Easy French Canelés with Vanilla and Rum
Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how to elevate the classic French canelé into a modern masterpiece? While traditional canelés are renowned for their caramelized crust and custardy center, this reinterpretation introduces layers of vanilla-rum mousse and a luscious caramel filling, all encased in a crisp chocolate shell. This innovative twist not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a contemporary flair to the beloved Bordeaux pastry.
Ingredients List
Caramel Filling
- 160g heavy cream
- 40g + 25g whole milk
- 125g glucose syrup
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1.5g fleur de sel
- 75g granulated sugar
- 55g unsalted butter
Vanilla Biscuit
- 160g granulated sugar
- 100g whole eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 160g heavy cream
- 120g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 40g olive oil(Bake from Scratch – #thebakefeed)
Rum Syrup
- 75g water
- 40g granulated sugar
- 17g dark rum(ironwhisk.com)
Vanilla-Rum Mousse
- 130g white chocolate
- 4g gelatin (2 sheets)
- 70g whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean
- 150g heavy cream
- 6g dark rum
White Chocolate Coating
- 150g white chocolate
- 150g cocoa butter
Substitution Tips:
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace dark rum with rum extract or omit entirely.
- If glucose syrup is unavailable, corn syrup can be used as an alternative.
- Vanilla extract can substitute for vanilla beans, though the flavor may be less intense.

Timing
- Preparation Time: PT1H30M
- Cooking Time: PT30M
- Total Time: PT2H(Raising Cane’s, culinarye.com)
This modern canelé recipe requires approximately 2 hours, which is comparable to traditional methods but offers a more intricate flavor experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Caramel Filling
- In a saucepan, combine 40g glucose syrup, 40g milk, heavy cream, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and fleur de sel. Heat until warm.
- In a separate saucepan, cook the remaining glucose syrup and granulated sugar until it reaches 185°C, achieving a deep amber color.
- Carefully deglaze the caramel with the warm cream mixture, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to 105°C.
- Strain the caramel to remove any lumps. Once it cools to 70°C, blend in the unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add the remaining 25g of milk to 200g of the caramel, mixing well.
- Pour the caramel into mini canelé molds, filling them two-thirds full. Freeze until solid.
Tip: Ensure the caramel is not too hot when adding the butter to prevent separation.
2. Bake the Vanilla Biscuit
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until combined.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder, folding gently to maintain airiness.
- Incorporate the olive oil, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Spread the batter onto a baking mat or parchment-lined tray to a uniform thickness.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Once cooled, cut the biscuit into 4 cm rounds using a cookie cutter.
Tip: Using olive oil adds a subtle fruity note to the biscuit, complementing the rum and vanilla flavors.(What To Cook Today)
3. Prepare the Rum Syrup
- In a saucepan, bring water and granulated sugar to a boil, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly.
- Stir in the dark rum.
- Brush the syrup onto the warm biscuit rounds, allowing it to soak in.(ironwhisk.com)
Tip: Applying the syrup while the biscuit is still warm enhances absorption, ensuring a moist texture.
4. Make the Vanilla-Rum Mousse
- Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water until softened.
- In a saucepan, warm the whole milk with the scraped vanilla bean seeds. Allow it to infuse for 30 minutes.
- Reheat the milk and dissolve the softened gelatin into it.
- Melt the white chocolate in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the melted white chocolate, stirring to create a smooth emulsion.
- Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and fold it into the chocolate mixture.
- Stir in the dark rum, ensuring the mousse is smooth and airy.
Tip: For a lighter texture, ensure the whipped cream is not overbeaten before folding into the chocolate mixture.
5. Assemble the Canelés
- Pipe the vanilla-rum mousse halfway into each canelé mold.
- Insert a frozen caramel filling into the center of each mold.
- Top with additional mousse, filling the molds nearly to the top.
- Place a syrup-soaked biscuit round on top of each mold, pressing gently to adhere.
- Freeze the assembled molds for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Tip: Freezing ensures the canelés maintain their shape during the coating process.
6. Apply the White Chocolate Coating
- Melt the white chocolate and cocoa butter together, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Heat the coating to 45°C (113°F) for optimal dipping consistency.
- Unmold the frozen canelés and dip each into the warm coating, ensuring full coverage.
- Place the coated canelés on a wire rack to allow excess coating to drip off and set.
Tip: Using a thermometer ensures the coating is at the ideal temperature for a smooth finish.
7. Finishing Touch
- Once the coating has set, lightly spray the canelés with copper edible glitter for a luxurious appearance.
- Allow the canelés to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving, ensuring the caramel center softens to the perfect consistency.
Tip: Serving at room temperature enhances the flavor and texture contrast between the mousse, caramel, and biscuit layers.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 canelé) |
---|---|
Calories | ~320 kcal |
Total Fat | ~20g |
Saturated Fat | ~12g |
Carbohydrates | ~28g |
Sugars | ~22g |
Protein | ~3g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Reduce Sugar: Use natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to lower sugar content.
- Lower Fat: Replace heavy cream with a lighter alternative, such as coconut cream or reduced-fat cream.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Alcohol-Free: Omit rum or use rum extract to maintain flavor without alcohol content.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation: Serve on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Pairings: Complement with a glass of dessert wine, such as Sauternes, or a cup of rich espresso.
- Occasions: Ideal for special events like weddings, anniversaries, or gourmet dinner parties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating Caramel: Exceeding 185°C can result in burnt caramel. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.
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