Easy, egg-free café crème dessert recipe in minutes

A delightful dessert with a rich, velvety texture

Impress your family and friends with this quick and simple café crème dessert recipe that's free from eggs and artificial additives.

Why choose this recipe?

This homemade café crème stands out from store-bought flans due to its transparent ingredient list, with no preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors. You can easily customize the sweetness, coffee flavor, and texture to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

A recipe for all occasions

Perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special gathering, this crème dessert can be prepared in just a few minutes and sets beautifully in the refrigerator. It's also an excellent way to use up leftover coffee and milk.

Basic recipe ingredients and instructions

• 500ml whole milk or half-and-half (or a non-dairy alternative)
• 40g cornstarch (about 4 tablespoons)
• 70g granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder (or 80-100ml strong espresso)
• 50ml heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

To prepare, whisk together the cornstarch and sugar in a bowl. Gradually add in 100ml of the cold milk, whisking until smooth. In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Add the coffee powder or espresso, and a pinch of salt. Continue whisking until the coffee dissolves.

Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly. Cook for 1-3 minutes, or until the crème thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract (if using), and a final whisk to ensure smoothness.

Variations and serving suggestions

• Chocolate Café Crème: Add 20g of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cornstarch mixture.
• 100% Plant-Based: Use 500ml of non-dairy milk, increase the cornstarch to 45g, and replace heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative.
• Vanilla Café Crème: Infuse the milk with 1 vanilla pod before adding the coffee and cornstarch mixture.

To serve, chill the crème in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Enjoy on its own or garnish with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Conclusion

This easy, egg-free café crème dessert recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion. With its simple preparation, customizable flavors, and lack of artificial additives, it's a healthier and more satisfying alternative to store-bought flans. Give it a try and discover the joy of homemade desserts!