Tuga Pops − Monday, June 16, 2025, 1 Year ago in Dessert Recipes
5 out of 5 with 2 ratings

Quick Portuguese Leite Creme | Lemon Custard Recipe

Master this quick Portuguese leite creme at home. This easy leite creme dessert combines rich egg yolks and fresh lemon for a bright and creamy custard.
25 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 10 min Cooking Time 15 min

You will love this Quick Portuguese Leite Creme | Lemon Custard Recipe

Whip up the ultimate quick Portuguese leite creme in your own kitchen tonight. This stunningly easy leite creme dessert delivers a luscious custard base scented with bright citrus and a perfect caramelized sugar crust. Whether you need a lactose free Portuguese leite creme recipe or just crave authentic flavor, this vibrant treat guarantees a flawless finish that will impress any crowd.


Ingredients

2 ½ cups (600 ml) half-fat milk (lactose-free can be used)4 egg yolks1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (125 g) granulated sugar1 heaping tablespoon (15 g) cornstarchPeel of 1 lemon (yellow part only, no white pith)Granulated sugar (for brûlée) or ground cinnamon (for dusting)

Equipment:

SaucepanWhiskServing bowlsKitchen torch

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks, and mix well until smooth.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time, ensuring the mixture is well dissolved and no lumps remain.
  3. Add the lemon peel to the saucepan.
  4. Place the saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency (be patient and keep stirring to prevent scorching).
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and discard the lemon peel.
  6. Divide the custard evenly among individual serving bowls.
  7. Let the custard cool completely.
  8. You can refrigerate it once cooled to serve chilled.
  9. Just before serving, sprinkle the top of each custard serving dish with a thin layer of granulated sugar.
  10. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it's golden brown and bubbly.
  11. Alternatively, you can simply dust with ground cinnamon.

Recipe Tips

  • Ensure to temper the egg yolks by gradually adding the hot milk mixture to them while whisking continuously. This prevents the yolks from curdling and helps achieve a smooth custard.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a few drops of lemon extract or a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the mixture before cooking.
  • Avoid overcooking the custard; it should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it starts to bubble vigorously, reduce the heat immediately to prevent it from becoming grainy.

Adapted from a Recipe by: Noz Moscada e Gengibre

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
245 kcal
Fat
8 g
Carbs
38 g
Protein
5 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the half-fat milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can use lactose-free milk or any non-dairy milk such as almond, coconut, or oat milk. Just ensure that the non-dairy milk is unsweetened and fortified for a similar creamy consistency.

How should I store the Quick Lemon Leite Crème Dessert?

Once cooled, cover the individual serving bowls with plastic wrap or transfer the custard to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid caramelizing the sugar until just before serving for the best texture.

What should I do if the custard doesn't thicken properly?

If the custard hasn't thickened after cooking, make sure you're using low heat and stirring continuously. If it still doesn’t thicken, you can dissolve an extra teaspoon of cornstarch in a bit of cold milk and gently stir it into the mixture while it's still on the heat until it thickens.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and crisp wine with citrus notes complements the lemon flavor beautifully.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - The bright acidity and zesty profile of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the freshness of the dessert.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This light lager provides a refreshing contrast that balances the creaminess of the dessert.

General: Witbier - The hint of citrus and spices in a Witbier pairs nicely with the lemony flavors of the dish.

Other Beverages

Lemonade: A refreshing, slightly tart lemonade enhances the citrus elements of the dessert while providing a cool contrast.

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Tuga Pops

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