Crème Caramel Recipe: Silky French Custard Dessert Classic 2026

Crème caramel is a classic French dessert that looks a lot like the flan many of us grew up with, but its texture is far more delicate and creamy. A layer of amber caramel coats the bottom of each mold, and once the custard is baked and chilled, it melts into a glossy sauce when you flip it onto a plate.

The secret to that irresistible silkiness is a gentle water bath, which bakes the custard slowly and evenly so it never curdles. With just seven ingredients and about an hour of hands-on work, you can serve a dessert that feels effortlessly elegant.

Ingredients for Crème Caramel

This recipe makes 10 individual servings.

• 100 g sugar (for the caramel)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 medium eggs
• 3 medium egg yolks
• 60 g sugar (for the custard)
• 500 ml whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Crème Caramel Step by Step

1. Prepare the Caramel

Preheat the oven to 165 °C (325 °F). To make the caramel, heat 100 g of sugar with 2 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan and let it take on a soft golden color without stirring. A good liquid caramel is essential here, since it will bathe the dessert the moment you flip it onto a plate.

2. Coat the Molds

Divide the caramel among the bases of the flan molds and set them aside while you prepare the custard.

3. Whisk the Eggs and Yolks

Place 2 medium eggs and 3 medium egg yolks in a bowl and whisk them together with 60 g of sugar.

4. Add the Milk and Vanilla

Pour in 500 ml of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then whisk again. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.

5. Fill the Molds

Divide the mixture among the flan molds, taking care not to fill them all the way to the rim.

6. Bake in a Water Bath

Place the molds in a tray filled with hot water that reaches halfway up their sides, so the crème caramel cooks in a water bath. Bake at 165 °C for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into a mold comes out clean. Remove the tray from the oven and let the custards cool on a wire rack. Keep them in the refrigerator until the next day.

7. Unmold and Serve

The next day, unmold the custards by carefully running a knife around the walls of each mold and turning them over onto a plate. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Crème Caramel

Why the Water Bath Matters

Baking the crème caramel in a water bath means setting the molds in a container of water so they cook at a low temperature with plenty of humidity. That gentle, moist heat is what gives the custard its perfect, creamy texture.

Let It Chill Overnight

The crème caramel needs to rest in the fridge for a few hours before serving so it sets properly and reaches its best flavor and appearance. Leave it overnight and it will always be perfect when you are ready to serve.

Watch the Caramel Color

Keep an eye on the caramel as it cooks and pull it from the heat once it turns a soft golden color. If it darkens too much it can turn bitter, and a lighter caramel keeps the dessert sweet and balanced.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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