Caramel Pudding

Caramel Pudding Recipe from Norway - Milk, Eggs, and Vanilla Bean

Region / culture: Norway | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 90 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Caramel pudding is a classic dessert that is loved by many for its rich and creamy texture, as well as its sweet and decadent flavor. This recipe combines the smoothness of a milk base with the richness of a caramel base, creating a dessert that is sure to impress.

History

Caramel pudding has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the dessert found in many different cultures around the world. The combination of caramelized sugar and creamy custard has been a favorite among dessert lovers for generations.

Ingredients

Milk Base

1 liter of full-fat milk
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
10 large eggs
3 tbsp of sugar

Caramel

5 cups of sugar
1 cup of water

Sugar and Cream Base

3 cups of sugar
1 liter of whipping cream
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
15 egg yolks

How to prepare

For the milk base

Preheat the oven to 150° C (300° F).
Bring the milk and vanilla bean to a boil.
Whisk the eggs and sugar.
Whisk the egg mixture into the boiling milk.
Caramelize the sugar.
Add the water and cook.
Line 3 1 liter molds with the caramel.
Strain the milk mixture, then divide among the molds.
Place a cloth towel in the bottom of an oven tray. Place the molds on the towel.
Add hot water to reach halfway up the molds.
Bake for 90 minutes. Refrigerate until completely cold, then unmold.

For the caramel base

Caramelize the sugar in a frying pan until golden.
Glaze the bottom and sides of a rectangular 2 liter loaf pan with the caramel.
Heat the cream, half of the remaining sugar, and the tiny seeds scraped from the inside of the vanilla bean, along with the bean itself, to the boiling point.
Beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar.
Carefully whisk in the hot cream.
Strain the mixture into the prepared pan.
Bake in a water bath for about 90 minutes. Refrigerate until completely cold.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the caramel for a boozy twist.
Top the pudding with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to caramelize the sugar carefully, as it can burn easily.

- Straining the milk mixture before pouring it into the molds will help ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Baking the pudding in a water bath will help prevent it from curdling and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the caramel pudding chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of caramelized sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Caramelize the sugar carefully to achieve the perfect golden color.

- Use a water bath when baking the pudding to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean if needed.

- Half-and-half can be used in place of whipping cream for a lighter version of the pudding.

Make Ahead Tips

The pudding can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the caramel pudding in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or unmold it onto a serving platter for a more dramatic effect.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the caramel pudding with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a perfect ending to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pudding in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pudding in a warm oven for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 15% of daily value per serving

Iron: 6% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Milk

Summary

This caramel pudding recipe is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Caramel pudding is a classic dessert that is sure to impress with its rich and creamy texture, as well as its sweet and decadent flavor. This recipe combines the smoothness of a milk base with the richness of a caramel base, creating a dessert that is loved by many for its delicious taste.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the countryside. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had invited me into the kitchen to help her make a special dessert for a family gathering.

As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I was struck by the way she moved with such grace and precision. She measured out the ingredients with care, stirring the mixture with a gentle hand. There was something almost mystical about the way she transformed simple ingredients into delicious dishes that brought joy to everyone who tasted them.

On that particular day, she was making her famous Caramel Pudding. I had never tried it before, but the tantalizing aroma that filled the kitchen as it bubbled away on the stove was enough to make my mouth water. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I watched intently as my grandmother showed me each step of the process. She explained that the key to a perfect Caramel Pudding was to caramelize the sugar just right, so that it was golden and fragrant, but not burnt. She showed me how to stir the mixture constantly, so that it didn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

As the pudding cooked, my grandmother told me the story of how she had first learned to make it. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations of our family, she said, each cook adding their own twist to make it uniquely their own.

She told me of the time she had traveled to a neighboring village to visit a friend who was renowned for her cooking. The friend had served her a Caramel Pudding that was so delicious, my grandmother had begged her for the recipe. The friend had chuckled and told her that it was a family secret, passed down from mother to daughter for generations.

My grandmother had been determined to recreate the pudding at home, so she had experimented in the kitchen until she had finally perfected the recipe. She had made it her own, adding a touch of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to give it a warm, comforting flavor that always reminded her of home.

As I listened to her story, I felt a deep connection to the long line of women who had come before me, each one passing down their culinary knowledge to the next generation. I knew that I wanted to carry on that tradition, to learn as much as I could from my grandmother before it was too late.

When the pudding was finally ready, my grandmother spooned it into small bowls and topped it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The first bite was like a revelation – sweet and creamy, with a hint of bitterness from the caramelized sugar. It was the perfect balance of flavors, a symphony of taste that danced on my tongue.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me more of her recipes, to show me the secrets of her kitchen so that I could carry on the tradition of delicious cooking in our family. And she did, patiently guiding me through each dish, sharing her wisdom and her love with me in every spoonful.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a Caramel Pudding for my own family, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The lessons I learned from my grandmother, the recipes that she passed down to me – they are more than just food. They are a connection to my past, a link to my heritage that I will cherish forever.

And as I serve the pudding to my loved ones, watching their faces light up with delight as they take their first bite, I know that I am honoring the legacy of the women who came before me. I am keeping alive the traditions that have nourished us for generations, passing down the recipes and the stories that make us who we are.

The memory of discovering this recipe may be a distant one, but the flavors and the love that it represents will always be close to my heart. And as I take another bite of the creamy, caramel goodness, I know that I am continuing a legacy that will live on for many more generations to come.