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Crème caramel is a classic dessert that combines a rich, creamy custard with a smooth caramel sauce. When prepared using sous vide, it achieves an unparalleled silky texture that will impress any guest. This guide walks you through the steps to make perfect sous vide crème caramel at home.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparation Steps
Start by making the caramel. In a saucepan, heat ½ cup of sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Carefully pour the caramel into ramekins, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, remaining sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Warm the milk slightly and gradually add it to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Strain the custard mixture through a fine sieve to ensure smoothness. Pour the custard into the caramel-coated ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.
Place the ramekins into a sous vide bag or a large zip-top bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Fill a large container with water and set your sous vide cooker to 176°F (80°C). Submerge the bag and cook for 1 hour.
Finishing and Serving
After cooking, carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath. Let them cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
To serve, run a knife around the edges of the ramekins, then invert onto serving plates. The caramel will flow over the custard, creating a glossy, silky sauce. Garnish with fresh berries or mint if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure the water temperature remains steady during cooking.
- Don’t skip the straining step to keep the custard ultra-smooth.
- Refrigerate thoroughly to set the custard properly.
With these steps, you can create a luxurious, silky crème caramel that will wow your guests and elevate your dessert game. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy custard and rich caramel in every bite!