Crème Caramel (Classic Caramel Custard)

A Silky, Old-World Dessert Made with Eggs and Baked in a Water Bath

Caramel Custard is a timeless dessert loved for its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and its glossy caramel sauce.

Made with simple ingredients — eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla — this elegant custard is gently baked in a water bath (bain-marie) to achieve its signature creaminess.

Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or whenever you want a refined yet easy make-ahead dessert, Caramel Custard never goes out of style.

Once chilled and inverted, the golden caramel flows over the delicate custard, creating a beautiful presentation and an irresistible flavor.

DOWNLOAD PDF OF THIS RECIPE HERE:

CremeCaramelRecipe

⏱️ Cooking Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Chill Time: at least 4 hours
Servings: 6

🛒 Ingredients

For the caramel

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons water

For the custard

• 2 cups whole milk

• 4 large eggs

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the caramel

• Add sugar and water to a small saucepan.

• Heat over medium without stirring until it turns deep amber.

• Immediately pour into ramekins (or one larger mold).

• Swirl quickly to coat the bottom.

⚠️ Caramel is extremely hot — handle with care.

2️⃣ Prepare the custard

• Warm the milk until steaming (do not boil).

• In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar.

• Add vanilla extract.

• Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking gently.

💡 Whisk softly to avoid excess bubbles.

3️⃣ Fill the molds

• Pour custard over the hardened caramel.

• Skim off foam if needed.

4️⃣ Bake in a water bath (bain-marie)

• Place molds in a baking dish.

• Pour hot water halfway up the sides.

• Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50–60 minutes.

• The center should jiggle slightly.

5️⃣ Cool & chill

• Cool at room temperature.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal).

6️⃣ Unmold

• Run a thin knife along edges.

• Invert onto a plate.

• Let the caramel sauce cascade 😍

✨ Tips & Tricks

✔️ Perfect caramel: Remove from heat once it reaches honey-dark color
✔️ No bubbles: Whisk gently, never beat
✔️ Creamier texture: Replace ½ cup milk with heavy cream
✔️ Extra smooth finish: Strain custard before pouring

📊 Nutritional Facts (Approx. per serving)