Simple Creamy Dessert Recipes

One of These Sweet and Creamy Desserts is never enough; they're so light and fresh, everyone is sure to want seconds

Photos Courtesy of Adobe Stock

CRÈME CARAMEL

Serves 6 240g caster sugar 500ml milk 3 large eggs, plus 2 egg yolks A few drops vanilla extract 2tbsp Cointreau, optional

Put 140g sugar in a small non-stick pan, and add 3tbsp cold water. Heat slowly, stirring gently with a metal tablespoon until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat under the pan and allow the syrup to bubble and thicken. Do not stir it. When the syrup starts to turn golden at the edges, swirl the pan to ensure even colouring. When the syrup has turned a rich caramel colour, remove it from heat. Heat the oven to 160˚C. Pour the caramel into ramekins arranged on a baking tray. Bring the milk to simmering point. Put the eggs and yolks in a bowl with the remaining sugar and whisk lightly together. Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Strain into a jug and add the vanilla and liqueur. Pour into the ramekins. Pour boiling water into the roasting tin to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the custards are just set. Leave to cool, then chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Serves 6 170g dark chocolate, minimum 60% cocoa solids 7 free-range egg whites ¼tsp lemon juice 40g caster sugar

Roughly chop the chocolate then melt it in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (do not allow the base of the bowl to touch the water). Whisk the egg whites and lemon juice in a large bowl until they form soft peaks. Add the sugar and continue to whisk until firm peaks form when the whisk is removed. When the chocolate has melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Whisk one-third of the egg whites into the hot chocolate quickly and vigorously, until thick and well combined. Fold the remaining egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Spoon the mousse mixture into four glasses. Chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours, or until set. Serve garnished with fresh mint or marshmallows.