Description
Classic French Crème Brûlée is a rich and creamy dessert topped with a crispy caramelized sugar crust, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place four ramekins in a baking dish and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any lumps.
- Pour the custard evenly into the prepared ramekins.
- Carefully fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly jiggly.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle an even layer of brown sugar over the top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, place the ramekins under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- For a twist, infuse the cream with other flavors such as orange zest, coffee, or lavender by adding them to the cream while heating, then strain before mixing with the egg yolks.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk for a slightly less rich custard.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 210mg