This classic French dessert features a creamy custard base with a caramelized sugar crust that will impress. Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner or simply craving a luxurious treat, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: 30 minutes.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
How Many Servings?
6 servings
Table of Contents
While the exact origins of crème brûlée recipe remain a culinary mystery, its decadent allure has enchanted taste buds across the globe. With its luscious custard base and irresistibly caramelized sugar crust, this dessert knows no boundaries. As it graces your palate, imagine the sweet romance of each spoonful. This easy crème brûlée recipe, a favorite in my household and an ideal choice for Valentine’s Day carries a delightful coffee twist, though it’s perfectly delightful without it. Whether shared on a special occasion or savored in solitude, this dessert will make every moment exquisite.
Ingredients for Your Crème Brûlée Recipe
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream forms the rich and creamy base of your Crème Brûlée, lending its velvety texture and luscious flavor to the dessert.
- Egg Yolks: Egg yolks contribute to the custard’s smooth and luxurious consistency, providing richness and stability to the dessert.
- Vanilla: Vanilla adds a fragrant and sweet aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile with its classic and comforting notes.
- Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten and flavor the custard. An additional amount is used for the iconic caramelized sugar topping that gives Crème Brûlée its signature crackly crust.
- Instant Coffee: The addition of instant coffee brings a delightful coffee flavor to your Crème Brûlée, infusing it with a unique and aromatic twist.
These ingredients combine harmoniously to create the delectable Crème Brûlée that’s bound to impress your taste buds.
Crème Brûlée Tips
- Use Standard Granulated Sugar: Stick to standard granulated sugar to sweeten the custard and create the caramelized sugar topping. It provides the ideal texture and flavor.
- Cool the Cream Evenly: During the cooling period for the cream mixture, whisk it every 5 minutes to ensure even cooling. This step helps maintain the right consistency.
- Pouring Technique: When combining the cream mixture with the egg yolks, use a measuring cup with a spout for controlled pouring. This prevents overheating and ensures a smooth mixture.
- Preparing Ramekins: Set the ramekins on a baking tray before pouring in the custard mixture. If bubbles appear on the surface, use the back of a spoon to remove them, ensuring a flawless finish.
- Boiling Water Placement: Before adding hot water to the baking tray, place it on the open oven door for easy transport. This prevents spills and accidents.
- Oven Placement: Bake your Crème Brûlée in the center of the oven for the best caramelization. This results in a satisfying crackly crust when ready to enjoy this delightful dessert.
These expert tips will help you master the art of making perfect Crème Brûlée with confidence. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
Make in Advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the custard base of crème brûlée in advance, up to three days before you plan to serve it. To do this, follow this easy recipe to create the custard mixture, pour it into the ramekins, and then cover each ramekin tightly. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
When you want to enjoy the crème brûlée, remove the ramekins from the refrigerator and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar topping just before serving. This ensures you get the perfect cool custard texture combined with the delightful caramelized sugar crust.
It’s a convenient option for hosting, as you can prepare the dessert in advance and impress your guests with a freshly caramelized topping right before they enjoy it.
Preparation
Allow the cream mixture to stand for 15 minutes to cool down, whisking every 5 minutes.
Whip the egg yolks, ½ cup of sugar, and salt in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
Fill the baking tray with hot water, filling it about one-third of the way up the ramekins. Be careful not to get any water in the custard.
Carefully transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the edges of the custard are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
When you're ready to serve, sprinkle one tablespoon of sugar over each chilled custard.
Use a blow torch to caramelize the sugar on top until it turns dark amber and becomes bubbly.
Please note that when using a blow torch, exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.
Delicate custard with a caramelized sugar crust makes for an unforgettable dessert. It serves four and can be prepared in advance for easy entertaining. Sprinkle with sugar, caramelize, and enjoy the satisfying crack with every spoonful.
Prep Time: 30 minutes.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
How Many Servings?
6 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 3 cups heavy cream | |
| 1 tablespoon vanilla | |
| 3 tablespoons instant coffee (optional) | |
| ½ cup granulated sugar (+ 5 tablespoons for topping) | |
| 5 egg yolks |
Preparation
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Never Miss a Recipe
Subscribe to my newsletter for authentic Mediterranean recipes, essential cooking tips, and the latest food news, all delivered directly to your inbox for FREE. Let’s create memorable dishes together!
I would love to hear your experience!
Have you tried making this Coffee-Infused Crème Brûlée? I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any adjustments or add your own twist? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.