Burnt sugar cream in mini forms

Happy Mărțișor Day! Wishing you a wonderful spring alongside your loved ones! In the spirit of the celebration, we have prepared a delicious crème caramel in mini forms, a dessert that brings joy and warmth in every bite. This simple yet refined recipe will delight your taste buds and add a touch of nostalgia to your life. Let's get started!

About Crème Caramel
Crème caramel, also known as caramel custard, is a classic dessert loved by sweet enthusiasts around the world. It has evolved over time, with each culture adding its personal touch. Its smooth texture and sweet-sour flavor of caramel give it a unique charm, and preparing it in mini forms adds an element of elegance.

Ingredients for Mini Crème Caramel (4 servings)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelization)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the mixture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole for a creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or a vanilla pod)

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Baking time: 35-45 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
- Number of servings: 4

Step-by-step Preparation Process

1. Making the Caramel
Start by placing 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and a tablespoon of water in a small saucepan. Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Then stop stirring and let the sugar caramelize. Be very careful, as the caramel can burn quickly, becoming bitter. When you achieve a dark golden color, remove the saucepan from heat.

2. Forming the Mini Molds
Evenly divide the caramel into your approximately 250 ml molds. Rotate the molds to evenly coat the bottom. This step is essential for achieving a perfect layer of caramel that will deliciously combine with the custard.

3. Preparing the Milk Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk the two eggs with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

4. Filling the Molds
Pour the milk and egg mixture over the caramel layer in each mold, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion during baking.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the mini molds in a deep baking tray and pour hot water into the tray until it reaches halfway up the sides of the molds. This process is called water bath baking (bain-marie) and helps achieve a fine and creamy texture. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the custard is golden on top and feels firm to the touch.

6. Cooling and Serving
Once ready, remove the molds from the oven and let them cool on a cloth. Then, refrigerate them for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight). This resting time will allow the flavors to intensify and the custard to set perfectly.

Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve the crème caramel, you can invert it onto a deep plate, letting the caramel flow over. You can add some fresh fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a contrast of color and a touch of freshness. A mint leaf will add a note of elegance.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This crème caramel contains approximately 200 calories per serving. It provides a good source of protein due to the eggs and milk. Additionally, vanilla can offer calming effects, being associated with improving mood.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, you can use almond or soy milk, but the texture will be slightly different. Make sure to choose a type of milk that doesn't have a strong taste, so it doesn't alter the final flavor.

- What if the caramel hardened?
If the caramel has hardened too much, you can reuse it by gently heating it on the stove until it becomes liquid again.

- Do I need special molds?
If you don’t have mini molds, you can use heatproof cups or even a larger baking dish, but the baking time will vary.

Possible Variations
To give your crème caramel a distinct touch, you can experiment with various flavors, such as:
- Lemon: Add grated lemon zest to the milk mixture for a citrusy note.
- Cocoa: Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa into the mixture for a chocolate custard.

This mini crème caramel recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor. It’s perfect for enjoying in quiet moments or impressing guests at an elegant dinner. Try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!