Caramel pudding

Caramel pudding: a quick and delicious treat

If you're looking for a simple yet spectacular dessert, caramel pudding is the perfect choice. This recipe is ideal for those moments when you want to impress with something sweet, but don’t have much time. It’s a quick and easy recipe that will bring a smile to anyone who loves caramel.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 400 ml milk (preferably whole for a creamier texture)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (brown sugar can add an extra note of caramelization)
- 25 g cornstarch (to thicken the pudding)

Necessary utensils

- Thick-bottomed pot (for caramelization)
- Whisk or silicone spatula
- Serving cups or dessert molds

Step by step for caramel pudding

1. Caramelizing the sugar
Start by adding the 4 tablespoons of sugar to a thick-bottomed pot. Place it on medium heat and let the sugar melt. Watch it transform into caramel. It’s important to stir occasionally, but carefully, to avoid burning. The more you caramelize the sugar, the stronger the caramel flavor will be, but be careful not to burn it, or it will taste bitter.

2. Adding the milk
Once the sugar has melted and turned a golden hue, carefully add 400 ml of hot milk. Watch out for the steam that will form! Stir constantly to dissolve all the caramel into the milk. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until the caramel is completely melted, and the composition becomes homogeneous.

3. Preparing the cornstarch
In a small bowl, take a few tablespoons of the caramelized milk mixture and add the cornstarch. Mix well with a whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This step is crucial to avoid lumps in the pudding.

4. Thickening the pudding
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot with the caramelized milk. Continue to stir with the whisk over medium heat until the mixture thickens. This should take a few minutes. Once the pudding has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat.

5. Cooling and serving
Pour the pudding into cups or dessert molds and let it cool to room temperature. After it has cooled, you can place it in the refrigerator to set even better. Serve the caramel pudding decorated with whipped cream, toasted nuts, or grated chocolate for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical tips

- For a more intense flavor: Experiment with different types of sugar. Brown or coconut sugar can provide a richer aroma.
- Adding flavors: You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the caramel taste.
- Variations: If you want to make a chocolate caramel pudding, add a few cubes of dark chocolate during the thickening process.
- Serving: This pudding pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea for a perfect meal finale.

Nutritional information

A serving of caramel pudding has approximately 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the servings served. This pudding is a good source of calcium due to the milk, and the cornstarch helps maintain energy.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, you can use almond, soy, or coconut milk to make this vegan pudding. Make sure the chosen milk has a creamy texture.

- How can I store the pudding?
Caramel pudding keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

- Can the pudding be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze the pudding, as the texture may change after thawing.

A personal note

This caramel pudding reminds me of warm summer evenings spent with family, when we gathered around the table and enjoyed simple yet love-filled desserts. Every word in the recipe is filled with cherished memories, and each serving is an invitation to create new special moments.

Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe is a story we can share. So let’s enjoy this caramel pudding and bring a touch of sweetness into our lives!