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Delicious Salted Caramel Dessert Recipe with Creamy Caramel Custard

salted caramel dessert - featured image

A comforting and luxurious dessert featuring rich salted caramel paired with silky smooth creamy caramel custard. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself with a simple yet elegant recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 5 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon as the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color (about 8-10 minutes). Once the color is rich and golden, carefully add 3 tablespoons (42 g) softened unsalted butter and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Stir until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and slowly pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, whisking continuously. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place ramekins in a baking dish large enough to hold them all.
  3. Make the Custard Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk 5 large egg yolks until smooth. In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat gently until just warm (do not boil). Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
  4. Combine Caramel and Custard: Slowly whisk the cooled salted caramel sauce into the custard mixture. For extra smoothness, strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
  5. Fill the Ramekins: Divide the custard evenly among ramekins. Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins, creating a water bath to cook the custard gently.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when gently shaken.
  7. Cool & Chill: Remove ramekins from the water bath and let cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
  8. Serve: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top before serving to enhance the salted caramel flavor. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Notes

Watch the caramel carefully as it cooks to avoid burning. Temper the eggs slowly to prevent scrambling. Use a water bath for gentle cooking and a silky custard texture. Chill overnight for best flavor and texture. Sprinkle flaky sea salt before serving to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel dessert, caramel custard, creamy custard, easy dessert, homemade caramel, custard recipe, crowd-pleaser dessert