brown sugar as an alternative for the caramelized top layer.
Remember, changing ingredients in Crema Catalana can affect its taste and texture. It's a good idea to try small batches first and tweak amounts to match your liking.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📖Variations of Crema Catalana
Discover exciting twists to the classic Crema Catalana with these creative options!
Here are a few ideas:
- Citrus Infusion: Boost the citrusy notes by infusing the custard with a mix of orange, lemon, and lime zest.
- Coffee Essence: Dive into a deeper flavor with a touch of espresso or coffee infused into the custard.
- Almond Bliss: Add almond extract or crushed toasted almonds for a nutty texture.
- Chocolate Delight: Immerse yourself in a rich chocolate experience by melting high-quality dark chocolate into the custard base.
- Caramelized Fruit Topping: Top the custard with caramelized fruits like sliced pears pears, apples, peaches, bananas, or berries for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Sensation: Experience warmth and comfort with infused spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger in the custard.
- Lavender Infused: Elevate the experience with floral flavor by infusing dried edible lavender into the milk.
- Coconut Dream: Make a tropical twist by replacing some of the milk with coconut milk and garnishing it with toasted coconut.
- Berries and Mint Garnish: Decorate your serving with a burst of color and flavor using a mix of fresh berries and a sprig of mint.
- Cinnamon Caramel Crunch: Add a subtle spice kick by incorporating a dash of ground cinnamon to enhance the caramelized sugar crust.
Remember to customize your Crema Catalana variations to your liking by adjusting quantities according to taste. Each twist adds a unique touch, making it a versatile and exciting dessert for any occasion!
Get creative and make a Crema Catalana variation by adding and experimenting with different ingredients and spices. Get it your twist!
👩🏻🍳How to Make Crema Catalana
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. In a small saucepan, put milk, a cinnamon stick, and strips of lemon peel to let the flavors blend.
2. Put it on the stove and warm it over low heat until it's almost about to simmer. Then, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Separate the egg yolks from the whites and put the yolks in a big bowl.
4. Add sugar to the egg yolks and whisk until they are well mixed.
5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of the cooled milk to make a smooth slurry.
6. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
7. Put in the vanilla and whisk it well until everything is mixed together.
8. Take out the cinnamon stick and lemon peel strips. Gradually pour the Lukewarm milk into the egg mixture and whisk.
9. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and put it back on the stove over medium heat.
10. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
11. Take it off the heat and pour it into a jug. Allow it to cool a bit.
12. Gently pour the custard into each dish, let the Crema Catalana cool to room temperature, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
13. Take the custards out of the fridge, remove the plastic, and sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar evenly on top of each. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden-brown crust.
14. Serve right away.
🔪Kitchen Tools Required
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store!
Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making this Crema Catalana.
- Saucepan
- Jug
- Peeler
- Cutting Board
- Large Bowl
- Egg Separator
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Scoop Colander
- Torch
❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost and Serve
Crema Catalana is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored with some precautions to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
Here is how you can manage its storage:
Storing:
- Refrigeration:
- Allow Crema Catalana to cool to room temperature.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours.
- Consume refrigerated Crema Catalana within 2-3 days.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing the Crema Catalana. If you freeze the dessert, the Crema Catalana will change the texture because of the ice crystals. When you thaw it, it won't look or taste as good. It is better to eat it when it is fresh.
Serving:
- Elegant Presentation: If you've used individual ramekins, keep it simple by serving directly in these dishes.
- Caramelized Sugar: Ensure the caramelized sugar stays intact, delivering a visual appeal with a delightful crunch with every spoonful.
- Serve Chilled: Enjoy the classic way – serve Crema Catalana chilled. The coolness enhances its creamy texture and complements the caramelized sugar on top.
💭Tips for Making Crema Catalana
Here are some tips to help you make the best Crema Catalana:
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh whole milk to achieve a rich and creamy custard.
Infuse Flavors: Elevate the custard by infusing the milk with fresh lemon zest and a high-quality cinnamon stick for aromatic depth.
Quality Egg Yolks: Use fresh, large egg yolks, ensuring no traces of egg whites for a smooth and rich custard.
Consistent Stirring: Stir the custard mixture continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
Chilling Time: Allow sufficient time for the custard to cool and set in the fridge. This enhances both flavor and texture.
Caramelization Technique: Exercise caution when caramelizing the sugar on top. Use a kitchen torch for precise control and even caramelization.
Serve Chilled: Crema Catalana is traditionally served chilled, so plan accordingly for the best experience.
Mindful Portioning: Portion the Crema Catalana into individual servings for easier serving and an elegant presentation.
By following these tips, you can make a Crema Catalana that is sure to please your family and guests.
❓Frequently Asked Questions for Crema Catalana
Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Crema Catalana:
Creme brulee and Crema Catalana, both delightful custard desserts with a caramelized sugar crust, differ in their origins and flavors. Creme brulee, originating from France, boasts a rich and creamy texture flavored with vanilla. On the other hand, Crema Catalana comes from Catalonia, Spain, and is characterized by a lighter, silkier consistency infused with cinnamon and lemon zest for a subtle citrusy and spiced taste. While creme brulee is typically baked in the oven, Crema Catalana is often prepared on the stovetop.
How Crema Catalana is different from Natilla?
Crema Catalana and Natilla, both with Spanish roots, differ in their ingredients, texture, and flavors. Crema Catalana, originating from Catalonia, features a custard base infused with cinnamon and lemon zest, creating a light, silky texture with a subtle citrusy and spiced taste. The final touch is a caramelized sugar crust. In contrast, Natilla, a traditional Spanish custard, is characterized by its smooth and creamy consistency, often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon. While Crema Catalana is typically served cold after refrigeration, Natilla can be served at room temperature or chilled.
Crema Catalana, originating from Catalonia, is a creamy custard infused with cinnamon and lemon zest, offering a light and silky texture with a hint of spiced citrus. It is often characterized by a caramelized sugar crust. On the other hand, Flan is a Spanish caramel custard that tends to be denser and more set than Crema Catalana. Flan incorporates milk, eggs, and sugar, giving it a richer and smoother consistency.
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🎥My Latest Video
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making this fantastic mouthwatering Homemade Custard!
📖 Recipe
Authentic Crema Catalana Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 600 ml Milk
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 4 Lemon Peels
- 4 Egg Yolks
- 60 g Sugar
- 30 g Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 4 tbsp Sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small saucepan, add milk, cinnamon stick, and strips of lemon peel to infuse flavors.
- Place in the stove and heat over low heat until it almost reaches a simmer, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and place the egg yolks in a large bowl.
- Add sugar to the egg yolks and whisk until well combined.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of the cooled milk to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add vanilla and whisk well until combined.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel strips. Slowly pour the lukewarm milk into the egg mixture while whisking.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and place it back on the stove over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. This may take around 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour in a jug. Let it cool slightly.
- Carefully pour the custard into each serving dish, allow the Crema Catalana to cool to room temperature, cover them with plastic, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
- Remove from the fridge, take out the plastic, and evenly sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over the top of each custard. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch until it forms a golden-brown crust.
- Serve immediately.
Sandra
The cracking of the sugar crust was so satisfying, and the custard beneath was just heavenly. Can't wait to try this again!