Crème Brûlée Recipe

Experience the perfect balance of silky-smooth custard topped with a crackly caramelized sugar crust. This classic French dessert is simple to make at home with a few pantry staples. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a sweet treat, this recipe ensures consistently impressive results. Perfect for fans of creamy textures and bold vanilla flavors, it’s an elegant addition to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar, plus extra for topping*
• 4 large egg yolks

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Instructions

1. Prep Oven and Ramekins:
   • Preheat oven to 325°F. Arrange 4 (6-ounce) ramekins in a large baking dish. Heat a kettle of water to boiling and set aside.
2. Heat the Cream:
   • In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream and salt. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the cream, whisk briefly, and heat over low until hot but not simmering. Remove from heat.
3. Whisk the Sugar and Egg Yolks:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and egg yolks for 30 seconds until combined.
4. Temper the Eggs:
   • While continuously whisking the egg mixture, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of the hot cream. Repeat with another 1/2 cup. Pour in the remaining cream and whisk until fully combined.
5. Strain:
   • Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or curdled bits.
6. Fill the Ramekins:
   • Divide the custard mixture evenly among the ramekins. Carefully pour the hot water into the baking dish, ensuring it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins without spilling into them.
7. Bake:
   • Transfer the baking dish to the oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the custards are just set but still slightly jiggly in the center. For accuracy, the centers should register 165°F on a cooking thermometer.
8. Cool:
   • Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully transfer the ramekins to a heatproof surface. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully chilled.
9. Brûlée the Tops:
   • Once chilled, remove ramekins from the refrigerator. If condensation is present, blot it gently with a paper towel. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar (about 1 teaspoon) over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar by moving the flame evenly across the surface until bubbly and deep amber. Let rest for 1 minute.
10. Serve:
    • Serve immediately, optionally topped with fresh berries or additional garnishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant Dessert: A timeless classic perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated treat.
• Simple Ingredients: Requires just a few pantry staples.
• Customizable: Adjust flavors and toppings to suit your preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: The caramelized sugar topping creates a beautiful finish.

Tips

• Use room-temperature egg yolks to prevent the mixture from curdling.
• Make sure the cream is hot but not boiling when adding to the eggs to avoid scrambling.
• A kitchen torch works best for caramelizing the sugar, but the broiler can be used as an alternative.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flavor Options: Add a splash of orange liqueur, almond extract, or coffee for unique variations.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
• Sugar Alternatives: Use raw sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Toppings: Garnish with whipped cream, crushed nuts, or chocolate shavings.

FAQs

Q: Can I make crème brûlée ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the custard up to 2 days in advance. Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have a torch?
A: Place ramekins under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Q: Can I freeze crème brûlée?
A: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the custard (without the topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the sugar and caramelizing.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of dessert wine or coffee for an indulgent finish.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit or a small scoop of sorbet for contrast.
• Add edible flowers for a decorative touch.

Additional Ideas

• Experiment with seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or lavender.
• Create mini crème brûlées in smaller ramekins for party portions.
• Try using flavored sugars (e.g., cinnamon sugar) for caramelizing the top.