Tocinillo del Cielo: A Delicate Gift for the Palate

Tocinillo del cielo is a dessert with a delicate texture, natural shine, and deep flavor, where egg yolks are transformed into a firm yet silky custard thanks to an aromatic sugar syrup. An elegant, intense, and truly irresistible preparation.

🥄 Ingredients

  • Custard base:
    • 8 egg yolks
    • 1 whole egg
    • 1¼ cups water
    • 1¼ cups white sugar
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 2 strips of lemon peel or zest
  • For the caramel:
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • ½ teaspoon lemon juice

 

 

🍯 Aromatic sugar syrup

Pour the water into a saucepan along with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon peel. Stir lightly and bring to medium-high heat. Cook without stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.

🍮 Light golden caramel

In another saucepan, add the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Heat over medium-high heat without stirring until a pale golden color develops. Immediately pour the caramel into the mold, making sure to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside.

👨‍🍳 Egg yolk mixture

Place the egg yolks and the whole egg in a large bowl. Beat gently, avoiding the incorporation of air. Once the syrup has cooled, add it gradually to the eggs, stirring continuously.

🔥 Controlled cooking in a water bath

Pour the mixture into the caramel-coated mold and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Place the mold inside a larger baking dish filled with water. Bake at 340 °F (170 °C) for 30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; if necessary, continue baking in 10-minute intervals until it comes out clean.

❄️ Resting and unmolding

Remove from the oven and let the mold reach room temperature. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Run a thin knife around the edges, cover with a plate, and flip decisively to release the dessert and allow the caramel to flow over the surface.

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ℹ️ Useful information

  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Preparation time: 45 minutes
  • Cooking time: 40 minutes
  • Resting and chilling: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: Cuban

💡 Practical tip

For a smoother surface, avoid overbeating the egg yolks and strain the mixture before baking. The result will be a clean slice and an impeccable texture.


An unforgettable bite: serve well chilled and enjoy its intense yet refined sweetness.

🏷️ Tags: tocinillo del cielo, traditional desserts, egg yolks, caramel, classic sweets

For the Spanish version, visit: Tocinillo del Cielo: Un Postre Celestial Cubano.