Crema catalana

Indulge in the classic Spanish dessert, Crema Catalana, with this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring light sour cream, a hint of cinnamon, fragrant vanilla, vibrant orange zest, and creamy yolks, this dish is perfectly sweetened with sugar and thickened with a blend of corn and all-purpose flours. Ideal for a gourmet touch to your dinner party or a special treat for yourself.

  • 17 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 10 min
  • Prep time 85 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 8 Ingredients

Crema catalana

Crema Catalana is a traditional Spanish dessert that dates back to the 18th century. This creamy custard dessert is often compared to France's Crème Brûlée, but has a distinct flavor profile marked by citrus and cinnamon. It's a delightful treat that combines simplicity and elegance, making it a favorite in many households.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup light sour cream
72g
1 cinnamon stick
3g
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2g
2 tbsp orange zest
30g
6 yolks
100g
3/4 cup sugar
170g
2 tbsp corn flour
30g
1 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
16g

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Sour Cream:
- In a small saucepan, combine the light sour cream with the cinnamon stick.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer gently.
- Remove from heat, add the vanilla extract, and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and set the infused sour cream aside.
2. Prepare the Zest:
- While the sour cream is being infused, grate the zest of an orange to get 2 tablespoons of orange zest.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the corn flour and all-purpose flour. Mix well to ensure there are no lumps.
4. Beat the Egg Yolks and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
- Gradually add the infused sour cream to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
- Once well combined, add the orange zest and mix thoroughly.
6. Thicken the Custard:
- Place the mixture back into the saucepan and bring to a medium-low heat.
- Gradually whisk in the flour mixture, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
7. Cool and Set:
- Once thickened, remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps and the orange zest.
- Pour the strained custard into individual serving dishes or ramekins.
- Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
8. Caramelize the Sugar (Optional for Serving):
- Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top of each custard.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crisp. If you don't have a kitchen torch, place the ramekins under a broiler, but watch closely to avoid burning.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Crema Catalana immediately for the best texture, and enjoy the delicate balance of creamy custard and crisp caramelized sugar topping!

Tips:

- Make sure to whisk continuously when adding the warm cream to the egg yolk mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of orange liqueur to the custard mixture.

- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar under the broiler in your oven. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

- Be patient when cooking the custard. Cooking it over low heat and stirring constantly ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

- You can prepare the crema catalana a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Caramelize the sugar just before serving for the best results.

Crema Catalana is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the rich flavors of vanilla, orange, and cinnamon. The creamy custard, topped with a crisp layer of caramelized sugar, offers a delightful contrast in textures. This dessert is perfect for impressing guests or for treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size110 grams
Energy
Calories 330kcal16%
Protein
Protein 6g4%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 55g15%
Fiber 0.83g2%
Sugar 44g43%
Fat
Fat 10g11%
Saturated 3.71g12%
Cholesterol 280mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 120ug13%
Choline 210mg39%
Vitamin B1 0.11mg9%
Vitamin B2 0.18mg14%
Vitamin B3 0.52mg3%
Vitamin B6 0.11mg6%
Vitamin B9 50ug13%
Vitamin B12 0.58ug24%
Vitamin C 0.20mg0%
Vitamin E 1.52mg10%
Vitamin K 0.52ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 70mg5%
Copper, Cu 0.04mg5%
Iron, Fe 1.17mg11%
Magnesium, Mg 7mg2%
Phosphorus, P 130mg10%
Potassium, K 90mg3%
Selenium, Se 16ug30%
Sodium, Na 30mg2%
Zinc, Zn 0.79mg7%
Water
Water 30g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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