Caramel Egg Pudding

Caramel Egg Pudding is a smooth and creamy dessert that combines the richness of milk, the sweetness of caramel, and the velvety texture of eggs. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting and elegant dessert that’s easy to make. Whether you’re serving it as a sweet ending to a meal or indulging in a snack, the creamy, silky texture and caramel flavor will surely satisfy your taste buds. The pudding is made using simple ingredients that most people have in their kitchen, and it requires minimal effort to create something truly delicious. You can also add a few personal touches like vanilla extract or your favorite toppings for added flavor and texture.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of milk (500 ml)
  • 1/3 cup of sugar (60 g)
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

  1. Boil the Milk:
    • Start by pouring 2 cups of milk (500 ml) into a medium-sized pot. Place the pot on the stove and heat it over medium heat.
    • Stir the milk occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Allow the milk to come to a boil, then remove it from the heat and set it aside for later use.
  2. Caramelize the Sugar:
    • In another pan, pour in 1/3 cup of sugar (60 g). Place the pan on medium heat and let the sugar melt slowly.
    • You don’t need to stir the sugar as it melts; instead, gently swirl the pan to evenly distribute the heat. Watch the sugar closely as it caramelizes, turning from white crystals to a golden brown syrup.
    • Once the sugar reaches a deep caramel color, remove the pan from the heat. Be cautious not to burn the sugar, as this will give it a bitter taste.
  3. Combine the Milk and Caramel:
    • After caramelizing the sugar, reduce the heat to low.
    • Slowly add the boiled milk to the caramel, stirring constantly to ensure that the caramel dissolves completely into the milk.
    • Be careful while doing this as the mixture may bubble and splatter. Stir until the caramel is fully incorporated into the milk, creating a rich caramel-infused mixture.
    • Once done, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
    • In a separate bowl, crack and beat 2 medium eggs until they are well combined. If you’d like to enhance the flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the eggs for a subtle hint of vanilla.
    • Gradually pour the caramel milk mixture into the beaten eggs. Make sure to stir quickly and continuously while adding the hot caramel milk to avoid cooking the eggs.
    • Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
  5. Strain the Mixture:
    • To ensure a silky and lump-free pudding, strain the caramel egg mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
    • This step will help remove any small bits of caramel or cooked egg that may have formed during mixing, leaving you with a perfectly smooth pudding mixture.
  6. Cook the Dessert:
    • Cover the bowl containing the strained mixture with cling film.
    • To cook the pudding, use the water bath method. Place the bowl in a larger pot filled with hot water. The water should reach about halfway up the sides of the bowl.
    • Cover the pot with a lid and cook the pudding over medium heat for approximately 15 minutes. The water bath helps gently cook the pudding, ensuring it sets properly without curdling.
  7. Chill the Dessert:
    • After cooking, remove the pudding from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
    • Once cooled, transfer the pudding to the refrigerator and chill for 2-3 hours, or until it is fully set. Chilling the pudding enhances its creamy texture and intensifies the flavors.
  8. Serve:
    • Once the pudding has set and chilled, it’s time to serve. You can enjoy the pudding as is, or add some extra flair by decorating it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkling of crushed nuts.
    • This dessert is best served cold, making it a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Cooking Tips:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and milk are essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in this dessert. Be sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
  • Stir Constantly: When combining the caramel with milk, stir constantly to prevent the caramel from hardening or burning. Slow, steady stirring ensures a smooth, even mixture.
  • Water Bath for Even Cooking: The water bath method is crucial for gently cooking the pudding and preventing it from curdling. Be sure to use hot water, but not boiling, for even and gradual cooking.
  • Vanilla Extract: The vanilla extract is optional, but it adds a delightful aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel.

Storage:

  • Store any leftover caramel egg pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure that the pudding is covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Calcium: 10% of daily value

FAQs:

  1. Can I use plant-based milk instead of regular milk?
    • Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
  2. Why is my caramel egg pudding not setting properly?
    • If the pudding hasn’t set after cooling, it may not have been cooked long enough. Make sure to cook the pudding for the full 15 minutes in a water bath, or until it has thickened and set.
  3. How do I prevent the eggs from curdling?
    • Be sure to gradually add the hot caramel milk to the eggs while stirring continuously. This prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly and curdling.
  4. Can I add other flavors to the pudding?
    • Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding different flavorings like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of coffee to the pudding mixture for a unique twist.

Conclusion: Caramel Egg Pudding is a wonderfully creamy and comforting dessert that’s easy to make and packed with rich flavors. The smoothness of the eggs combined with the sweetness of the caramel creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit. You can serve it plain or get creative by adding toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, or even fresh fruit. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients means you can whip up this dessert with minimal effort, making it a go-to for any occasion. Enjoy the indulgence of this creamy pudding, and don’t hesitate to customize it to suit your personal taste!