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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Creme Caramel Custard

This Creme Caramel Custard is a luxurious yet simple French-inspired dessert made with basic pantry ingredients. A rich vanilla custard is baked over homemade caramel until silky and tender, then chilled and unmolded to reveal a glossy caramel topping. Elegant enough for dinner parties, yet comforting for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel:
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
For the Custard:
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Prepare a baking dish for a water bath.
  2. Make caramel by heating sugar and water until deep amber. Pour into ramekins.
  3. Warm milk until just heated.
  4. Gently whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar. Slowly add warm milk. Stir in vanilla.
  5. Strain and pour custard into ramekins.
  6. Bake in water bath for about 45 minutes.
  7. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/creme-caramel-custard/

Notes

  • Use fresh eggs and whole milk for the creamiest texture.
  • Don’t stir the caramel while it cooks to prevent crystallization.
  • Make ahead—this dessert is best chilled for several hours or overnight.