What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making this creme brulee at home is easier than you think, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. You’ll love how the creamy custard pairs perfectly with the crunchy caramelized top for a dessert that feels fancy but is simple to create. Plus, it uses just a few basic ingredients, so you can whip it up whenever the craving strikes. It’s perfect for special occasions or as a treat to make an ordinary day feel extraordinary. And don’t worry—even if you’ve never made it before, this recipe walks you through every step.
Recipe
Creme Brulee is a classic French dessert known for its rich, creamy custard base and a contrasting layer of hard caramelized sugar on top. This elegant dessert is surprisingly simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for caramelizing the top)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, then add both the seeds and the pod to the cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pourable container to guarantee smoothness.
- Divide the custard evenly among 4-6 ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Allow the sugar to harden for a minute before serving.
Notes:
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar under a broiler, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- For best results, chill the custard thoroughly before caramelizing the sugar.
Equipment:
- Ramekins
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Baking dish
- Kitchen torch
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Cuisine: French
Serving: 4-6 servings
Nutrition
Enjoy this rich and indulgent creme brulee with a simple nutritional breakdown.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade creme brulee with fresh berries for a juicy, tangy contrast, and I always pair it with crunchy biscotti to add a bit of texture. Berries like strawberries or raspberries brighten up the rich custard, while biscotti gives a satisfying bite without overpowering the dessert. It’s a simple combo that feels fancy and always impresses my guests.
Fresh Berries
When I’m serving creme brulee, I always think fresh berries are a must because they add a burst of color and a sweet-tart contrast that balances the creamy richness perfectly. I love scattering a handful of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries around the plate – they make it look vibrant and inviting. Their natural juiciness cuts through the decadence of the custard, creating a harmony of flavors. Sometimes I’ll even drizzle them with a tiny bit of honey or dust them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Berries elevate the dish without stealing the spotlight, making every bite a delightful experience.
Crunchy Biscotti
Though biscotti are delicious on their own, pairing them with the right drink or dip can turn a simple snack into something special. I love dunking almond biscotti in a rich espresso—the bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly. For a cozy treat, try dipping them in warm chocolate or caramel sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, serve them with a glass of Vin Santo, a sweet Italian wine. Even a simple cup of tea or hot cocoa works wonders. The crunch of the biscotti softens just enough to melt in your mouth. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
