How to Make Chef John's Creme Caramel - A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to Chef John's Creme Caramel recipe! If you're looking for a decadent and impressive dessert to wow your guests, this classic French dessert is the perfect choice. Creme caramel, also known as flan, is a smooth and creamy custard topped with a rich caramel sauce. It's elegant, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

One of the things I love most about creme caramel is...

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Ingredients

  • cooking spray
  • ½ cup (scant) white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup creme fraiche
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon orange cognac (such as Grand Marnier®)

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Additional Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 (6.5 oz.) creme caramels

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly spray 4 heatproof 6.5-oz. ramekins with vegetable spray. Place ramekins in a casserole dish.
  • Place 1/2 cup sugar in a small, heavy, dry skillet over medium heat. When sugar begins to melt around the edges, gently shake the pan continually, swirling sugar around, until all the sugar melts; don't use utensils to stir. When sugar is completely melted and dark brown, remove the pan from heat.
  • Quickly pour equal amounts of caramel syrup into the 4 prepared ramekins.
  • Place 1 egg and 3 egg yolks in a bowl with a pinch of salt and 1/4 cup sugar. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and mixture becomes frothy, about 1 minute.
  • Spoon the creme fraiche into the egg mixture; add the milk, vanilla, and Grand Marnier. Whisk together until ingredients are completely mixed.
  • Ladle mixture into the prepared ramekins, filling them about 2/3 to 3/4 full.
  • Fill casserole with hot tap water to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Place casserole on middle rack of preheated oven.
  • Bake until just barely set, 45 to 50 minutes. You can start checking for doneness at about 40 minutes.
  • Using tongs, remove the ramekins from the casserole to a cooling rack. When just slightly warm, run a sharp paring knife around the edge of each custard.
  • To unmold, cover ramekin with a small plate, then invert. Chill before serving.
  • Nutrition

    328 cal.

    • Total Fat: 17g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 244mg
    • Sodium: 191mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 41g
    • Total Sugars: 40g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Calcium: 58mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 76mg