Burnt sugar dessert

Refined dessert with caramel and wafer

I propose a delicious recipe for a caramel dessert, perfect for impressing your family and friends. This recipe combines the sweetness of caramel with the light texture of whipped cream and the crunch of wafer, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to indulge after a long day, this dessert will bring a smile to everyone's face.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 ml liquid cream
- 15 g gelatin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ sheet of wafer
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- Water, as needed to hydrate the gelatin

A bit of history:
Caramel desserts have a long tradition in many cultures, often associated with festive occasions. Caramel is used not only to sweeten but also to add a touch of elegance and an attractive visual aspect. This dessert represents a modern reinvention of traditional recipes, bringing together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Step by step:

1. Hydrate the gelatin:
Start by placing the gelatin in a small bowl and adding a few tablespoons of cold water. Let it hydrate for about 5-10 minutes. The gelatin will absorb the water and become soft, ready to be integrated into the dessert mixture.

2. Prepare the caramel:
In a small saucepan, add the 2 tablespoons of sugar and place the saucepan over medium heat. Let the sugar melt, stirring occasionally, until it takes on a golden color. Be careful: do not let the sugar become too dark, as it will taste bitter.

3. Add water:
When the sugar is caramelized, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully add a little water (about 2-3 tablespoons). Be cautious, as the steam will be hot. Stir well to dissolve the caramel in the water, then let the mixture cool slightly.

4. Integrate the gelatin:
After the caramel mixture has cooled slightly, add the hydrated gelatin and stir vigorously until fully dissolved. Make sure there are no lumps.

5. Whip the cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the liquid cream together with the seeds from the vanilla pod or with the vanilla extract until you achieve a firm consistency. This will add a wonderful flavor to your dessert.

6. Combine the ingredients:
Gradually fold the caramel and gelatin mixture into the whipped cream. Use a spatula and gently mix from top to bottom to preserve the air in the cream. This step is essential for obtaining a light and fluffy texture.

7. Add the wafer:
Break the wafer sheet into small pieces and add them to the caramel cream. Gently mix to distribute them evenly. They will add a crunchy contrast to the dessert.

8. Pour into a mold:
Grease a mold with a little oil to facilitate the dessert's release. Pour the mixture into the mold and level the surface with a spatula.

9. Cooling:
Cover the mold with plastic wrap and let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This cooling time will allow the gelatin to set and all the flavors to develop.

10. Serving:
Once the dessert has set, carefully invert it onto a serving platter. You can decorate with a few vanilla sprigs or grated chocolate for an elegant look.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want to personalize the recipe, you can add fresh fruits, such as banana slices or strawberries, to the caramel mixture.
- Make sure the cream is well whipped; otherwise, the dessert will have a less airy texture.
- If you don't have wafer, you can use crushed cookies or even a thin cake layer to add a crunchy element.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use vegetarian gelatin? Yes, you can replace gelatin with agar-agar, following the instructions on the package.
- How can I enhance the flavor? Add a few drops of almond or orange essence to intensify the dessert's flavor.

Pair with:
This dessert pairs wonderfully with warm chocolate sauce or vanilla ice cream. You can accompany it with a cup of flavored coffee or green tea for a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
Cream provides calcium and vitamins A and D, while caramel offers a quick source of energy. Of course, as with any dessert, moderation is key.

Prepare this caramel and wafer dessert and enjoy a moment of culinary indulgence! Every bite will be an explosion of flavors and textures, and your loved ones will surely appreciate your effort.