Spanish Burnt Cream Recipe

Introduction

Spanish Burnt Cream Recipe is a rich, smooth, and creamy dessert that feels fancy but is actually very simple to make at home. Many people know this dessert by names like crema catalana, which is one of the most loved sweets from Spain. It has a soft custard base and a thin layer of crispy burnt sugar on top. When you tap the top with a spoon, it cracks and makes a lovely sound. Under that crisp top is a silky cream that melts in your mouth. This dessert looks like something from a fine restaurant, yet you can prepare it in your own kitchen with basic ingredients.

People love Spanish Burnt Cream Recipe because it gives two textures in one bite. First you get the crunchy sweet sugar layer, then the smooth creamy custard below. The flavor is gentle and comforting, often made with milk, egg yolks, sugar, and light citrus or cinnamon notes. It is not too heavy and not too sweet, which makes it perfect after a meal. Even people who do not usually eat desserts enjoy this one. It feels special, but it does not feel too rich. That balance is one big reason why families keep making it again and again.

You can make Spanish Burnt Cream Recipe for many moments in life. It is perfect for dinner parties, birthdays, family weekends, or romantic meals at home. It is also a good choice when you want to impress guests without too much stress. The recipe is friendly for beginners and does not require expert baking skills. Some people like to prepare it as a comfort dessert after a long day. Others enjoy it as a chilled sweet treat during warm weather. No matter the reason, it brings a feeling of joy and warmth with every spoon.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here are the ingredients for a classic Spanish Burnt Cream Recipe. These amounts make about 4 servings.

4 cups whole milk
6 large egg yolks
3 by 4 cup white sugar for the custard
4 tablespoons white sugar for the burnt top layer
2 tablespoons corn starch
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest from 1 lemon or 1 orange
A small pinch of salt

Step by Step Method

Step 1
Pour the milk into a medium saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick and the lemon or orange zest. Place the pan on medium heat. Let the milk warm slowly. Do not let it boil. You just want it hot and gently steaming. Stir once in a while so it does not stick at the bottom.

Step 2
While the milk is heating, take a mixing bowl and add the egg yolks and sugar. Use a whisk and mix until the color becomes lighter and the texture looks smooth. This may take about two to three minutes. Add the corn starch and salt. Mix again until there are no lumps.

Step 3
When the milk is hot, remove the cinnamon stick and zest pieces. Slowly pour a small amount of hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking. This step is important so the eggs do not cook too fast. Keep whisking while you pour. This process is called warming the eggs gently.

Step 4
Now pour the egg and milk mixture back into the saucepan. Place it again on low to medium heat. Stir all the time with a wooden spoon or whisk. Make sure you reach the bottom edges while stirring. After a few minutes the mixture will start to thicken. It should look like a smooth cream. Do not let it boil or it may turn grainy.

Step 5
When the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, turn off the heat. Add the vanilla extract and stir well. Taste a tiny bit carefully. It should be creamy and lightly sweet with a soft spice smell.

Step 6
Pour the custard into small serving bowls or ramekins. Fill each one evenly. Let them cool at room temperature for about thirty minutes. Then place them in the fridge for at least two hours. They should be fully cold before you add the sugar top.

Step 7
When you are ready to serve, sprinkle about one tablespoon of sugar over each custard bowl. Spread it evenly so it covers the full surface.

Step 8
Use a kitchen torch to heat the sugar until it melts and turns golden brown. Move the flame slowly in small circles. The sugar will bubble and then become a hard glass like layer. If you do not have a torch, you can place the bowls under a very hot oven grill for a short time. Watch closely so it does not burn too much.

Step 9
Let the sugar top cool for one or two minutes. It will become crisp. Your Spanish Burnt Cream Recipe is now ready to enjoy. Tap the top with your spoon and enjoy the crack and cream texture.

Why This Recipe Is Special

Spanish Burnt Cream Recipe is special because it gives a luxury dessert feeling with very simple steps. You do not need many ingredients and you do not need an oven for the custard part. The method is gentle and easy to follow, which makes it perfect for new cooks. It also teaches basic custard skills that you can use in other desserts.

Another reason this recipe stands out is the flavor. The light citrus zest and cinnamon give a fresh and warm taste at the same time. It is different from many heavy cream desserts. The milk base makes it feel lighter while still being rich enough to satisfy sweet cravings.

From a health point of view, this dessert is portion friendly. It is served in small cups, which helps with control. It also has protein from egg yolks and calcium from milk. While it is still a sweet dessert, it can fit into a balanced eating plan when enjoyed in moderation. The strong flavor also means a small serving feels enough.

Extra Tips for Better Taste

Use whole milk for the best creamy texture. Low fat milk will work, but the result will not be as rich and smooth.

Do not rush the heating step. Slow heat keeps the custard silky. High heat can cause lumps and a cooked egg taste.

Whisk constantly when the mixture is on the stove. This keeps the texture even and prevents sticking.

Strain the custard through a fine sieve before pouring into bowls if you want extra smooth cream. This removes any tiny cooked egg bits.

Chill the custard fully before adding the sugar top. A cold base helps the burnt sugar layer stay crisp longer.

Try flavor changes once you are comfortable with the basic Spanish Burnt Cream Recipe. You can add a little orange extract, a touch of coffee powder, or even a spoon of cocoa to the milk.

Use fine white sugar for the top layer because it melts more evenly and creates a better glass like crust.

Serve with fresh berries or sliced fruit on the side for color and freshness.

Final Thoughts

Spanish Burnt Cream Recipe is one of those desserts that looks impressive but is friendly for home cooks. It brings together simple ingredients and turns them into something elegant and comforting. The creamy base and crisp sugar top create a perfect contrast that people remember. Whether you are making it for guests or just for yourself, it adds a special touch to any meal. Once you try it one time, you will feel more confident and will likely make it again and again.

Nutrition Details

Below is an approximate nutrition guide for the full recipe and for one serving. Values can change based on ingredient brands and portion size.

Nutrition for full recipe

Calories about 1200
Protein about 32 grams
Carbohydrates about 140 grams
Fat about 52 grams
Sugar about 120 grams
Calcium high
Fiber very low

Nutrition per serving based on 4 servings

Calories about 300
Protein about 8 grams
Carbohydrates about 35 grams
Fat about 13 grams
Sugar about 30 grams
Calcium moderate
Fiber very low