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Tuga Pops − Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 9 Years ago in Dessert Recipes
3 out of 5 with 66 ratings

Portuguese Leite Creme | Silky Custard Dessert Recipe

Whip up this creamy Portuguese leite creme at home! This tasty custard, with a rich caramel topping, is sure to impress your friends and family.
25 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 10 min Cooking Time 15 min
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Why you will love this Portuguese Leite Creme | Silky Custard Dessert Recipe

I can’t get enough of this Portuguese leite creme! If you’re looking for a sweet way to finish your meal, this creamy custard is the answer. With its smooth base and that satisfying crack of caramel on top, it’s a showstopper. Whip it up to impress your friends and family with a classic dessert that always hits the spot!


Ingredients

3 1/2 cups (830 ml) of milk1 stick of cinnamon1 lemon peel7 egg yolks1/2 cup (100 g) of sugar3 1/2 tablespoons (27 g) of cornstarchGranulated sugar for the caramelized topping

Equipment:

Medium saucepanMixing bowlWhiskDessert dishes or ramekinsKitchen torch

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

Directions

  1. In a pan, boil the milk with the cinnamon stick and the lemon peel and let it cool.
  2. Beat the yolks very well with the sugar and cornstarch and gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, until smooth.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick.
  4. Put the cream in dessert dishes and once cool, refrigerate.
  5. Before serving, sprinkle with sugar and burn it with a kitchen torch if you have one.


Recipe Tips

To achieve a perfectly smooth custard, ensure that you whisk the egg yolks and sugar thoroughly until pale and creamy before adding them to the milk mixture. This will help to prevent any graininess in the final texture.
When incorporating the cornstarch, dissolve it in a small amount of cold milk before adding it to the rest of the milk mixture. This step prevents lumps from forming and ensures a silky custard.
Avoid common mistakes by not letting the milk boil after adding the egg yolk mixture. If the mixture boils, it can curdle and ruin the custard's texture. Instead, cook on low to medium heat until it thickens, stirring constantly.
Adapted from a Recipe by: ananasehortela.blogspot.pt

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
210 kcal
Fat
8 g
Carbs
28 g
Protein
6 g

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use as a substitute for cornstarch in this recipe?

You can use all-purpose flour as a substitute for cornstarch, but use about twice the amount. For example, if the recipe calls for 3 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch, use about 7 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Note that this might alter the texture slightly.

How can I store leftovers of leite creme, and how long will they last?

You can store leftover leite creme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to wait until it's fully cooled before covering it. If you haven’t caramelized the top yet, you can do that just before serving.

What should I do if my custard doesn't thicken while cooking?

If your custard isn't thickening, make sure you're cooking it over medium heat and stirring constantly. You can also let it cook a little longer, as it takes time to thicken properly. If it still doesn't thicken, you can try mixing a little bit more cornstarch with a bit of milk to create a slurry, and then add it to the custard while continuing to stir until it thickens.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and slightly effervescent wine complements the creamy texture of the custard with its refreshing acidity.

General: Moscato - The sweetness and floral notes of Moscato enhance the dessert's rich flavors while balancing the cinnamon and lemon.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This pale lager offers a crisp and clean profile that refreshes the palate after each creamy bite.

General: Belgian Witbier - The citrus and spice notes in a Belgian Witbier pair well with the lemon and cinnamon in the dessert.

Other Beverages

Espresso: A shot of rich espresso provides a bold contrast to the sweetness of the custard, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

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Tuga Pops

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