“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” This quote from La Rochefoucauld perfectly captures the essence of Crème Brûlée, a dessert that elevates simple ingredients into a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
Crème Brûlée, which means “burnt cream” in French, has a history as rich as its taste. Originating in 17th century France, this classic dessert has stood the test of time, charming taste buds across the globe. What sets our recipe apart is the infusion of real vanilla bean, lending a depth of flavor that extract simply can’t match.
While Crème Brûlée stands perfectly on its own, it also pairs beautifully with other treats. Try serving it alongside crisp shortbread cookies for textural contrast, or follow it with a shot of espresso to cleanse the palate.
Creating the perfect Crème Brûlée can be intimidating, but don’t let that stop you! The key is patience – both in cooking the custard slowly and in chilling it thoroughly before that final, thrilling caramelization.
Enjoy More Vanilla-Infused Recipes!
Discover a range of delicious vanilla-infused recipes that highlight this classic flavor in unique and tempting ways. From sweet treats to creamy delights, these recipes showcase vanilla’s versatility and offer something for every taste. Explore these vanilla favorites and elevate your dessert experience!
Creme Brulee Recipe
Equipment
- 6 ramekins
- Baking Dish
- Kitchen torch or broiler
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Infuse the Cream:If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod to the cream in a saucepan. If using vanilla extract, just set it aside for now.Heat the cream over medium heat until it just begins to steam (do not let it boil). Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes to infuse the vanilla flavor. If using a vanilla pod, remove it from the cream after infusion.
- Mix the Custard:In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar until pale and creamy.Gradually add the warm cream to the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.If using vanilla extract, add it to the mixture at this stage.
- Prepare the Ramekins:Place the ramekins in a large baking dish.Pour the custard mixture into the ramekins, dividing it evenly.Pour hot water into the baking dish, ensuring it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake the Custard:Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven.Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Caramelize the Sugar:Just before serving, evenly sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top of each custard.Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden-brown, crispy layer.Alternatively, you can use a broiler to caramelize the sugar, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy:Let the caramelized sugar cool for a minute or two, then serve and enjoy your homemade crème brûlée!
Notes
Nutrition
Time to Reveal My Best Tips and Tricks!
Tip 1 Experiment with Flavor Combinations: Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavor combinations! While classic vanilla is always delightful, consider adding a twist with complementary flavors like espresso, coconut, or even Earl Grey tea. Infusing the cream with your chosen flavor adds an extra layer of complexity to the dessert.
Tip 2 Control the Sugar Layer for a Perfect Caramelized Crust: When it comes to caramelizing the sugar, less is often more. I recommend using fine granulated sugar and spreading it evenly across the top of the custard. A thin layer caramelizes more evenly and creates that ideal crunchy texture without burning. If you’re using a kitchen torch, keep it moving in a circular motion to avoid creating hot spots.
Great Accompaniments for Your Creme Brulee!
Explore fantastic accompaniments that enhance your Creme Brulee experience. From fresh fruits to crunchy cookies, these options add delightful contrasts and complement the rich, creamy custard. Discover the perfect pairings to make your dessert even more enjoyable and memorable.