15 June 2025
Crème Caramel à la Vanille et Fève Tonka
RecipeShare Test Kitchen
A silky and aromatic crème caramel infused with vanilla and tonka bean, served chilled with a golden caramel base.
A Silky, Aromatic Take on a Classic French Dessert ✨
Crème caramel is one of those timeless French desserts that whispers elegance with every spoonful. This version elevates the classic by infusing the custard with vanilla bean and a touch of fève tonka, bringing warm, aromatic notes reminiscent of caramel, almond, and spice. The result? A chilled, glossy custard that melts into a pool of golden caramel — simple yet luxurious. 🍮
Why This Recipe Works 💛
The combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates a perfectly smooth texture, while the tonka bean adds depth without overpowering the delicate vanilla. The slow infusion ensures the flavors bloom beautifully, and baking the custards gently keeps them silky without bubbles.
Whether you're preparing a dinner-party finale or treating yourself to something refined, this crème caramel balances comfort with sophistication.
Ingredients That Shine 🌟
The magic starts with a deep amber caramel, formed from just sugar and a splash of water. The custard base uses real vanilla bean for maximum fragrance, and just a quarter tonka bean goes a long way in amplifying the dessert's aromatic profile.
Every element is designed to be minimal yet flavour-forward, staying true to French patisserie principles.
How the Custard Comes Together 🥛🔥
Begin by preparing the caramel — heating sugar gently until it transforms into liquid gold. Once poured into ramekins, it forms the iconic base.
The milk and cream are then warmed with vanilla and tonka bean, turning them into a fragrant infusion. This mixture is slowly whisked into eggs and sugar, creating a silky custard ready to bake.
A short time in the oven and a long chill in the fridge (the true secret!) bring everything together into the wobbly, glossy dessert everyone knows and loves.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Crème Caramel 💡
- A little tonka bean goes a long way — its spice-forward aroma is incredible but strong.
- No tonka? Swap in cinnamon or orange blossom water for a completely different but equally beautiful profile.
- Chill at least 8 hours, ideally overnight. The texture becomes noticeably smoother as it rests.
- Serve it straight from the mould for that stunning caramel cascade. ✨
A Dessert Worth the Wait 🍮💫
Crème caramel may be simple, but when infused with vanilla and fève tonka, it becomes something truly special. The contrast of bitter-sweet caramel and softly set custard makes it irresistible — elegant enough for guests, easy enough for any home cook.
Enjoy this refined twist on a French classic!
Crème Caramel à la Vanille et Fève Tonka
RecipeShare Test KitchenA silky and aromatic crème caramel infused with vanilla and tonka bean, served chilled with a golden caramel base.
Chef's Tips
The tonka bean adds a subtle caramel-like note; you can replace it with cinnamon or orange blossom water.
Let the crème chill for at least 8 hours for the best texture and flavor.
Tools Used
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Ingredients
USMetric
Caramel
Custard
Instructions
Preparation
- 1
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
- 2
In a saucepan, combine 120 g sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Heat over medium heat without stirring until a golden caramel forms. Pour into ramekins.
- 3
In another saucepan, combine the milk and cream. Add the scraped vanilla seeds and pod, along with grated tonka bean. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let infuse.
- 4
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the remaining 70 g of sugar. Gradually add the warm milk-cream mixture, whisking constantly.
- 5
Pour the mixture into the caramel-lined ramekins and bake for 20 minutes.
- 6
Let the custards cool, then refrigerate overnight (minimum 8 hours).
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 ramekin (approx. 150 g)
Calories 280
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g22%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 140mg47%
Sodium 45mg2%
Total Carbohydrates 27g10%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Sugars 26g
Protein 5g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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