Go Back
Ramekin with crema catalana on an aqua-green plate and behind a small ramekin with crema catalana on a pink plate.

Best Crema Catalana Recipe

Josefina Almond Yes
Crema Catalana is an easy, simple yet elegant dessert. It's naturally gluten-free, requires only 6 ingredients, and doesn't bake in the oven. This custard is creamy, soft, and perfectly sweet. It's infused with cinnamon and citrus, and topped with a thin layer of caramelized sugar that adds a crunch. You can make the custard in advance and caramelize it when ready to serve.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine Spanish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 8 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar plus 1/2 cup to caramelize
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Cut the rind of the lemon with a vegetable peeler.
  • Place milk, cinnamon stick, and the lemon rind in a deep saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until boiling.
  • In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks, corn starch, and ½ cup of sugar.
  • Strain the milk into the egg mixture while stirring constantly and vigorously with a hand whisk.
  • Strain and pour the mixture back into the cleaned pan. Heat over medium-low heat until boiling and thick. Then remove it from the fire.
  • Place in the desired ramekins and let cool uncovered at room temperature. Once cool, place the ramekins covered in the refrigerator until serving.
  • When ready to serve, sprinkle sugar and caramelize with a blow torch.

Notes

If you are not going to serve it immediately, once it has cooled completely, place the ramekins in the refrigerator and caramelize them when ready to serve.
Keyword cinnamon and citrus flavor, Crema catalana, crema catalana recipe, custard with caramelized sugar, easy dessert, easy gluten-free dessert, naturally gluten-free dessert, no oven dessert, simple dessert, spanish crema catalana, spanish dessert recipe, traditional crema catalana