Authentic Tocino del Cielo Recipe from Cuba | Indulge in this Heavenly Dessert

Tocino del Cielo

Authentic Tocino del Cielo Recipe from Cuba | Indulge in this Heavenly Dessert
Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tocino del Cielo
Tocino del Cielo

Tocino del Cielo, which translates to "Heavenly Bacon" in Spanish, is a traditional Spanish dessert that is similar to flan but with a richer and denser texture. This decadent dessert is made with simple ingredients like sugar, water, egg yolks, and vanilla, but the end result is a heavenly treat that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Tocino del Cielo has its origins in Spain and is believed to have been created by nuns in convents during the 17th century. The dessert was often made with leftover egg yolks from making communion wafers, and the name "Heavenly Bacon" is said to refer to the rich and indulgent nature of the dessert.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Boil 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes until a light syrup is formed.
  2. Let the syrup cool.
  3. Beat 4 egg yolks and add them to the light syrup, along with 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
  4. Follow the instructions for making flan (refer to the recipe for caramel mold).
  5. Using a double boiler, place the flan mixture in the oven for 1 hour at 350°F (175°C) in a caramel mold, similar to flan.

Variations

  • Add a splash of rum or brandy to the flan mixture for a boozy twist.
  • Top the Tocino del Cielo with caramelized nuts or fruit for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sugar and water mixture until it forms a light syrup to ensure the right consistency for the dessert.

- Using a double boiler to cook the flan mixture will help prevent it from curdling and ensure a smooth texture.

- Let the syrup cool before adding the egg yolks to prevent them from cooking too quickly and becoming scrambled.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tocino del Cielo chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Using a double boiler to cook the flan mixture will help ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vanilla extract, you can use almond or citrus zest for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Tocino del Cielo can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tocino del Cielo in individual ramekins for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tocino del Cielo with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tocino del Cielo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tocino del Cielo contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tocino del Cielo contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tocino del Cielo contains approximately 6 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tocino del Cielo contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tocino del Cielo is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Tocino del Cielo contains eggs.

Summary

Tocino del Cielo is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but relatively low in proteins. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Tocino del Cielo is a heavenly dessert that is rich, indulgent, and sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a decadent treat that will have your guests coming back for more. Enjoy this Spanish classic as a sweet ending to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Tocino del Cielo. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, and it was my dear Aunt Maria who introduced me to this heavenly dessert.

Aunt Maria was always known for her culinary skills, and whenever she visited us, she would bring along a new recipe to share with us. On one particular visit, she brought with her a small piece of paper with the words "Tocino del Cielo" scrawled across it in her elegant handwriting.

Curious to learn more about this mysterious dessert, I watched intently as Aunt Maria began to explain the recipe to me. Tocino del Cielo, she said, was a traditional Spanish dessert that literally translates to "heaven's bacon." It was a rich and decadent custard made with egg yolks, sugar, and water, and baked until golden and caramelized.

As Aunt Maria continued to explain the steps involved in making Tocino del Cielo, I could sense the passion and excitement in her voice. She spoke of how the dessert had been passed down through generations in our family, and how each cook had added their own unique touch to the recipe.

After Aunt Maria had finished explaining the recipe, she handed me the piece of paper and told me it was now my turn to carry on the tradition. I was filled with a sense of pride and excitement at the thought of being entrusted with such a treasured family recipe.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients needed to make Tocino del Cielo. I carefully separated the egg yolks from the whites, being sure to save the whites for another recipe. I then mixed the yolks with sugar and water, creating a smooth and silky custard.

As I poured the custard into individual ramekins and placed them in the oven to bake, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The aroma of caramelized sugar and rich egg yolks filled the kitchen, and I knew that I was creating something truly special.

When the Tocino del Cielo was finally done baking, I removed it from the oven and allowed it to cool before serving. The custard had turned a beautiful golden color, with a slight hint of caramelization on top. I knew that Aunt Maria would be proud of my efforts.

As I took my first bite of the Tocino del Cielo, I was transported to a place of pure bliss. The custard was smooth and creamy, with a rich and indulgent flavor that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It truly was a taste of heaven.

From that day on, Tocino del Cielo became a staple in our family's dessert repertoire. Whenever we gathered for special occasions or holidays, it was always present on the table, a reminder of the tradition and heritage that connected us all.

As the years passed and I grew older, I continued to make Tocino del Cielo for my own family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who showed an interest. It became a way for me to honor the memory of Aunt Maria and the legacy she had passed down to me.

And now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day when I first learned to make Tocino del Cielo, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking and the joy it has brought to my life. I may have learned many recipes over the years, but Tocino del Cielo will always hold a special place in my heart.

Categories

| Cuban Desserts | Cuban Recipes | Egg Yolk Recipes |

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