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Crème Brûlée

A classic French dessert featuring a smooth, creamy custard base topped with a crunchy caramelized sugar crust.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, French
Cuisine French
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crème Brûlée

  • 2 cups heavy cream Must have at least 36% fat for richness.
  • 5 large egg yolks Important for thickening the custard.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar For sweetening the custard.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Can also use vanilla bean paste.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar For caramelizing on top.
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar For the caramelized topping.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • In a saucepan, gently heat heavy cream until just about to boil.
  • In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale.
  • Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour the mixture into ramekins.
  • Place ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until half up the sides of the ramekins.

Cooking

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the centers are just set.
  • Remove from the water bath and cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Caramelizing

  • Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each custard.
  • Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust.
  • Let sit for a minute before serving.

Notes

Crème brûlée can be flavored with citrus zest or chocolate for variations. Great served with berries or mint.
Keyword Caramelized Sugar, Crème Brûlée, Custard Dessert, Indulgent Dessert, Vanilla Dessert