Catalonia also boasts a number of quaint and charming villages. Catalan cream hails from Catalonia, the northeastern province of Spain, home to beach resorts, the Pyrenees Mountains and of course Barcelona. Among Europe’s oldest desserts, Catalan Cream dates back to at least the 14th century, the first time it appeared in print in the cookbook Llibre de Sent Soví, whereas the earliest known recipe for crème brûlée didn’t appear until 1691 in Cuisinier Royal et Bourgeois.Īs its name suggests. While crème brûlée has become the more widely known of the two versions and the invention of the famous burnt custard is commonly attributed to France, the credit actually goes to Spain. Some also describe crème brûlée as having a “greasier” texture whereas Catalan cream is lighter and more delicate. Whereas crème brûlée is thickened with the whole egg, Catalan cream uses the egg yolk only resulting in an even richer, creamier and slightly less firm texture. Crème brûlée is flavored with vanilla while Catalan cream is made with both vanilla and also flavored with orange and/or lemon and a hint of cinnamon.Ĭrème brûlée is made with all cream while Catalan cream is made with milk or sometimes a combination of both (but more milk than cream). Known as crema catalana or crema cremada (“burnt cream”), Catalan Cream is very similar to the French crème brûlée but there are some distinct differences. The process involves making a thickened vanilla custard, pouring it into ramekins and letting it cool and firm up, and then pouring sugar over the top and either burning it with a hot iron rod or a kitchen torch to form a burnt sugar crust. If you’re searching for an elegant yet super easy-to-make dessert that will guaranteed impress your dinner guests, you will love this Catalan Cream recipe! One of Europe’s oldest desserts, Spain’s famous burnt custard dessert known as Catalan Cream ( Crema Catalana) is flavored with orange, lemon and a hint of cinnamon and has an irresistibly creamy texture and caramelized sugar topping! We’re confident you’re going to absolutely love it!

Easy pastry cream recipe