Krem Karamel Recipe - Classic Bulgarian Crème Caramel Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
• 2 tablespoons water (for caramel)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
• 5 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for depth)