Creme Caramel, also known as flan, is a classic dessert with a smooth and creamy texture topped with a rich caramel sauce. Adding coffee flavor to this popular dessert brings a delightful twist to its traditional flavor. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious coffee-flavored cream caramel. We will draw information and insights from a variety of sources, including Bon Appétit, The Flavor Bender, and Martha Stewart.
Ingredients:
– 2 ½ cups whole milk
– ¼ cup coffee beans, roughly chopped
– 1 broad strip of lemon zest
– ½ cup plus ⅔ cup sugar
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
– 6 large eggs
Preparation:
Step 1: Infuse the coffee flavor
1. Combine the whole milk, coarsely ground coffee beans, broad strip of lemon zest, and ½ cup sugar in a small saucepan.
2. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and bean to the saucepan.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. When it simmers, remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the caramel
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Place a 9″ cake pan or a 1½ quart loaf pan next to the stove.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh lemon juice, the remaining ⅔ cup sugar, and ¼ cup water.
4. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This may take about 5 minutes.
5. Be patient and do not rush this step. If the liquid boils before the sugar dissolves, the caramel will not darken properly.
6. When the syrup is clear, stop stirring and reduce the heat to medium.
7. Cook the syrup, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a deep mahogany color and wisps of smoke appear. This indicates that the caramel has reached the desired consistency.
8. Immediately pour the caramel into the cake pan. Tilt the dish quickly to make sure the caramel coats the bottom and a little of the sides. Place the dish in a roasting pan or other ovenproof dish with high sides.
Step 3: Make the custard
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the large eggs to break up slightly.
2. Heat the coffee-infused milk mixture until it is steaming. Gradually pour the steaming milk into the whisked eggs, whisking constantly to combine.
3. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the caramel-lined dish.
Step 4: Bake and Chill
1. Place the baking dish with the pudding mixture in the preheated oven.
2. Pour enough boiling water into the baking pan to reach halfway up the sides of the pan.
3. Bake the creme caramel for about 1½ hours, or until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
4. When baked, remove the pan from the water bath and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
5. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the creme caramel for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days to set.
Step 5: Remove and serve
1. To unmold the caramel, run a thin-bladed knife around the edges of the pan, making sure the knife is flush with the bottom of the pan.
2. Place a large plate over the dish and quickly turn it over. Slowly lift off the plate, allowing the crème caramel to slide out. If necessary, tap the plate against the countertop to help release the dessert.
3. Serve the coffee flavored creme caramel in slices, spooning the caramel sauce over each serving.
Tips for success:
– Adjust the cooking time: Some reviewers suggest baking for about 50 minutes instead of 1½ hours. Keep an eye on the pudding during baking and remove it from the oven when it is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
– Be careful with the coffee beans: When coarsely chopping the coffee beans, try not to crush them too much. This will ensure a balanced coffee flavor without overpowering the dessert.
– Lemon juice and caramel: Adding lemon juice to the caramel helps prevent crystallization. It is recommended to use 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to maintain a subtle coffee flavor and avoid overpowering the caramel flavor.
Conclusion
Creating a coffee-flavored cream caramel is a delightful way to elevate this classic dessert. By infusing the custard with the rich flavor of coffee and complementing it with a rich caramel sauce, you can enjoy a unique and indulgent treat. The process involves infusing milk with coffee and lemon zest, making a caramel sauce, combining the pudding ingredients, baking in a bain-marie, and chilling to set. With the guidance provided in this article and insights from a variety of sources, you can confidently create a delicious coffee-flavored creme caramel to impress your family and friends.
FAQs
How do I make coffee flavored Creme Caramel?
To make coffee-flavored Creme Caramel, you can infuse the custard with the rich aroma of coffee. To do this, combine whole milk, coarsely ground coffee beans, lemon zest, and sugar in a small saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer and infuse for about 30 minutes before straining and adding to the custard base.
What is Caramel Creme Coffee?
Caramel Creme Coffee refers to the combination of a smooth and creamy cream caramel dessert with a rich caramel sauce. The addition of coffee flavor to this dessert adds a delightful twist, enhancing the overall flavor with the richness of coffee.
Why is Caramel in Crème Caramel liquid?
The caramel in Crème Caramel starts out as a liquid because it is made by heating sugar and water together until the sugar caramelizes and turns to a syrupy consistency. When poured into the dish, the caramel coats the bottom and sides, creating a delicious sauce. As the crème caramel bakes, the caramel solidifies slightly but remains soft and gooey.
What is Cream Caramel made from?
Cream caramel is made from a few basic ingredients, including whole milk, sugar, eggs, and flavors such as vanilla or coffee. The custard base is made by combining these ingredients and baking them in a water bath. The caramel sauce is made separately by heating sugar and water until it caramelizes and is poured into the dish before the custard mixture is added.
Can I adjust the coffee flavor in the creme caramel?
Yes, you can adjust the coffee flavor in the Creme Caramel to your liking. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of coffee beans or steep them longer in the milk. Conversely, if you prefer a milder coffee flavor, you can reduce the amount of coffee beans or steep them for a shorter time.
How long does it take for the crème caramel to set?
After baking, the creme caramel must be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days to set properly. This cooling period ensures that the creme caramel reaches the desired consistency and the flavors blend together. The longer the creme caramel is refrigerated, the more time it has to set and develop its flavors.
Can I make Cream Caramel ahead of time?
Yes, Cream Caramel can be made ahead of time. In fact, it is often recommended to make it a day or two in advance to allow it to fully set and develop its flavors. Once the creme caramel has cooled, it can be stored covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.