Italian recipes
  1. Home
  2. Recipe types
  3. Desserts
  4. Catalan custard
Desserts

Catalan custard

⏱ 30 min🍳 20 min👤 2 pp★★★★☆

‘Catalan custard’ is a classic of Spanish cuisine: it's so good that from its region of origin, Catalonia, the region of Spain where Barcelona is located, it has been ‘exported’ practically all over the world. Very quick and easy to prepare, it is enjoyed by all lovers of good food, young or old. Catalan custard is ideal for impressing your guests, as a dessert for a special dinner or lunch party, and for other celebratory occasions. It is made in individual portions that can be flavoured by other ingredients, such as fruit, sweet sauces, mint leaves etc. When you taste Catalana custard you may be surprised by its spicy flavour, due to the cinnamon that goes perfectly with the classic crispness of the caramelized sugar crust. To finish this crust perfectly, you should use a chef’s flame; alternatively, you can caramelize the surface using a very hot grill. And now let’s make this fantastic dessert together!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
68g
Fat
12g
Fiber
0g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
20 minutes Active time
Serves 2 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Dissolve the cornflour in a little milk. Pour the remaining milk into a saucepan and add half the sugar. Season the milk with a little ground cinnamon. Add the vanilla seeds from a vanilla pod, removing them with a knife. Grate the zest of one lemon into the milk and bring it to the boil. Meanwhile, add the sugar to 4 egg yolks and beat well with a whisk. Add the dissolved cornflour to the mixture. Strain the flavoured milk and, whilst still hot, also pour it into the sugary egg mixture. Then return it to the heat in a saucepan and bring to a boil until you get a thick liquid. Pour the liquid into suitable individual bowls and let them cool in the fridge. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Caramelize the sugar with a chef’s flame until a crust of caramelized sugar.

Tips
Catalan custard is prepared in individual servings: consider using ramekins which are at least 4-5cm in diameter. You can decorate them with fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries; or with mouth-watering sauces, such as chocolate or caramel sauce; or with chocolate chips or nuts.
Trivia
Catalan custard is a famous Spanish dessert, traditionally from Catalonia, which is prepared for the feast of St. Joseph. It is inspired by crème brûlée, a classic French dessert. If your Catalan custard is not eaten straightaway it can be kept for a maximum of one day.

Step by step

Catalan custard
Catalan custard
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Catalan Cream with Vanilla and Lemon

One of the most appreciated variations of Catalan Cream is the one enriched with a mix of vanilla and lemon. This preparation enhances the fresh and aromatic flavors, making the dessert even more enveloping. To make it, you start by dissolving the cornstarch with a bit of milk, while in a saucepan, you heat the remaining milk together with half of the sugar. The addition of a vanilla pod and grated lemon zest brings a touch of freshness that pairs well with the sweetness of the dish. Once the milk is ready, it is combined with well-beaten egg yolks, creating a velvety and fragrant cream, perfect to enjoy on any occasion.

Spanish Catalan Cream with Cinnamon

Catalan Cream is a traditional preparation from Spain, particularly popular in Catalonia. This classic variation includes the use of cinnamon, which gives a characteristic and aromatic flavor to the dessert. The preparation follows a similar procedure to that of Crème Brûlée, but the main difference lies in the use of cinnamon and the fact that flavored milk is used with the vanilla pod. Once cooked, the cream is cooled and served with a sprinkle of caramelized sugar on the surface, creating a crunchy crust that contrasts with the softness of the underlying cream. This dish is ideal for ending a meal in a sweet and refined way.

Light Catalan Cream without Sugar

For those who want to enjoy Catalan Cream without guilt, there is a light version that does not use sugar. In this preparation, natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup can be used, while still maintaining the flavor of the original dessert. The cornstarch and egg yolks remain the same, contributing to a creamy and inviting consistency. Additionally, the addition of flavors like vanilla and cinnamon is essential to enhance the taste, making this light version an ideal option for those following a controlled diet. Preparing a light Catalan Cream is simple and allows you to enjoy a delicious dessert without sacrificing flavor.

Benefits of Catalan Cream and Approximate Calories

Catalan Cream, although a dessert, also offers some benefits thanks to the ingredients used. Egg yolks, for example, provide proteins and vitamins, while milk is a source of calcium. Lemon, with its antioxidant properties, adds freshness and a touch of health to the dessert. Additionally, cinnamon is known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Regarding calories, a serving of Catalan Cream can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions served. It is important to enjoy this dessert in moderation, to fully appreciate its benefits without overdoing the calories.

Can Catalan Cream be stored in the refrigerator?

Yes, Catalan Cream can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. It is advisable to cover the surface of the cream with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Before serving, it is important to caramelize the surface again if you wish to enjoy it with the crunchy crust. If prepared in advance, it is best to prepare the caramel only at the time of serving, to ensure the best tasting experience. If left too long, the cream may lose freshness, so it is always better to consume it within 2-3 days of preparation.