Cinnamon Free Caramel Custard
Silky, golden, and crowned with a glossy pour of amber caramel, this custard is the kind of dessert that feels far more impressive than the short ingredient list suggests. It's built entirely from pantry staples — eggs, whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt — so there's nothing hidden to worry about for anyone avoiding warming spices. The caramel comes together in a single saucepan, and the custard base is gently tempered and strained for that impossibly smooth, melt-on-your-tongue texture. A slow bake in a water bath keeps the heat even and the eggs from curdling, which is the real secret to getting that perfect, trembling wobble. After a few hours in the fridge, the caramel liquefies into a rich, pourable sauce that cascades down the sides the moment you flip the ramekin onto the plate. It's an elegant finish to any dinner and genuinely one of the most satisfying things you can make with just a handful of ingredients.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the caramel
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp water
For the custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place four 6-oz ramekins in a deep 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- 2
Combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally, until the syrup turns a deep amber color, 8–10 minutes. Watch closely — the caramel can darken quickly once it begins to color. Immediately pour the caramel evenly among the four ramekins, tilting each to coat the bottom. Work quickly; the caramel will set within about 30 seconds.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!