Rich and Crunchy Caramel Cream Dessert
Savor every spoonful of this Rich and Crunchy Caramel Cream, a no-bake dessert that pairs a smooth, silky caramel custard-style base with a layer of crisp chopped peanuts. The deep, buttery notes of homemade caramel blend beautifully with fresh cream, creating an elegant yet comforting treat. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply craving something sweet and luxurious, this chilled caramel dessert is easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 ml) milk
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- ¼ cup (40 g) chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Bloom the gelatin
- Place the gelatin powder in a small bowl.
- Add the cold water, stir lightly, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the gelatin absorbs the liquid and swells.
2. Prepare the caramel base
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar in an even layer.
- Allow the sugar to melt undisturbed, swirling the pan gently if needed, until it turns a rich golden brown.
- Carefully pour in the milk while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble, so add it slowly and keep stirring until the caramel is fully dissolved into the milk.
3. Warm the cream mixture
- To the caramel milk, add the heavy cream, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Heat the mixture gently until it is warm and steamy, but do not let it come to a boil.
4. Add the gelatin
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm caramel cream mixture.
- Stir thoroughly until the gelatin has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
5. Strain and portion
- Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or jug to remove any undissolved bits or lumps.
- Pour the strained caramel cream into serving glasses, ramekins, or dessert cups.
6. Chill until set
- Place the filled glasses in the refrigerator.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, or until the caramel cream is firm and fully set.
7. Garnish and serve
- Just before serving, sprinkle the tops with chopped peanuts for a crunchy contrast to the creamy dessert.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the combination of velvety texture, sweet caramel flavor, and nutty crunch.
Serving Notes
This Rich and Crunchy Caramel Cream offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and nutty elements. Serve it straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor, and savor every cool, decadent bite.
