This is the difference between Crema Catalana and Crème Brûlée
If you look at the menu of a French restaurant, there’s a good chance you’ll see Crème Brûlée listed. In Spain — and especially in Catalonia — that chance is smaller. There, you’ll be more likely to see Crème Brûlée’s cousin on the menu: Crema Catalana. What’s the difference between these desserts? Or do they look so similar that they’re really more like brothers?
They do have one thing in common: they look spectacular with that brûléed sugar topping. Perhaps even more spectacular is making that topping with the flame-throwing torch. You can use it for both, by the way. Another similarity, then. So what are the actual differences?
Difference 1: the ingredients
You make Crème Brûlée with a Crème Anglaise. You do this by heating and mixing cream, egg yolks, sugar and milk until they form a thicker mixture. Basically, a kind of custard pudding. Crema Catalana contains more milk than Crème Brûlée as its base. In addition, a little cornstarch is often added to Crema Catalana to give it a slightly denser texture. Because of the milk, Crema Catalana generally has a lighter texture than Crème Brûlée.
Difference 2: the preparation
The preparation of Crème Brûlée and Crema Catalana also differs. Traditionally, you make the cream for Crème Brûlée au bain-marie: by heating it in a dish over a pan of hot water. The Crème Brûlée then continues cooking in the oven. Crema Catalana, on the other hand, is made in a pan. You do sometimes see recipes in which Crema Catalana is prepared in the oven after all, but not always. Just look at this recipe for Crema Catalana.
Difference 3: the flavor
Crème Brûlée is flavored with vanilla. Thanks to the brûléed sugar topping, it also tastes slightly caramel-like. Crema Catalana has a somewhat more exciting flavor. Traditionally, you flavor it with a cinnamon stick and lemon zest, but people often experiment with it. For example, in some Crema Catalanas you can also occasionally taste a hint of orange.
Tip: craving Crème Brûlée, but find the classic recipe too much hassle? Just want a quick Crème Brûlée fix? Check out this recipe for Crème Brûlée with only 3 ingredients. It went completely viral on TikTok. Understandably, because it’s so ridiculously simple that it can’t go wrong. Promise!
Also read:
- How to make a Crème Brûlée Martini
- Licor 43 has a new flavor: crème brûlée, and it’s divine
- You want this: a Crème Brûlée ice cream served in a pancake
Sources: Tasting Table, ESPANJE
