Portuguese burnt-sugar custard
Creamy egg-yolk custard with lemon and cinnamon, topped with caramelised sugar.
⏱ Estimated time: 35 minutes🍽 Servings: 6🇵🇹 Portugal

Ingredients
- 750 ml milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 150 g sugar
- 35 g cornflour
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Peel of one lemon
- Extra sugar for caramelising
Step-by-step method
- Warm the milk with cinnamon and lemon peel; remove before boiling and allow to infuse.
- Beat egg yolks, sugar and cornflour together until smooth.
- Remove cinnamon and lemon. Gradually whisk warm milk into the yolks.
- Cook gently, stirring constantly until fully thickened and cooked through, without scorching.
- Pour into bowls, cool and refrigerate. Sprinkle with sugar and caramelise safely just before serving.
✦ Cooking tip
Use fresh eggs, cook the custard fully and keep refrigerated.
A home-style version; regional and family variations are common. Check cooking times and food doneness before serving.