Though there are a plethora of must-try foods in Barcelona, crema Catalana is undoubtedly the star among those with a sweet tooth. Long before I started my Barcelona food tours, Spain’s answer to crème brûlée quickly became one of my favorite local confections.
If you’re unfamiliar with this heavenly custard-based treat, fear not, as I’ve put together this tell-all guide for enjoying the finest crema catalana in Barcelona!
What is Crema Catalana and Its History
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (no changes made)
Crema Catalana is a Barcelona treasure, and it’s been a popular dessert for centuries. It consists of a cinnamon and citrus-infused custard with a crunchy layer of caramelized sugar on top.
Despite bearing many similarities to crème brûlée and crème anglaise, there are a few key differences. Because crema Catalana uses milk rather than cream, it’s lighter than crème brûlée, and unlike crème anglaise, it has a somewhat thicker consistency and isn’t typically flavored with vanilla.
This dish appeared in Llibre de Sent Soví, the earliest Catalan cookbook, in the Middle Ages but it’s not entirely clear how the recipe came to be. One of the most commonly accepted stories is that a group of Catalan nuns created the dish by mistake when preparing a flan for a visiting bishop.
Over time, the dessert became a part of the St. Joseph’s Day celebrations every March, which is why many refer to it as ‘crema de Sant Joseph.’
Traditional Ingredients and Preparation
Using fresh, local ingredients is essential when it comes to traditional crema Catalana recipes and preparation techniques.
For an authentic crema Catalana, you’ll need:
- Egg yolks
- Milk
- Sugar
- Citrus zest
- Cinnamon
- Cornstarch or flour (optional)
The custard needs to be simmered carefully until it achieves the perfect, silky consistency, and then should be transferred into ramekins suitable for individual portions. Once you’re ready to serve, dust some sugar on top of each dish and use a blowtorch or pala to form the signature caramelized crust.
Modern Variations and Creative Takes
Aside from the classic preparation, crema Catalana comes in various other forms. If you’re eager to sample from reinventions of this time-honored treat, look out for crema Catalana cookies, ice cream, and other unique creations in gastronomic hubs like El Born and the Gothic Quarter.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- When the Catalans nuns unintentionally crafted this dessert, the bishop for whom it was made exclaimed ‘crema,’ which is thought to have inspired the name of the dish.
- While crema Catalana in Barcelona is often associated with St. Joseph’s Day, it’s available all year round and is particularly popular on Sundays.
- Plenty of theories exist about the origins of crema Catalana, but the lack of clarity about the backstory adds to the allure of the dish.
Best Places to Eat Crema Catalana in Barcelona
Bodega La Palma
Photo credit: Bodega La Palma
The rustic Bodega La Palma came recommended by several fellow foodies, many of whom reckoned it boasted the tastiest crema catalana in Barcelona. I’m always a little skeptical when I hear statements like this, but I have to admit, the light yet velvety custard and lingering hints of citrus instantly won me over!
Bodega La Palma – 08002 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am, closed every Sunday.
Lokal Bar
Photo credit: Lokal Bar
I came to the inviting, brick-clad Lokal Bar for tapas, but it was the crema Catalana that ended up being the highlight of the meal. Every bite had a gorgeous balance of tastes and textures, from the warm cinnamon notes of the custard to the crackling, super-sweet crust.
Lokal Bar – 08009 Barcelona – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Granja M. Viader
Photo credit: Granja M. Viader
Widely considered one of the best places to eat crema Catalana in Barcelona, Granja M. Viader certainly lived up to the hype. With its Mediterranean-inspired decor and local vibe, it was the ideal place to savor a hearty portion of this ultra-smooth custard and its zingy crust.
Granja M. Viader – 08001 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:15 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, closed every Sunday.
Pairing Crema Catalana with Local Flavors
Feasting on crema catalana in Barcelona is a must, but if you want to take your dining experience to the next level, I suggest teaming the dessert with a fitting wine!
Some of my favorites include:
- Cava – This sparkling white wine is a quintessential Barcelona beverage, and its clean, zesty tones mellow the richness of the dish.
- Moscatel – The sweet, fruity flavors of moscatel bring a hint of tartness to crema Catalana, and its smooth texture complements that of the custard.
- Sauternes – Sauternes is a dessert wine with a mix of stone fruit and nutty notes that pairs well with the dish’s creaminess.
Crema Catalana Tasting Experiences in Barcelona
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic (no changes made)
If you’re anything like me and are partial to a cooking class or tasting experience, I highly recommend signing up for a crema Catalana workshop! There are a bunch of venues offering masterclasses, and I can vouch for spots like Barcelona Cooking, Cook & Taste, and Barcelona Paella Experience.
Final Thoughts: Indulging in Crema Catalana
If you don’t have at least one crema catalana in Barcelona, did you really visit the Catalan capital? Whether you’re preparing your own or sampling the varieties available in the city’s countless eateries, I’m confident you’ll be hooked on this dreamy concoction.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food guide: What & where to eat in Barcelona. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/barcelona-food/
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/
Bodega La Palma. (n.d.). Bodega La Palma. Menu World. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://bodega-la-palma.menu-world.com/
Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Lokal Bar – Restaurant reviews & photos. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d14068352-Reviews-Lokal_Bar-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
Granja Viader. (n.d.). Granja Viader. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from http://www.granjaviader.cat/
Barcelona Cooking. (n.d.). Barcelona Cooking – Cooking classes & food tours. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.barcelonacooking.net/en/
Cook & Taste. (n.d.). Cook & Taste – Cooking classes in Barcelona. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://cookandtaste.net/en/
Barcelona Paella Experience. (n.d.). Barcelona Paella. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://barcelona-paella.com/
- Daily
- 3.5 Hours
- Small Group
