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Small Batch Pots de Crème Dessert Upside-Down Cake


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  • Author: Leslie Bennett
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x

Description

A rich and creamy dessert that fuses the velvety texture of pots de crème with the caramelized charm of an upside-down cake. Perfect for intimate gatherings or personal indulgence, this small-batch treat features a silky custard base with a beautifully caramelized fruit topping.


Ingredients

Scale

Pots de Crème Base:

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for refined sugar-free option)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or melted chocolate (for flavor variation)

Upside-Down Topping:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup sliced fruit (berries, bananas, or citrus slices)

Instructions

Preparing the Topping:

  1. Melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns amber in color.
  2. Pour the caramel into the bottom of ramekins, tilting to coat evenly.
  3. Arrange fruit slices over the caramel layer.

Making the Pots de Crème:

  1. In a saucepan, heat the cream until warm but not boiling.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar.
  3. Slowly add the warm cream to the egg mixture while whisking constantly (to prevent curdling).
  4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth consistency.

Assembling and Baking:

  1. Pour the custard over the caramelized fruit in each ramekin.
  2. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill with hot water until halfway up the sides.
  3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30–35 minutes or until the custard is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  4. Cool completely before unmolding.

Notes

  • For extra caramelization, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the top before serving.
  • Experiment with flavors like coffee, matcha, or salted caramel.

Use dairy-free substitutes like coconut milk and non-dairy butter for a vegan-friendly version.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ramekin
  • Calories: ~250
  • Sugar: ~18g
  • Sodium: ~30mg
  • Fat: ~15g
  • Saturated Fat: ~9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~22g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Cholesterol: ~90mg