Burnt sugar cream

Crème brûlée - a classic dessert, rich in flavors, that evokes childhood memories and moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. This simple yet impressive recipe is sure to become a favorite among those who appreciate desserts with personality.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Required ingredients:
- 500 ml milk (you can use whole milk for a richer cream)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (regular sugar is perfect, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 4 tablespoons of vanilla sugar (or you can add more, depending on your preferences)
- 4 eggs (choose fresh, country eggs if you have access)
- 1 vial of vanilla essence (Dr. Oetker is a popular option, but you can also use natural vanilla)
- Sugar for caramelizing (about 7 tablespoons, but you can adjust to taste)
- Fresh raspberries for decoration (optional, but adds a fresh note and a pleasant contrast of acidity)

Step by step in preparing crème brûlée:

1. Preparing the base mixture:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and vanilla sugar. It is important to achieve a homogeneous mixture, so use a whisk or a hand mixer. Add the vanilla essence and milk, continuing to mix gently. Make sure all the ingredients are well integrated and you no longer see sugar crystals.

2. Caramelizing the sugar:
In a small saucepan, add the sugar intended for caramelizing (about 7 tablespoons). Heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon to prevent burning. When the sugar begins to melt and turns golden, turn off the heat. Be careful, as melted sugar can reach very high temperatures!

3. Lining the mold:
Once the sugar has caramelized, carefully pour it into the baking mold, ensuring that you evenly cover the walls. This step will create a delicious layer of caramel at the bottom of your cream.

4. Baking:
After pouring the egg and milk mixture into the caramel-lined mold, preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the mold in the oven and bake the cream for 35-40 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the cream to rise evenly.

5. Cooling and decorating:
After the cream is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to develop and stabilize. When serving, you can decorate each portion with fresh raspberries or any other seasonal fruit.

Useful tips:
- Variations of ingredients: You can experiment with adding lemon or orange zest to the egg mixture for extra flavor. Also, a splash of rum or whiskey can add a unique taste.
- Perfect caramelization: When caramelizing sugar, be careful not to leave it on the heat too long, as it can burn and have a bitter taste. A golden color is ideal.
- Toothpick test: You can check if the cream is baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Nutritional benefits:
This crème brûlée is a source of protein due to the eggs, and the milk provides calcium and vitamins. However, it is important to consume this dessert in moderation, considering the sugar content. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I prevent the cream from cracking? Make sure not to open the oven during baking and that the temperature is constant.
- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, almond or coconut milk can be used for a lactose-free version, but the flavor will be different.
- How can I tell when it’s done? The cream should be firm but slightly jiggly in the middle. After cooling, the texture becomes more stable.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Crème brûlée will bring a touch of magic to your desserts and will surely be appreciated by everyone who enjoys it. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 ml milk, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of vanilla sugar, 4 eggs, 1 vial of Dr. Oetker vanilla essence, sugar for caramelizing (I used 7 tablespoons), raspberries for decoration.

 Tags:  burnt sugar cream