Traditional Brazilian Pudim de Leite Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 2 cups of whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns a golden brown color to create a caramel. Carefully pour the hot caramel into a round baking dish, turning the dish to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Set aside.
  3. In a blender, combine the eggs, condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
  4. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the baking dish, over the caramel.
  5. Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan and add hot water to the roasting pan until it's halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until the center is just set.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and set.
  8. Before serving, carefully run a knife around the edges of the pudding to loosen it and then invert it onto a large rimmed serving platter.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - Medium-sized pot for melting sugar and making caramel.
  • Blender - Used to blend the ingredients for the pudding mixture until smooth.
  • Round Baking Dish - A dish with round shape to hold the pudding mixture.
  • Roasting Pan - A larger pan that will hold the baking dish during the water bath baking process.
  • Knife - Used to loosen the edges of the pudding before inverting it onto a serving platter.
  • Large Rimmed Serving Platter - A platter with a raised rim to hold the inverted pudding.

Recipe variations

  • Using a different type of sugar for the caramel, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar, for a unique flavor.
  • Adding a pinch of salt to the caramel to enhance the sweetness.
  • Adding a tablespoon of rum or your favorite liqueur to the egg and milk mixture for a boozy twist.
  • Adding a tablespoon of grated orange zest to the custard for a citrusy flavor.
  • Experimenting with different extracts or flavors, such as almond extract or coffee extract.
  • Using different types of milk, such as evaporated milk or almond milk, for a dairy-free or lactose-free version.
  • Adding a layer of sliced bananas or crushed biscuits to the bottom of the baking dish before pouring the caramel for added texture.
  • Garnishing the chilled pudding with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Recipe overview

Pudim de Leite, or Brazilian Milk Pudding, is a rich and creamy dessert that is loved for its smooth texture and sweet, caramel flavor. This traditional Brazilian delicacy is an absolute treat for the senses. Its silky custard is contrasted beautifully by a layer of dark caramel that is as delicious as it is visually striking. The recipe is relatively simple and does not require any specialized equipment - a blender, saucepan, baking dish and a roasting pan are all you need. The main ingredients include sugar, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. The process involves making caramel, preparing the custard in a blender, baking it in a water bath, and then chilling in the refrigerator. While the baking process is relatively straightforward, the key to perfection lies in the caramel preparation, baking time, and chilling process. But don't worry, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect Pudim de Leite every time. Get ready to impress your guests with this sumptuous dessert!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of milk?
    Yes, you can use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk, but keep in mind that it can affect the texture and richness of the final pudding.
  2. What size baking dish should I use?
    It is recommended to use a round baking dish that has a capacity of at least 1.5 quarts or 1.4 liters.
  3. How can I prevent the caramel from sticking to the baking dish?
    Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the baking dish evenly with the hot caramel. You can also try greasing the dish lightly with butter before pouring in the caramel.
  4. How do I know when the pudding is done?
    The pudding should be set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. You can insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's done.
  5. Can I prepare the pudding in advance?
    Absolutely! The pudding can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just make sure to invert it onto a serving platter before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A round baking dish is needed to prepare and bake the pudim de leite.
  • Blender - A blender is used to blend the ingredients together and create a smooth mixture.
  • Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan is required to melt the sugar and create the caramel.
  • Roasting pan - A larger roasting pan is used to create a water bath while baking the pudim de leite.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to run around the edges of the pudding to loosen it before inverting it onto a serving platter.
  • Serving platter - A large rimmed serving platter is ideal for inverting and presenting the chilled pudim de leite.

Origin stories

As a culinary gem of Brazil, Pudim de Leite has Portuguese roots and is a variation of the medieval dessert known as "leite creme," or cream custard. During Portugal's Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese cuisine began to incorporate more sugar, egg yolks, and milk, which were abundant in the region. This led to the creation of new varieties of sweet dessert recipes. When the Portuguese arrived in Brazil, they brought the leite creme recipe with them. Over time, the recipe evolved and adapted to the local culture and ingredients, ultimately transforming into the beloved Brazilian Pudim de Leite. Today, it's a traditional dessert served in many Brazilian homes and restaurants, often featured at celebratory gatherings and festive occasions. While simple in its composition, this dessert holds a rich historical and cultural significance. A slice of Pudim de Leite is not just a sweetness overload, but a taste of Brazilian history and heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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