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Cozy Crema Catalana Recipe

Cozy Crema Catalana Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Indulge in the classic Spanish dessert Crema Catalana, featuring a silky custard infused with vanilla, citrus zest, and cinnamon, topped with a crisp caramelized sugar layer. This cozy and comforting treat offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and a crunchy caramel crust, ideal for a delightful dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 7 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for caramelizing)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Infuse the Milk: Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the split vanilla bean or vanilla extract, lemon zest, orange zest, and cinnamon stick. Warm over medium heat until just about to boil, then remove from heat and let steep for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt, continuing to whisk until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine and Strain: Strain the infused milk to remove solids and slowly pour it into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  4. Cook the Custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This process typically takes about 10 minutes.
  5. Chill the Custard: Pour the thickened custard into individual ramekins, allow them to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
  6. Caramelize the Top: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar evenly over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden brown, crunchy crust.

Notes

  • Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth custard free of zest and cinnamon pieces.
  • If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar under a broiler but watch closely to avoid burning.
  • The custard can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with coconut or almond milk, though the texture may vary slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crema Catalana, Spanish dessert, custard, caramelized sugar, vanilla bean, citrus zest, cinnamon, traditional dessert

Find it online: https://maicook.com/cozy-crema-catalana-recipe/