Glistening golden caramel sauce perfectly outlining a creamy, custard disc that sits at the center of an off-white ceramic plate. Hints of beige from Matsutake mushroom flecks are visible in the custard. A dusting of finely crushed, toasted sesame seeds surrounds the creme on the plate.

Matsutake Mushroom-infused Crème Caramel

Name: Matsutake Mushroom-infused Crème Caramel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: Matsutake mushroom, 1 washed and thinly sliced; granulated sugar, 1 cup; water, 3 tablespoons; large eggs, 4; sweetened condensed milk, 1 can; whole milk, 1 cup; pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon; toasted sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons

Category Dessert

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 40 minutes

Style Vietnamese

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: February 02, 2026

This indulgent dessert pays homage to the Vietnamese love for combining sweet, savory, and umami flavors, and will be a delightful palate cleanser for a chilly day. The star of this dish - the Matsutake mushroom, is well-regarded for its distinct aromatic, spicy flavor and rarity. Its presence gives a subtle, earthy taste to the dessert, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Ingredients (for 4)

Matsutake mushroom - 1 - washed and thinly sliced
Granulated sugar - 1 cup
Water - 3 tablespoons
Large eggs - 4
Sweetened condensed milk - 1 can
Whole milk - 1 cup
Pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon
Toasted sesame seeds - 2 tablespoons

Preparation

Step 1 - 🥄🍚🔥

In a saucepan, add 200g of granulated sugar and 45ml of water. Stir on medium heat until the sugar melts and turn golden brown.
Step 2 - 🔥🍮🕓

Quickly pour the caramel into the base of four 6oz ramekins and set them aside.
Step 3 - 🥚🍄🥛🌪

In a blender, mix together 4 large eggs, 1 thinly sliced Matsutake mushroom, 14oz of sweetened condensed milk, 240ml of whole milk, and 1ml of pure vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4 - 🍯🍮🧃

Strain the smooth mixture and pour it into the caramel lined ramekins.
Step 5 - 🍮🛀💦

Place the ramekins in a large roasting pan and pour boiling water into the pan, until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Step 6 - 🔥⏱🍮

Bake the mixture in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 40 minutes until set.
Step 7 - 🍮❄️⏱

Allow the custard to cool in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
Step 8 - 🔪🍮🍽️

Run a knife around the edges of the custard and invert onto a plate. Sprinkle with 18g of toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Additional

For an added touch of luxury, substitute the water in the caramel with a flavorful tea of your choice. It's a simple modification that adds a depth of flavor to your dessert! This recipe is enjoyable for kids in taste and also in making, with adult supervision while managing hot caramel.