Description
A timeless French dessert featuring a silky smooth vanilla custard topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust. Simple, elegant, and irresistible Crème Brûlée never fails to impress.
Ingredients
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it begins to steam — do not boil.
4. Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large measuring cup.
7. Pour custard into 4 ramekins and place them in a baking dish.
8. Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until centers are just set.
10. Remove from water bath and let cool to room temperature.
11. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until completely cold.
12. Before serving, sprinkle each custard with a thin, even layer of sugar.
13. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch (or under a broiler) until golden and crisp.
14. Serve immediately and enjoy the crackle!
Notes
For a twist, infuse the cream with vanilla beans, espresso, or citrus zest.
Best served the same day for maximum crunch.
Keep refrigerated (un-torched) for up to 2 days before adding the sugar topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
Keywords: crème brûlée, custard, dessert, French, vanilla, caramelized sugar