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Apple Crème Caramel with Fig Sauce

17/11/2023

Here is an Italian version of the Apple Crème Caramel with Fig Sauce. Remember that this is a variation of the classic crème caramel with the addition of typical Italian fruits like apples and figs.

Ingredients

  • For the crème caramel:

    • 4 eggs
    • 500 ml of milk
    • 100 g of sugar
    • 1 apple (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)
    • 1 vanilla pod

  • For the caramel:

    • 150 g of sugar
    • Water as needed

  • For the fig sauce:

    • 200 g of fresh or dried figs
    • 50 g of sugar
    • Juice of 1/2 lemon
    • A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the caramel. In a saucepan, pour the sugar with a bit of water and cook until the sugar turns golden. Pour the caramel into crème caramel molds and rotate the molds to evenly cover the base.

  2. For the crème caramel, whisk the eggs with the sugar until you get a light and fluffy mixture. Heat the milk with the split vanilla pod over medium heat without bringing to a boil and then let it cool down.

  3. Meanwhile, peel and dice the apple into small cubes. Place the apple pieces in the molds on top of the caramel.

  4. Remove the vanilla pod from the milk and pour it slowly onto the egg and sugar mixture, stirring continuously.

  5. Pour the mixture into the milk in the molds over the apple pieces and caramel.

  6. Bake in a water bath in a preheated oven at 160ºC for about 40-45 minutes or until the cream is set. Allow to cool then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

  7. For the fig sauce, if using dried figs you should first rehydrate them in hot water for a few hours. Put the figs in a small saucepan with sugar, lemon juice, a bit of water, and cinnamon if using. Cook over low heat until the figs are soft and the sauce has reduced.

  8. Blend the sauce until smooth. If necessary, you can add a bit of water to adjust the consistency.

  9. To serve, gently invert the crème caramels onto a serving plate and accompany with the fig sauce on the side or poured over.

Curiosity

Crème caramel is a classic dessert that originated in France, but it has been adopted and adapted by many international cuisines. Adding fruits like apples and figs enriches it and gives it a special touch, making the dessert fresher and lighter. In Italy, we often use local products to give a personal touch to recipes from other cultures. The combination of apples and figs is an example of how simple ingredients can transform a dish and make it unique.

Apple Crème Caramel with Fig Sauce