Nightshade Free Caramel Custard
Few desserts feel as luxurious as a silky, golden custard with a pool of amber caramel cascading down its sides — and this one delivers exactly that. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: whole milk, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt come together into something that tastes far more impressive than the effort involved. For anyone navigating nightshade restrictions, dessert can sometimes feel like a minefield of unexpected additives or spice blends, but this classic is naturally free of any concern — every single ingredient is clean and straightforward. The technique is what makes it special: a carefully tempered egg mixture, a gentle water bath, and patience in the oven produce that signature slow, unified wobble that tells you the custard is perfectly set. Pouring the caramel quickly and confidently into the ramekins is genuinely one of the more satisfying moments in home cooking. After a long chill in the fridge, the unmolding flip is a little theatrical and a lot rewarding, sending a glossy river of caramel over the smooth custard beneath. It's an elegant finish to any dinner and proof that the simplest ingredients, handled well, need nothing else.
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!