Pudim de Leite (Brazilian Caramel Custard)

Ingredients

Contains dairy, egg. Cooking for an allergy? Check the label on every packet you use — brands differ, and we can only tell you what the recipe calls for.

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place a kettle of water on to boil for the bain-marie.

2. 2

   Make the caramel: put the sugar and water in a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat and without stirring let the sugar dissolve and color to a deep amber, swirling the pan if necessary to cook evenly.

   Watch closely once it begins to color — caramel goes from amber to burnt quickly.

   7 min
3. 3

   As soon as the caramel is a deep amber, remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour the caramel into a 1.5–2 quart (1.5–2 L) flan mold or Bundt pan, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to firm.

4. 4

   In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, eggs, vanilla and a pinch of salt. Blend just until smooth (about 10–15 seconds).

   1 min
5. 5

   Pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the caramel-lined mold to remove any foam or cooked bits.

6. 6

   Place the filled mold inside a large roasting pan. Carefully pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the flan mold (bain-marie).

7. 7

   Bake in the preheated oven until the center is set but still slightly jiggly (a knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean), about 60 minutes.

   If the top browns too fast, cover the mold loosely with foil.

   60 min
8. 8

   Remove the mold from the water bath and let it cool on a rack to room temperature.

   60 min
9. 9

   Refrigerate the pudim, still in the mold, at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and chill.

   240 min
10. 10

    To unmold, run a thin knife around the edge of the mold, place a serving plate over the mold, and invert. Tap gently to release; the caramel will flow over the custard.

    If the caramel resists, place the bottom of the mold briefly in hot water (not more than a few seconds) to loosen it, then invert.

11. 11

    Slice and serve chilled. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days.