Description
A classic French crème brûlée made with silky vanilla custard and finished with a perfectly crisp caramelized sugar topping for a rich, elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 large egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream with half of the sugar until just simmering.
- Split the vanilla bean, scrape the seeds, and add seeds and pod to the cream, or add vanilla extract.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar and salt until pale and thick.
- Slowly pour warm cream into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly.
- Strain the custard mixture to remove bubbles and vanilla pod.
- Pour custard into ramekins.
- Place ramekins in a baking dish and fill with hot water halfway up the sides.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until edges are set and centers slightly jiggle.
- Remove ramekins, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, sprinkle sugar evenly on top and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler.
Notes
Use a water bath to ensure even cooking and a smooth custard. Always chill fully before caramelizing the sugar topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
Keywords: crème brûlée, custard dessert, french dessert, vanilla custard, caramelized sugar