Homemade Traditional Crema Catalana Recipe: Sweet Spanish Bliss

Crema catalana, a beloved Spanish dessert, dances with creamy elegance and caramelized charm.

Sweet memories of Mediterranean kitchens whisper through its delicate custard base.

Rich egg yolks and aromatic spices enhance simple ingredients into a luxurious treat.

Silky smooth textures contrast beautifully with its crisp, crackling sugar crust.

The dessert embodies centuries of culinary craftsmanship, blending rustic tradition with refined technique.

Subtle hints of citrus and cinnamon elevate this classic delicacy beyond ordinary desserts.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through Spanish culinary heritage.

A Creamy Delight: Traditional Crema Catalana

• Savor Citrusy Elegance: The delicate infusion of lemon and orange zest creates a bright, sophisticated flavor profile that dances on your taste buds, making this dessert a refreshing twist on traditional custard.
• Master a Classic Technique: This recipe teaches the art of tempering eggs, a fundamental cooking skill that transforms simple ingredients into a silky-smooth custard, giving home cooks a chance to feel like professional pastry chefs.
• Dramatic Caramelized Finale: The torch-lit sugar topping delivers a spectacular moment of culinary theater, creating a crisp, golden-brown caramel crust that cracks beautifully with each spoonful, providing a perfect textural contrast to the creamy custard beneath.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the custards a day in advance, allowing busy cooks to have an impressive dessert ready with minimal last-minute effort, making it ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.

What’s in Traditional Crema Catalana

• Milk: Creamy base for the custard, whole milk provides rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Egg Yolks: Provides luxurious richness and silky consistency to the custard.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create caramelized topping, granulated white sugar works best.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard and provides smooth, stable texture.

• Lemon Zest, Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes and aromatic depth to the custard.
• Cinnamon Stick: Introduces warm, subtle spice that complements the creamy dessert.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• Kitchen Torch: Essential for creating the classic caramelized sugar topping.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps prevent skin formation during chilling process.

Creating Traditional Crema Catalana Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Kitchen Tools

Collect a fine mesh strainer, large measuring cup, 6 ramekins, whisk, and heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Step 2: Prepare Egg Base

• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Whisk egg yolks until mixture turns pale and smooth, about 1 minute. Place bowl on damp towel for stability.

Step 3: Craft Flavor-Infused Milk

• Lemon zest
• Orange zest
• Cinnamon stick

Simmer gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Step 4: Blend Milk and Eggs

Remove milk from heat. Extract zest and cinnamon stick using tongs. Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking continuously to create smooth custard.

Step 5: Cook Custard

Return mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until custard thickens and bubbles, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 6: Strain and Chill Custard

Pour custard through mesh strainer into measuring cup. Transfer to ramekins. Cover each with plastic wrap directly touching custard surface. Refrigerate 4-24 hours.

Step 7: Caramelize Sugar Topping

Sprinkle sugar over each custard. Use kitchen torch 4 inches above surface. Move flame in circular motion until sugar turns deep golden brown.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Present chilled custards right after caramelizing to maintain crisp sugar crust.

Tips for Perfect Crema Catalana Every Time

• Zest with Precision: Use a microplane or fine grater to capture only the colorful part of citrus peels, avoiding the bitter white pith for a cleaner, more vibrant flavor.
• Whisk Like a Pro: Keep your whisking motion consistent and gentle to prevent air bubbles and ensure a silky-smooth custard texture.
• Temperature Control Matters: Monitor milk temperature carefully during infusion to extract maximum flavor without scorching or boiling.
• Strain for Smoothness: Always strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve to remove any potential egg lumps and create an ultra-creamy consistency.
• Torch Technique: When caramelizing sugar, move the flame continuously in circular motions to achieve an even, golden-brown crust without burning.

Store and Reheat Traditional Crema Catalana Easily

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the Crema Catalana in sealed ramekins with plastic wrap directly touching the custard surface to prevent skin formation. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, maintaining optimal texture and flavor.
• Cool Before Storing: Allow custards to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. This prevents condensation and potential texture disruption.
• Reheating Caramel Top: When ready to enjoy leftover Crema Catalana, gently torch the sugar surface again to recreate the crispy caramel layer. Use a kitchen torch on low heat, moving in circular motions until the sugar caramelizes evenly and develops a golden-brown crust.

