Ingredients
Method
Make the caramel
- Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling the pan (not stirring) until it turns deep amber, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the caramel immediately into a 20cm (8-inch) round mold, tilting to coat the bottom and slightly up the sides. Set aside to harden.
Make the custard
- Heat oven to 150C/300F. Crush amaretti cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin and sealed bag.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar together until pale, about 2 minutes.
- Whisk in cocoa powder, crushed amaretti and rum until smooth and no dry lumps remain.
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling, then whisk it slowly into the egg mixture.
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into the caramel-lined mold to remove any lumps.
Bake and chill
- Set the mold in a roasting pan and pour boiling water into the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the mold.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly, like a baked cheesecake. Internal temp should read 176F/80C.
- Remove from the water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Run a thin knife around the edge, set a rimmed plate on top and invert quickly to unmold, letting the caramel run down as sauce.
Notes
- Use a light-colored pan for the caramel so you can see the color change clearly.
- Do not stir the caramel while it cooks, swirl the pan gently instead.
- Check the water bath level once during baking and top up with hot water if low.
- Let the mold cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation pooling on top.
