Description
Classic French crème brûlée with silky custard and perfectly caramelized sugar crust. Elegant, creamy, and perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
5 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and vanilla bean until just simmering. Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes.
3. Whisk egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt until pale and creamy.
4. Gradually pour warm cream into yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
5. Strain custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
6. Divide custard evenly among 4–6 ramekins.
7. Place ramekins in a baking dish and add hot water halfway up the sides.
8. Bake 35–40 minutes until edges are set but center slightly jiggles.
9. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
10. Sprinkle sugar on top of each custard and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden and crisp.
11. Allow caramel to harden for a minute, then serve.
Notes
Use vanilla bean for the most authentic flavor, or vanilla extract as a substitute.
If no torch is available, broil briefly to caramelize sugar.
Custards can be prepared a day in advance; torch sugar just before serving.
Garnish with fresh berries or mint for a sophisticated presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 210mg