Tocino de Cielo with a Twist

Recipe

Tocino de Cielo with a Twist

Heavenly Delight: A Modern Twist on Tocino de Cielo

Indulge in the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine with this delightful twist on the classic Tocino de Cielo. This heavenly dessert is a true gem of Spanish culinary heritage, known for its velvety texture and sweet caramel flavor.

Jan Dec

20 minutes

35 minutes

55 minutes

6 servings

Medium

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Nut-free, Soy-free, Lactose-free (if lactose-free caramel sauce is used)

Eggs

Vegan, Dairy-free

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 30g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. 2.
    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and water until well combined. Add the citrus zest if desired.
  3. 3.
    In a saucepan, prepare the caramel sauce by combining the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture turns golden brown.
  4. 4.
    Pour the caramel sauce into individual ramekins, coating the bottom evenly.
  5. 5.
    Carefully pour the custard mixture into the ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.
  6. 6.
    Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  7. 7.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  8. 8.
    Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature.
  9. 9.
    Once cooled, refrigerate the Tocino de Cielo for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow it to fully set.
  10. 10.
    To serve, run a knife around the edges of the ramekins and invert them onto individual serving plates, allowing the caramel sauce to drizzle over the custard.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Egg yolks — Make sure to separate the egg yolks carefully, ensuring no traces of egg whites are mixed in. This will result in a smoother custard texture.
  • Citrus zest — Use organic oranges or lemons to ensure the zest is free from any wax or pesticides. Grate the outer layer of the fruit, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother custard, strain the egg yolk mixture before pouring it into the ramekins to remove any lumps.
  • To prevent the caramel sauce from hardening too quickly, warm the ramekins in the oven for a few minutes before pouring the caramel.
  • Serve the Tocino de Cielo chilled for the best texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different citrus zests such as lime or grapefruit to add unique flavors to the custard.
  • Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Serving advice

Serve the Tocino de Cielo as a standalone dessert or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

To present the Tocino de Cielo beautifully, drizzle some additional caramel sauce on the serving plate before placing the inverted custard on top. Garnish with a thin slice of orange or lemon zest for an extra touch of elegance.