🛒 Ingredients
- 🥛 2 cups heavy cream
- 🥚 4 large egg yolks
- 🍬 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus 1/4 cup for topping)
- 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- 🌿 Optional: Fresh berries or mint for garnish
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Custard
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Heat the Cream:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean seeds. Let it cool slightly.
- Whisk the Yolks:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and thick, about 2 minutes.
- Combine the Mixtures:
- Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any lumps.
Bake the Custard
- Fill the Ramekins:
- Divide the custard mixture evenly among 4–6 small ramekins.
- Prepare the Water Bath:
- Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake:
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chill:
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Caramelize the Sugar
- Add the Sugar Topping:
- Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the surface of each custard.
- Torch the Sugar:
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, place the ramekins under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🌰 Flavor Variations: Infuse the cream with orange zest, coffee, or a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier for a twist.
- 🍫 Chocolate Crème Brûlée: Add melted dark chocolate to the custard mixture for a rich variation.
- 🧊 Make Ahead: Prepare and chill the custard a day in advance; caramelize the sugar just before serving.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Garnish your Crème Brûlée with fresh berries, a sprig of mint, or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Serve with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of espresso for a complete French dining experience.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Crème Brûlée is the epitome of elegance, with its creamy custard and signature caramelized sugar crust. This timeless dessert delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.