Tasty Combos for Traditional Crema Catalana

• Pair with Citrus-Infused White Wine: Enhance the lemony and orangey notes of Crema Catalana with a crisp Albariño or Verdejo from Spain, which will complement the dessert's zesty undertones and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Almond Biscotti: Serve alongside crunchy almond biscotti to add textural variety and a nutty flavor that harmonizes with the creamy custard's subtle cinnamon and citrus profile.
• Complement with Late Harvest Moscatel: Select a sweet Spanish Moscatel dessert wine, which offers honeyed richness that beautifully balances the caramelized sugar topping and provides a luxurious drinking experience.
• Serve with Fresh Berries: Garnish the dish with a small side of mixed berries like raspberries or strawberries to introduce a bright, tangy element that cuts through the dessert's richness and adds visual appeal.

Fresh Takes on Traditional Crema Catalana

• Lavender Citrus Crema: Swap zests with lavender flowers and add a hint of bergamot extract for an elegant, floral-citrus profile that transforms the traditional recipe into a sophisticated dessert.
• Mexican Chocolate Crema: Mix dark chocolate powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the milk for a rich, spicy version that celebrates Mexican culinary traditions with a warming kick.
• Coconut Rum Crema: Replace regular milk with coconut milk and add a splash of dark rum during custard preparation, creating a tropical-inspired dessert with deep, complex flavors that transport you to Caribbean shores.
• Pistachio Rose Crema: Incorporate ground pistachios into the custard base and sprinkle rosewater-infused sugar on top, offering a Middle Eastern-inspired interpretation with nutty and delicate floral notes.

Traditional Crema Catalana Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crema Catalana whispers sweet memories of Spanish culinary tradition, blending rich custard with caramelized sugar in a delicate dessert. Delightful cinnamon and citrus notes dance across your palate, inviting you to savor this classic Mediterranean treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 8 egg yolks
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

Thickening and Flavoring Agents:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 strip lemon zest
• 1 strip orange zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare equipment by positioning a fine mesh strainer over a large measuring cup or spouted mixing bowl. Gather six 6-ounce (170 grams) ramekins for the dessert.
2. Create a smooth base by whisking ½ cup (100 grams) of sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. Incorporate egg yolks, continuously whisking until the mixture turns pale and silky, approximately 1 minute. Stabilize the bowl on a damp kitchen towel to prevent sliding.
3. Develop rich flavors by heating milk with lemon zest, orange zest, and cinnamon in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
4. Carefully temper the egg mixture by removing the saucepan from heat. Extract zest and cinnamon stick using tongs. Gradually stream the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, continuously whisking to prevent curdling.
5. Transform the liquid into a smooth custard by returning the combined mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until the custard thickens and begins to simmer, around 5 minutes. Continue cooking and whisking for an additional minute after bubbles appear.
6. Refine the texture by straining the custard through the fine mesh sieve into the prepared measuring cup or mixing bowl. Distribute the custard evenly among the ramekins. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap, ensuring direct contact with the custard surface. Refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours, with the custards remaining fresh for up to 4 days.
7. Create the signature caramel topping by sprinkling the reserved ¼ cup (50 grams) of sugar over each custard, using approximately per serving. Activate a kitchen torch, positioning the flame about 4 inches above the sugar. Move the flame in circular motions until the sugar melts and caramelizes to a deep golden brown.
8. Present the dessert immediately to maintain the crisp caramel layer before it softens.

Notes

• Prepare ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking process and have everything at room temperature.
• Use fresh egg yolks and whole milk for the richest, most authentic flavor profile of this classic Spanish dessert.
• Whisking constantly during milk incorporation and cooking prevents lumps and ensures a silky, creamy texture.
• Chilling the custard overnight allows flavors to develop and helps achieve the perfect set consistency.
• Caramelizing sugar requires patience and a steady hand; move the torch in gentle circular motions for even, golden-brown results.
• Serve immediately after torching to enjoy the delightful contrast between the cool, creamy custard and crisp caramel topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 382 kcal
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 385 mg