Crème brûlée recipe

Crème Brûlée: A Classic French Dessert You Can Master at Home

Prep Time: 15–20 minutes

Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
Chilling Time: 2–4 hours (overnight for best results)
Total Time: 3–5 hours (including chilling)
Calories: 250–350 kcal per serving (based on a 4–6 oz ramekin)

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Crème brûlée is an elegant French dessert loved for its smooth, creamy custard base and signature layer of caramelized sugar on top. Literally translating to "burnt cream," this indulgent dessert contrasts rich vanilla-infused cream with a satisfyingly crisp sugar shell. Despite its sophisticated appearance, crème brûlée is surprisingly simple to make at home with just a few ingredients and some patience.

Ingredients

• 3 egg yolks
• 35 g sugar
• 100 ml milk
• 200 ml whipped cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Brown sugar (for topping)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
2. In a saucepan, combine the milk, whipped cream, and vanilla extract. Cook over low heat, stirring gently. Do not let the mixture boil.
3. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
4. Strain the mixture through a sieve for a smoother custard, then pour it into ramekins or serving cups.
5. Place the ramekins in a deep baking tray. Fill the tray with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cups (this is called a water bath).
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 30–35 minutes or until the custard is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature. Then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
8. Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and crisp.
9. Let it sit for a minute or two, then serve cold and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Use fresh vanilla beans for a deeper flavor if available.
• Be careful not to overheat the cream mixture-gentle heat preserves the delicate flavor.
• A kitchen torch gives you that perfect caramelized top. If you don’t have one, use the oven broiler, but watch closely!

Crème brûlée is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a luxurious dessert night. With just a little care and the right technique, this French classic can be yours-smooth, sweet, and elegantly simple.