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Crème Brûlée Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 53 reviews

Crème brûlée is a classic French dessert featuring a smooth, creamy custard base topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust. This elegant yet simple-to-make dessert is perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a luxurious treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus additional for topping)
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the custard.
  2. Heat the Cream and Vanilla: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and split vanilla bean (if using) over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it infuse for about 15 minutes to extract the vanilla flavor.
  3. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined and slightly pale.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually whisk the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, taking care to remove the vanilla bean if used. This tempering process prevents curdling.
  5. Strain and Prepare Ramekins: Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into individual ramekins placed in a baking dish to ensure a silky texture free of lumps.
  6. Add Water Bath: Carefully pour boiling water into the baking dish, filling it halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath ensures gentle, even cooking of the custards.
  7. Bake the Custards: Bake for 30-35 minutes until custards are set but still slightly jiggle in the center, indicating a creamy consistency.
  8. Cool and Chill: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate the custards for at least two hours to firm up before caramelizing the topping.
  9. Caramelize the Sugar: Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until crisp and golden. Alternatively, place under a broiler for a short time watching carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for added color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the creamy custard and crunchy topping.

Notes

  • Ensure custards are fully chilled before caramelizing the sugar to prevent melting.
  • If you don’t have a kitchen torch, using the oven broiler is an effective substitute but watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Vanilla bean provides the most authentic flavor, but vanilla extract works well if beans are unavailable.
  • The water bath is essential for gentle baking, preventing the custard from curdling or cracking.
  • For extra flair, garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves when serving.

Keywords: Crème brûlée, French dessert, custard, caramelized sugar, vanilla custard, baked dessert

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/creme-brulee-recipe/