[Photograph: Vicky Wasik. Video: Natalie Holt.]

This classic baked custard becomes extra rich and dark with caramel both on the inside and out, and a higher ratio of cream and yolks than the usual. An optional step of toasting the dairy can add nutty notes of toffee and toast. Baking the custard in a shallow dish ensures the best ratio of saucy caramel topping to creamy custard. Use athermometer to make sure it bakes perfectly every time.

Why It Works

• Caramelized sugar lines the baking dish and sweetens the custard for a double dose of toasty caramel.
• Adding the eggs in a blender makes tempering foolproof.
• Baking the custard in a water bath with a foil ring lifting the dish off the bottom of the pan bakes it gently, preventing curdling and overcooking.

Ingredients

• For the Caramel:
• 3/4 cup (5 1/2 ounces;150g) sugar
• For the Custard:
• 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces; 100g) sugar
• 2 cups (17 ounces; 470g) heavy cream (for toasted cream version see note)
• 1 cup (9 ounces; 250g) milk
• 3 large eggs (about 5 3/4 ounces; 165g)
• 3 egg yolks (about 1 1/2 ounces; 40g)
• 1 teaspoon (4g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for iodized salt, use half as much by volume or the same weight
• 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
• Maldon salt to taste

Directions

1. 1.

   Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and adjust the rack to the middle position. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil to use in a water bath during baking.

2. 2.

   For the Caramel: In a 3-quart saucepan or saucier, add 3/4 cup (5 1/2 ounces; 150g) sugar and 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces; 45g) of water. Cover with a lid and bring to a simmer over medium heat, about 3 minutes. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the lid and cook sugar until it caramelizes and reaches the shade of golden you prefer. Carefully pour the hot caramel into a 9-inch pie plate, 2-quart soufflé dish, or another oven-safe, 2-quart baking dish. Immediately pick up the dish to swirl the caramel and evenly coat the bottom and sides. Set aside.

3. 3.

   For the Custard: In the same unwashed pot that the caramel was cooked in, add the remaining 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces; 100g) sugar and 2 tablespoons (1 ounce; 30g) water. Once again, cook the sugar until it caramelizes and reaches your preferred shade of golden. Add the cream and milk and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the caramel.

4. 4.

   Tempering With a Blender: Pour the caramel, cream, and milk mixture into the pitcher of a blender. Turn blender on to low and, while the blender is running, add whole eggs, yolk, salt, and vanilla.

   Tempering Eggs With a Whisk: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, yolks, salt, and vanilla. Slowly whisk the hot cream mixture into the eggs one ladleful at a time until it is all fully incorporated. Pour into the prepared caramel-lined dish and cover lightly with plastic wrap or foil.

5. 5.

   Baking the Custard: Prepare a roasting dish, casserole dish, or another oven-safe pan large enough to accommodate the dish holding the custard by placing a ring of foil or a wire rack inside it to act as a booster seat. Rest custard dish on top and place in oven. Once in the oven, pour boiling water into the roasting dish until about halfway up the side of the custard dish. Bake until the custard is just set to the touch, with a slight jiggle in the center and an instant read thermometer reads 175°F (80°C) in the center, about 45 minutes. Cool fully in the refrigerator at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. When ready to serve, run a paring knife or offset spatula along the edge to loosen the flan from the dish and flip over onto a rimmed plate to catch the caramel sauce. Sprinkle with Maldon salt to taste. Keeps in the fridge covered for 3 to 5 days.

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