Crème caramel is a very old, classic dessert. Over the past 50 years, it has been included on menus in most European restaurants and has become one of the most loved savouring-your-spoon-with-every-bite desserts worldwide due to its simple and elegant goodness. Made with a rich custard and a soft layer of caramel sauce, it differs from crème brûlée, which is topped with a layer of hard caramel instead. The crème caramel is thickened by baking it in a bain-marie and for this reason it is compact, with the classic consistency of pudding, similar to the Italian panna cotta. Generally served cold, it can be accompanied with whipped cream or fresh fruit, or enjoyed as is, in its melt-in-your-mouth goodness.