Crème Brûlée is a classic French dessert characterized by its rich custard base topped with a hard caramelized sugar crust. This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions and is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped)
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
• Pinch of salt

Timing

Making Crème Brûlée takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for baking, plus chilling time.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Custard

1. Heat Cream: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract (or the seeds and pod of the vanilla bean). Heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Whisk Egg Yolks: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Remove the vanilla pod if used.

Step 3: Bake the Custards

1. Strain Mixture: Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any lumps.
2. Prepare Ramekins: Place six ramekins in a baking dish. Divide the custard mixture evenly among the ramekins.
3. Add Water Bath: Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins, filling it halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 4: Chill the Custards

1. Cool Down: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar

1. Prepare for Topping: When ready to serve, remove the custards from the refrigerator. Pat the tops dry with a paper towel.
2. Add Sugar: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each custard.
3. Caramelize Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for 1-2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let Cool: Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden for a few minutes before serving.
2. Enjoy: Serve the crème brûlée immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of creamy custard and crispy caramel!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Crème Brûlée (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	6g
Fat	28g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors by infusing the cream with citrus zest, espresso, or liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Amaretto.
• Chocolate Crème Brûlée: Add melted chocolate to the custard mixture for a rich chocolate version.
• Fruit Toppings: Serve with fresh berries or a fruit compote for added flavor and presentation.

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée is a timeless dessert that combines a silky custard with a crunchy caramel topping, creating a delightful experience with each bite. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy this delightful recipe!