CREME CATALANA-INSPIRED CREPES WITH CITRUS CUSTARD AND CARAMEL LACE

Delicate crepes filled with a smooth, citrus- and cinnamon-infused pastry cream, topped with a crisp caramel lace. A sophisticated dessert inspired by the classic Spanish creme catalana.

🕒 Prep Time: 30 min

🍳 Cook Time: 20 min
🍰 Yields: 10 crepes

Ingredients

For the Custard Cream:

375 ml milk
3 egg yolks
75 g sugar
10 g cornstarch
15 g all-purpose flour
Zest of 1 small organic lemon (or half lemon + 1/3 small orange)
1 cinnamon stick

For the Crepes:

1 egg
¼ tsp salt
125 g all-purpose flour (type BL55/550)
A pinch of baking soda
330 ml milk
1 tbsp oil

For the Caramel Lace:

50 g sugar
½ tbsp water
1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Citrus-Infused Milk

In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, citrus zest, and cinnamon stick.
Bring to a boil, cover, and let infuse for at least 15 minutes.
Strain the infused milk.

2. Make the Custard Cream

Whisk egg yolks with cornstarch and flour until smooth.
Reheat the infused milk. Slowly pour it in a thin stream over the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until thickened to a yogurt-like consistency (about 4–5 minutes).
Remove from heat and place the bottom of the pan in cold water. Stir for 2–3 minutes to cool slightly.
Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent skin from forming. Refrigerate (can be kept up to 3 days).

3. Prepare the Crepes

Follow your favorite crepe recipe or use the recipe referenced earlier (approx. 10 crepes from 25 cm pan).
Spread a thin layer of custard cream on each crepe.
Fold crepes into quarters and arrange on a serving platter.

4. Make the Caramel Lace

In a small pan, melt sugar over low heat. Once melting begins, add water and lemon juice.
Stir gently and let caramelize, minimizing stirring.
When golden, use a spoon to drizzle thin, delicate lines of caramel over the folded crepes, creating a lace effect.
Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp caramel texture.

Note: Caramel hardens quickly and can become unpleasant if applied too thickly. Avoid oven caramelizing as edges burn before sugar melts; a kitchen torch works better.

💡 Tips

Citrus zest and cinnamon add fragrant complexity to the custard.
Applying plastic wrap directly on custard prevents skin formation.
Thin caramel lines create elegant texture and visual appeal.
Serve caramelized crepes immediately for best texture.

🎉 Perfect For

Elegant desserts and special occasions
Fans of Spanish creme catalana
Sophisticated brunch or afternoon tea treats

📝 Final Thoughts

These crepes combine a silky citrus custard and crisp caramel lace for a stunning dessert inspired by the classic creme catalana. The balance of smooth cream and crunchy caramel makes for an irresistible indulgence.