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    Home » Desserts

    Dairy Free Crema Catalana

    Published: Apr 3, 2023 · Modified: Jul 8, 2023 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

    Dairy free crema catalana is a traditional Catalan dessert made with milk, sugar, egg yolks, and a little fruit zest. It is a delicious and creamy custard that is typically served with a layer of burnt sugar on top.

    This recipe for Dairy Free Crema Catalana is made with dairy free whipping cream, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. It is just as delicious as the traditional version, but it is also dairy free.

    Jump to Recipe
    dairy free crema catalana
    dairy free crema catalana

    What is the Difference Between Dairy Free Creme Brulee and Dairy Free Crema Catalana?

    Crema Catalana is a classic Spanish dessert that is similar to creme brulee. The dish is made with a creamy custard base that is typically infused with cinnamon and lemon zest. The dessert is then topped with a layer of caramelized sugar that creates a crispy texture on top. While this dessert is delicious, it typically requires the use of dairy products, which makes it difficult for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a dairy-free diet to enjoy.

    I was able to join just a little bite of this on my trip to Madrid Spain but looked to recreate it when I got home. The addition of the fruit zest is just amazing and adds a nice change to traditional creme brulee!

    dairy free crema catalana recipe with orange lemon cinnamon in white ramekins
    dairy free crema catalana recipe

    Ingredients

    You can use any dairy free milk of your choice, but I do like using a thicker dairy free milk like dairy free heavy whipping cream or a dairy free creamer.

    For this recipe you will need: 1 cup milk, 1 strip of orange peel, 1 strip of lemon peel, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 egg yolks, 3 tablespoons of superfine sugar and ½ tablespoon of corn starch. For the topping you'll want some additional superfine sugar.

    Making Your Crema Catalana

    To make your custard, you will need to:

    1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the dairy free milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange peel and lemon peel. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
    2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.
    3. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously.
    4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
    5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon and orange peel.
    6. Pour the mixture into a strainer, then into ramekins and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate the ramekins for at least 2 hours or overnight.
    7. When ready to serve, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each ramekin. Use a kitchen torch or place the ramekins under a broiler for several minutes to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy top.

    Tips

    • For a sweeter Crema Catalana, add an extra ¼ cup of sugar to the custard mixture.
    • If you don't have a ramekin or individual serving dishes, you can use a muffin tin instead. Just be sure to grease the cups well so the custard doesn't stick.
    • To caramelize the sugar, heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns a golden brown. Be careful not to burn it!

    Storage

    Crema Catalana can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    A creamy and smooth dairy-free version of crema catalana dessert. It features a caramelized sugar crust on top, with a rich and velvety custard-like filling underneath. The dessert is beautifully presented in a ramekin, garnished with a cinnamon stick and lemon and orange zest ribbon

    Dairy Free Crema Catalana

    Dairy free crema catalana is a traditional Spanish Catalan dessert made with milk, sugar, egg yolks, and a little fruit zest. It is a delicious and creamy custard that is typically served with a layer of burnt sugar on top.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Servings 2 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup dairy free milk
    • 1 strip orange peel
    • 1 strip lemon peel
    • 1 whole cinnamon stick
    • 2 whole egg yolks
    • 3 tbsp superfine sugar
    • ½ tbsp corn starch
    • 2 tablespoon superfine sugar for topping

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the dairy free milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange peel and lemon peel.
      Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth
      Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously.
      Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
      Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon and orange peel.
      Pour the mixture into a strainer, then into ramekins and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate the ramekins for at least 2 hours or overnight.
      When ready to serve, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each ramekin. Use a kitchen torch or place the ramekins under a broiler for several minutes to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy top.
    Keyword crema catalana, vegetarian crema catalana, dairy free crema catalana

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gen

      April 05, 2023 at 10:22 am

      5 stars
      This was a delicious dessert and a great way to use my little kitchen torch! I love the citrus here, such a great balance with the creamy filling.

      Reply
    2. Addison

      April 05, 2023 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a stunning and creamy dessert! I am dairy free so I love that I was able to enjoy it.

      Reply
    3. Jere Cassidy

      April 05, 2023 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      The combination of lemon, orange peel, and cinnamon made this dessert flavorful. I love creamy desserts, and this one is delicious, I used dairy-free whipping cream.

      Reply
    4. Greta

      April 05, 2023 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      OMG, this was an easy little dessert. I love that includes dairy-free milk. Delicious.

      Reply
    5. Sharina

      April 05, 2023 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      I've tasted dairy free crema Catalana before and I always want to try it at home and I'm glad I found this recipe! It turned out so delicious and creamy! New go-to recipe!

      Reply

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