Easy Filipino Crème Caramel Recipe That Delights Every Sweet Tooth

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smooth, silky texture of Filipino Crème Caramel sliding off your spoon, with that rich caramel sauce pooling at the bottom. This dessert never fails to bring a smile, whether it’s a special celebration or just a quiet night craving something sweet and familiar. What I love most is how surprisingly simple it is to make at home, yet it feels so elegant and indulgent—far from the usual fast-food treats that can get boring quickly. If you’ve ever wanted to try a dessert that’s both nostalgic and effortlessly impressive, stick around—this Filipino Crème Caramel recipe will soon be your go-to for sharing a little homemade magic.

Why Choose Filipino Crème Caramel?

Simplicity meets elegance in this classic dessert, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Silky texture and rich caramel deliver a luscious mouthfeel that’s truly comforting. Versatility shines as it suits special occasions or everyday treats. Plus, it’s a delightful break from fast food boredom, offering nostalgia with every bite. Lastly, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles all around!

Filipino Crème Caramel Ingredients

For the Caramel

Granulated sugar – caramelizes to a deep amber syrup that forms the luscious base of Filipino Crème Caramel.
Water – helps dissolve the sugar evenly for a smooth, burn-free caramel.

For the Custard

Eggs – provide structure and richness to create the signature silky texture.
Sweetened condensed milk – adds creamy sweetness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Evaporated milk – balances the sweetness with a subtle creaminess.
Vanilla extract – enhances the custard’s delicate flavor with a warm, comforting note.

How to Make Filipino Crème Caramel

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until all sugar dissolves, then let it simmer undisturbed until a deep amber syrup forms, about 8–10 minutes.
Caramelize Swirl the pan occasionally as the syrup bubbles to a golden-brown hue. Immediately pour and tilt to coat six ramekins, then set aside to harden, about 5 minutes.

For the Custard:

Whisk Crack six eggs into a bowl, add sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently until smooth and homogenous, avoiding excess foam.
Strain Pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup. This removes any bubbles or bits, ensuring a silky, lump-free texture.
Preheat The oven to 350°F (175°C). Place ramekins in a deep baking pan, spacing them an inch apart to ensure even heat distribution around each custard.
Bake Carefully pour the custard into each caramel-lined ramekin. Fill a water bath around them (about halfway up), then bake until set, about 40–45 minutes.
Chill Remove ramekins from water bath and cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to develop flavor and firmness.
Unmold Run a thin knife along edges, then invert each ramekin onto a serving plate. Tap gently to release the silky custard, caramel sauce pooling beautifully beneath.

Optional: Top with lightly whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Filipino Crème Caramel treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance by whisking together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract, then storing it covered in the refrigerator. The caramel can also be made ahead and stored in the ramekins; just allow it to set for about 5 minutes before refrigerating. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dessert, simply bake the custard mixture as directed—remember to keep the water bath for even cooking. By following these make ahead tips, you’ll have a stunning dessert that’s just as delicious and ready to impress with minimal effort during busy weeknights!

What to Serve with Filipino Crème Caramel?

There’s nothing like the rich, velvety satisfaction of a delicious dessert, and pairing your Filipino Crème Caramel with complementary flavors and textures can truly elevate the experience.

Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries add a burst of freshness that balances the sweetness of the caramel.
Coconut Flan: If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving with coconut flan for a delightful double dessert. The creamy, tropical flavors of both desserts harmonize beautifully.
Coffee: A rich, aromatic cup of coffee contrasts the smoothness of the crème caramel, enhancing its caramel notes while providing a warm, comforting vibe.
Mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing note that cuts through the richness. It’s an elegant garnish that enhances the presentation.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling some decadent chocolate sauce on top adds a luxurious twist. The bittersweet notes of chocolate beautifully play off the creaminess of the custard.
Light Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a delightful airiness, making every bite feel indulgently fluffy and light.
Banana Slices: Adding a few banana slices brings a lovely texture, with their natural sweetness pairing well with the luscious caramel custard.
Tropical Fruit Salad: A vibrant tropical fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast, with its varied flavors and textures complementing the smooth crème caramel perfectly.
Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet offers a zingy contrast, cleansing the palate between bites and enhancing the dessert experience.

Expert Tips for Filipino Crème Caramel

Perfect Caramel Color: Watch the caramel closely to achieve a deep amber hue without burning; remove from heat just before it turns too dark for a smooth, rich flavor.
Gentle Whisking: Whisk eggs and milks gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause bubbles and affect the custard’s silky texture.
Use a Water Bath: Always bake your custards in a water bath to ensure even heat distribution and prevent cracking or curdling.
Strain the Custard: Straining the mixture removes lumps and bubbles, guaranteeing a smooth, professional-quality Filipino Crème Caramel.
Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate for several hours or overnight; this step is essential for the custard to set properly and release easily from ramekins.

How to Store and Freeze Filipino Crème Caramel

Fridge: Store your Filipino Crème Caramel in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the custard for up to 2 months. Wrap individual ramekins tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.

Thawing: To thaw, move the frozen crème caramel to the fridge overnight. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may change the texture; serve chilled for the best experience.

Serving Tips: Before serving, gently loosen the edges with a knife and invert onto a plate to showcase the beautiful caramel sauce pooled beneath, bringing joy with every bite.

Variations & Substitutions for Filipino Crème Caramel

Feel free to personalize your dessert by trying out these delightful variations!

Coconut Milk: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist that adds richness and flavor.
Dark Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate and swirl it into the custard before pouring. This introduces an indulgent chocolate layer.
Coffee Infusion: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the custard mixture for a delightful mocha flavor that coffee lovers will adore.
Fruit Topping: Serve with fresh mango or berries on top to brighten up the dessert and add a refreshing element.
Orange Zest: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the custard for a citrusy lift.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts, like pistachios or almonds, over the top before serving for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky custard.
Maple Syrup Dunk: Switch the caramel with a rich maple syrup for a unique take on the classic dessert that evokes cozy flavors.
Lemon Custard: Substitute the vanilla extract with lemon extract to create a zesty, bright custard that’s perfect for a summer treat.

Let your imagination run wild and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

Filipino Crème Caramel Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my eggs are fresh enough for Filipino Crème Caramel?
Fresh eggs make a smoother custard, so I recommend using eggs that are within their expiration date and free from cracks. You can do a simple freshness test by placing the egg in a bowl of water—fresh eggs sink, while older ones float due to air pockets forming inside.

What’s the best way to store leftover Filipino Crème Caramel?
Absolutely store your dessert in the fridge! Cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent absorption of fridge odors. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Remember to keep them chilled until serving to maintain that silky texture.

Can I freeze Filipino Crème Caramel, and if so, how?
Yes, you can! For freezing, first cover each ramekin securely with plastic wrap, then wrap again in a layer of foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator—this gradual thaw keeps the custard’s smoothness intact. Avoid microwaving afterward to preserve texture.

Why did my custard crack or get bubbles, and how can I prevent this next time?
Bubbles usually come from whisking the eggs and milk too vigorously, introducing excess air. To avoid this, whisk gently until just combined. Cracks may occur if the oven temperature is too high or if you skip the water bath. I firmly recommend baking your custards in a water bath to ensure even, gentle cooking and a perfect silky finish.

Is Filipino Crème Caramel safe for pets or people with allergies?
This dessert contains dairy and eggs, so it’s not suitable for pets or for those with dairy or egg allergies. For allergy-friendly options, you might experiment with coconut milk and egg substitutes, but keep in mind the texture and taste will differ. Always check with your guests to keep everyone safe and happy!