Crema Catalana is Spain’s version of crème brûlée, but with its own distinct flavors. This iconic Spanish dessert is made with milk instead of cream, and it incorporates citrus peels (lemon and orange) and cinnamon for a unique taste. Unlike crème brûlée, it doesn’t require a water bath and is cooked entirely on the stovetop, making it easier to prepare. The dish is typically served chilled, topped with a caramelized sugar crust, and often accompanied by a strong coffee or dessert wine.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 ½ cups whole milk

• 1 large piece lemon peel (including pith)

• 1 large piece orange peel (including pith)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 5 large egg yolks

• ½ cup white sugar (preferably caster/superfine)

• Additional sugar for caramelization

• Fresh fruit or berries for decoration (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Milk:

   • Pour the milk into a small, heavy-based saucepan. Add the lemon peel, orange peel, and cinnamon stick. Heat over medium until it begins to simmer, then remove from heat.

2. Make the Cornstarch Slurry:

   • Dissolve the cornstarch in a splash of water to create a slurry.

3. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale yellow. Add the cornstarch slurry and continue whisking to combine.

4. Combine the Mixtures:

   • Slowly pour a splash of the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

5. Finish the Custard:

   • Remove the citrus peels and cinnamon stick from the milk. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the milk, whisking continuously. Turn the heat to low and keep whisking until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency.

6. Pour into Ramekins:

   • Remove the custard from heat and divide it among six 6-ounce ramekins or traditional clay dishes. Press plastic wrap onto the surface of each custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

7. Caramelize the Sugar:

   • Once the custards are chilled, remove the plastic wrap. Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each custard. Use a blowtorch or place the ramekins under the broiler to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.

8. Serve:

   • Serve the crema catalana immediately, optionally garnished with fresh berries for an extra touch.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 195.57 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 27.34g

• Protein: 5.68g

• Fat: 7.31g

  • Saturated Fat: 3.33g

• Cholesterol: 172.92mg

• Sodium: 51.84mg

• Potassium: 164.76mg

• Fiber: 0.67g

• Sugar: 23.45g

• Vitamin A: 414.98 IU

• Vitamin C: 2.91mg

• Calcium: 143.92mg

• Iron: 0.55mg

The Key Ingredients that Define Crema Catalana

The beauty of Crema Catalana lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each contributing to its rich flavor and smooth texture. The base of the dessert is whole milk, which gives the custard a lighter and more delicate consistency compared to the heavier cream used in crème brûlée. The use of milk also makes the dessert slightly less rich, allowing the other flavors to shine through.

The standout flavors of Crema Catalana come from the citrus peels—lemon and orange—and the warm spice of cinnamon. These ingredients give the custard a unique, aromatic profile that is subtly sweet and refreshing. The citrus peels infuse the milk with their zest, while the cinnamon stick adds a fragrant warmth that complements the creamy custard. The combination of these elements makes Crema Catalana a dessert that is both familiar and refreshingly different.

A Stovetop Custard: Easy and Quick to Prepare

One of the reasons Crema Catalana is so beloved is because it is incredibly easy to make. Unlike crème brûlée, which requires a water bath and baking, Crema Catalana is made entirely on the stovetop, simplifying the process without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture. The first step is to infuse the milk with the citrus peels and cinnamon, which creates the aromatic base for the custard.

While the milk is simmering, you prepare the cornstarch slurry and whisk the egg yolks and sugar together. This mixture is gradually combined with the milk to create a smooth custard. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to constantly whisk the custard while it thickens, ensuring it doesn’t scramble. Once thickened, the custard is poured into ramekins or traditional clay dishes, where it will set in the fridge.

The Caramelized Sugar Crust: The Perfect Finishing Touch

One of the most defining features of Crema Catalana, like its French cousin crème brûlée, is the caramelized sugar topping. After the custards have chilled, a thin layer of sugar is sprinkled on top of each one. This sugar is then caramelized using either a kitchen blowtorch or by placing the ramekins under the broiler, creating a crispy, golden layer of caramel that contrasts beautifully with the smooth custard beneath.

The key to getting the perfect caramelized top is to ensure the sugar is spread evenly and that it is melted and browned to a golden crisp without burning. The crispy topping adds both texture and a delightful sweetness to the dessert, making each bite a delicious balance of creamy custard and crunchy caramel.

Serving and Presentation: A Beautiful, Refreshing Dessert

Crema Catalana is traditionally served in individual ramekins or clay dishes, which give the dessert an authentic, rustic presentation. The bright flavors of the citrus peels, cinnamon, and the smooth custard are perfect for a light, refreshing dessert after a hearty meal.

For an added touch, Crema Catalana can be garnished with fresh berries or fruit. The sweetness and acidity of the berries contrast nicely with the rich, creamy custard, adding a burst of freshness to the dessert. If you prefer, you can also add a sprig of mint or a dusting of cinnamon to enhance the aromatic profile.

Crema Catalana is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it after a special dinner, at a family gathering, or as a sweet treat for a celebration. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it a showstopper on any dessert table.

Nutritional Breakdown of Crema Catalana

Crema Catalana, like many custard-based desserts, is rich in both flavor and nutrients. A typical serving of this dessert contains around 195–200 calories, with the majority of those calories coming from the natural sugars in the milk and the added sugar for caramelization. The dessert also contains a significant amount of protein (from the egg yolks), as well as a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the milk and egg yolks.

While this dessert is rich and indulgent, it also provides a good amount of calcium, contributing to bone health, as well as a small amount of iron. The vitamin A content is also notable, thanks to the egg yolks, which help to support healthy vision and immune function.

Why Crema Catalana is a Must-Try Dessert

Crema Catalana is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves traditional Spanish cuisine or is a fan of custard-based treats. Its unique combination of citrus, cinnamon, and creamy custard makes it stand out from other desserts. It is a perfect balance of richness and freshness, offering a refreshing alternative to the classic crème brûlée. The added crunch of the caramelized sugar crust and the option to garnish with fresh fruit make Crema Catalana a visually appealing dessert that will impress your guests.

Not only is it easy to make, but it also doesn’t require the same level of precision as other custard-based desserts, making it more approachable for home cooks. Whether you are new to Spanish desserts or a long-time fan, Crema Catalana offers a delicious taste of Spain that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Conclusion: A Spanish Classic to Savor

Crema Catalana is a dessert that blends the elegance of French crème brûlée with the vibrant, aromatic flavors of Spanish citrus and cinnamon. This custard dessert is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a stovetop and a few simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you enjoy it on a warm summer evening or as a comforting end to a hearty meal, Crema Catalana will leave you with a smile on your face and a satisfied appetite.

With its smooth, creamy texture, aromatic flavors, and caramelized sugar topping, Crema Catalana is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a truly memorable dessert. If you’re looking to add a new classic to your dessert repertoire, Crema Catalana is a delightful choice that is sure to become a favorite.