Desserts For New Year’s Eve: Try Chef-Special Recipes At Home

Turning the last page of your calendar and welcoming the new year has to be grand. The usual desserts which you frequently won’t do for a New Year’s Eve. If you are looking for celebratory desserts that are also easy to make, Slurrp has compiled chef-specific recipes. 

Chef Umesh, the Executive Chef at Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, has shared his signature dessert recipes, which are not only delicious but also easy to follow. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, here are the recipes for caramel custard and molten lava pudding that are perfect for your New Year’s Eve party.

Caramel Custard

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons jaggery powder or coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 cups milk (low-fat or plant-based options like almond or oat milk)
  • 2 large eggs (free-range or organic)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons jaggery powder or honey (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

  1. In a small pan, heat jaggery powder or coconut sugar with water over low-medium heat.
  2. Stir gently until it melts and turns into a golden caramel.
  3. Immediately pour it into the base of your ramekins or a small baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom. Let it set.
  4. Warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat, but do not boil. Let it cool slightly.
  5. In a bowl, whisk eggs, jaggery powder (or honey), and vanilla extract until well combined.
  6. Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from cooking.
  7. Pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the ramekins or baking dish.
  8. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides for a water bath.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 30-40 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the centre.
  10. Remove from the water bath and let the custard cool to room temperature.
  11. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  12. To serve, loosen the edges with a knife and invert onto a plate.

Lava Pudding

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup dark chocolate (chopped)
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ½ cup brown sugar (for a richer, brownie-like flavour)
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (optional for extra brownie richness)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
  2. Grease 4 ramekins with butter and lightly dust with cocoa powder or flour to prevent sticking.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped dark chocolate and butter together in short intervals, stirring each time until completely smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  5. Add in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract, stirring well.
  6. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth and fully combined.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins.
  8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are set, but the centre remains soft and slightly jiggly, just like a molten brownie.
  9. Let the puddings rest for 1-2 minutes before carefully inverting them onto plates.
  10. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or extra chocolate drizzle for the ultimate brownie-inspired experience.