Irish Caramel Custard

Authentic Irish Caramel Custard Recipe - Traditional Dessert from Ireland

Region / culture: Ireland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Irish Caramel Custard is a delicious and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the rich flavors of caramel with a smooth custard base, creating a decadent treat that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Caramel custard, also known as flan or crème caramel, has been a popular dessert in many cultures for centuries. The Irish version of this classic dessert adds a unique twist with the addition of brown sugar, giving it a rich and caramelized flavor.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of brown sugar
2 eggs + 2 egg whites
0.25 cup of granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
a pinch of salt (0.13 tsp)
2 cups of scalded whole milk
0.5 tsp of XX strength vanilla extract, if desired

How to prepare

Spray a 3 qt (2.84 liter) baking dish or mold with nonstick vegetable spray.
Sprinkle brown sugar over the bottom.
In a medium bowl, beat eggs and egg whites until they become light and lemon-colored.
Add granulated sugar and salt, and mix thoroughly.
Stir in the scalded milk and add the vanilla.
Pour the mixture over the brown sugar.
Place the baking dish or mold in a pan of hot water, about 1 inch deep.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 50 minutes, or until the mixture becomes firm and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Variations

For a boozy twist, you can add a splash of Irish whiskey to the custard mixture before baking.
You can also experiment with different flavors by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder or a dash of cinnamon to the custard mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to scald the milk before adding it to the egg mixture to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- To prevent the custard from curdling, be sure to bake it in a water bath to create a gentle and even heat distribution.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Irish cream liqueur to the custard mixture before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Irish Caramel Custard chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a delicious and elegant presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to bake the custard in a water bath to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- To prevent the custard from curdling, bake it at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular white sugar instead of sugar substitute in this recipe.

- If you don't have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar and a tablespoon of molasses as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Irish Caramel Custard can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Simply cover the custard with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, you can unmold the custard onto a serving platter and garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Irish Caramel Custard pairs well with a cup of strong black coffee or a glass of Irish cream liqueur for a decadent dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover custard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the custard in a microwave-safe dish and heat on low power for 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 0g

- Sugars: 23g

Fats

- Total Fat: 2g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin D: 1.5mcg

- Calcium: 150mg

- Iron: 0.5mg

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Milk

Summary

Irish Caramel Custard is a rich and creamy dessert that is high in carbohydrates and sugars. It is also a good source of protein and calcium.

Summary

Irish Caramel Custard is a rich and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its decadent caramel flavor and smooth custard base, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Irish Caramel Custard. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes, but this one was truly special.

I was visiting a small village in Ireland, where I had the opportunity to stay with a lovely family for a few weeks. They welcomed me into their home with open arms, and I quickly became friends with their elderly grandmother, Mrs. O'Connell. She was a wonderful cook, and I spent many hours watching her work her magic in the kitchen.

One day, while I was helping Mrs. O'Connell prepare dinner, she pulled out an old, tattered cookbook from her shelf. She flipped through the pages with a smile on her face, and then she paused, pointing to a recipe for Irish Caramel Custard.

"I learned how to make this custard from my own grandmother many years ago," she said, her eyes twinkling with memories. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I was immediately intrigued and asked if she would teach me how to make it. Mrs. O'Connell agreed, and we spent the afternoon working together to create the most delicious caramel custard I had ever tasted.

The process was simple, yet the results were extraordinary. We started by caramelizing sugar in a saucepan until it turned a rich, golden brown. Then we added warm milk and cream, along with a touch of vanilla extract, and let it simmer until it thickened to a creamy consistency.

The final step was to pour the custard into individual ramekins and bake them in a water bath until they were set. The aroma that filled the kitchen as they baked was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the custards were ready, Mrs. O'Connell brought them out of the oven and let them cool before serving. The first bite was pure bliss – the smooth, velvety custard melted in my mouth, and the caramel added a luxurious sweetness that was simply divine.

From that day on, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured favorite in my own collection. I thanked Mrs. O'Connell for sharing her family's secret with me and promised to make it for my own loved ones back home.

Over the years, I have made Irish Caramel Custard countless times, for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I prepare it, I am transported back to that small village in Ireland, where I first learned the art of caramelizing sugar and creating a decadent dessert that brings joy to all who taste it.

I have since shared the recipe with friends and relatives, passing on the tradition of Irish Caramel Custard to the next generation. And as I grow older, I find comfort in knowing that this beloved recipe will continue to be a part of my family's culinary heritage for years to come.

So whenever I make a batch of Irish Caramel Custard, I say a silent thank you to Mrs. O'Connell and her grandmother, for blessing me with a recipe that has brought so much happiness and warmth to my kitchen and my heart.