Crema Catalana

Name: Crema Catalana
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 5 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping; 1 lemon peel strip; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Published: June 11, 2026 | Spanish Cuisine | ⏱ 35 min

Crema catalana with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust in a shallow ramekin

Crema Catalana is Catalonia's most famous dessert, often compared to crème brûlée but distinctly its own. Made with milk instead of cream, and uniquely infused with lemon zest and cinnamon, it has a lighter, more fragrant custard base. The cracking caramelized sugar crust on top provides that satisfying contrast of textures that makes it irresistible.

Recipe Info

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time20 min

Total Time35 min

Servings4

DifficultyMedium

CuisineSpanish

2 cups whole milk
5 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
1 lemon peel strip
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 Instructions

Infuse the milk

In a saucepan, heat the milk with the lemon peel and cinnamon stick over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.

Mix egg base

In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and thick. Slowly pour the infused milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.

Cook the custard

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, for 5-7 minutes until it thickly coats the back of a spoon.

Chill

Remove lemon peel and cinnamon stick. Divide the custard among 4 shallow ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.

Caramelize the top

Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until bubbling and dark amber. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

Use shallow ramekins for the traditional presentation and the best ratio of crust to custard.
If you don't have a torch, broil the ramekins on high for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition Information

Calories	310 kcal
Protein	6g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	44g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	38g
Sodium	65mg

* Nutritional values are approximate and based on per-serving calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crema Catalana uses milk (not cream), is thickened with cornstarch (not just eggs), and is flavored with lemon and cinnamon. It is also cooked on the stovetop rather than baked in a water bath.

Rating

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.4 (134 votes)

About the Author

Stephanie Grine

Recipe Developer & Food Enthusiast

I am a passionate home cook who believes that great food brings people together. Every recipe on TodayFoodsMenu is developed, tested, and photographed in my home kitchen — not a professional test...

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