Crema Catalana

How to make Crema Catalana

Prep Time:  15 minutes, plus chilling        |        Cook Time:  15 minutes        |        Serves:  4

Ingredients

• 375ml Farmdale long life full cream milk
• 125ml thickened cream
• 1 navel orange
• 1 lemon
  
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 5 egg yolks
• 80g White Mill caster sugar, plus extra for caramelising
• 20g White Mill cornflour
  
• Charred mandarin or orange slices, to serve (optional)

Method

1. Place the milk and cream into a heavy-based saucepan. Remove the orange and lemon skin with a peeler and add it to the milk and cream with the cinnamon. Bring to a very gentle simmer for 5 minutes. Strain into a bowl, discard the peel and pour the mixture back in the saucepan off the heat.
2. Place the egg yolks, sugar and cornflour together in a mixing bowl and whisk until pale. Add about a cup of the warm milk and cream and whisk until smooth, then whisk the whole lot back into the saucepan with the warm milk and cream.
3. Cook on a low heat for 5 minutes or until it thickens, stirring constantly. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
4. Pour into 4 x wide and shallow, 175ml heatproof dishes. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely set.
5. When ready to serve, remove the cling film and sprinkle the tops evenly with about 1 tablespoon of caster sugar per dish. Use a blowtorch to cook the sugar to a nice, deep amber colour. Allow the sugar to harden, then serve with charred mandarin or orange slices (if using).

Optional  

If you don’t have a blowtorch, you can burn the sugar under a very hot overhead grill.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crema Catalana

What is the difference between crema catalana and crème brulee?

Crema catalana is a Spanish custard flavoured with cinnamon and citrus peel, while crème brûlée is French and usually uses vanilla. Both have a caramelised sugar topping, but the flavours and texture differ.

How to make crema catalana?

Gently heat milk and cream with orange and lemon peel plus cinnamon. Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornflour, then mix with the warm milk. Cook slowly until thickened, chill, and sprinkle with sugar before caramelising.

What is crema catalana?

Crema catalana is a traditional Spanish dessert: a smooth custard flavoured with citrus and cinnamon, topped with a crisp caramelised sugar layer.