Name: Crème Brûlée: The Classic French Dessert
Prep time: PT-487199H38M54S
Cook time: PT-487199H38M54S
Total time: PT-487199H38M54S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract); 5 large egg yolks; ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for the topping); ¼ teaspoon salt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crème Brûlée is a luxurious yet surprisingly simple dessert. The silky custard filling, made from cream, egg yolks, and vanilla, is perfectly complemented by the crispy, caramelized sugar topping. The contrast of textures is what makes this dessert so irresistible—the creamy custard and the satisfying crunch of the sugar top create a delightful eating experience. With only a few ingredients and easy steps, you can make this classic French dessert in your own kitchen and enjoy it with minimal effort. It’s elegant, timeless, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
5 large egg yolks
½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for the topping)
¼ teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the custard:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place 4-6 ramekins (depending on their size) in a baking dish or roasting pan. Make sure the ramekins are not touching each other.
Infuse the cream: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the cream, adding both the seeds and the pod to the pan. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the vanilla flavor to infuse into the cream. If using vanilla extract, you’ll add it in the next step.
Whisk the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is pale and thickened.
Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the warm cream (removing the vanilla bean pod, if used) into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. This is known as tempering the eggs. Once the mixture is fully combined, stir in the vanilla extract, if you’re using it.
Strain the custard: To ensure a silky smooth custard, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding any solids.

Bake the Crème Brûlée:

Fill the ramekins: Carefully pour the custard mixture into the ramekins, filling them almost to the top.
Water bath: Place the ramekins in the preheated oven and pour hot water into the baking dish (around the ramekins) until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath ensures even cooking and helps prevent the custard from cracking.
Bake: Bake the custards for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. The custard will continue to set as it cools.
Cool the custard: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to develop and the custard to firm up.

Caramelize the sugar:

Top with sugar: Once the custard is chilled, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard.
Caramelize the sugar: Use a kitchen torch to carefully melt and caramelize the sugar, moving the flame in a circular motion until the sugar turns golden brown. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can also place the ramekins under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, but be sure to keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Cool the sugar: Let the sugar harden for a few minutes to form a crisp, caramelized top.

Serve:

Once the sugar is set, your Crème Brûlée is ready to be served. Enjoy the delicious contrast of the smooth custard and crispy caramelized sugar top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Preparation time: 20-30 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Total time: 3-4 hours

Variations

Flavored Crème Brûlée: Add different flavors to your custard. For example, you can infuse the cream with lavender, citrus zest, or coffee beans for a unique twist.
Chocolate Crème Brûlée: Add melted chocolate to the custard mixture to make a rich chocolate version of this dessert. You can also top it with grated chocolate for extra indulgence.
Fruit Crème Brûlée: Incorporate a layer of fruit purée, such as raspberry or strawberry, at the bottom of the ramekin before adding the custard for a fruity version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Crème Brûlée can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sugar topping in place, but if you have leftovers with no sugar top, simply sprinkle sugar on top before reheating.
Reheating: If you need to reheat your Crème Brûlée, place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Caramelize the sugar topping once it’s warmed.

FAQs

Can I make Crème Brûlée without a torch?

Yes, you can use a broiler to caramelize the sugar. Simply place the ramekins on a baking sheet, sprinkle the sugar on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Can I make Crème Brûlée ahead of time?

Yes! Crème Brûlée can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the caramelized sugar just before serving to ensure it stays crispy.

Can I make Crème Brûlée without egg yolks?

Egg yolks are essential to the texture of Crème Brûlée, so it’s difficult to make an authentic version without them. However, there are vegan alternatives that use cashews, coconut milk, or cornstarch to create a custard-like filling, though the texture will differ.

What should I do if my Crème Brûlée cracks while baking?

Cracking can occur if the custard is cooked too quickly or at too high a temperature. To prevent this, make sure to bake the custard in a water bath, as it ensures even cooking and prevents overheating.

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée is a timeless French dessert that combines creamy, rich custard with the satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar. With its elegant presentation and delicate flavors, it’s the perfect dessert for impressing your guests or treating yourself to something indulgent. While it may seem like a sophisticated dessert, Crème Brûlée is surprisingly simple to make and will quickly become a favorite in your dessert collection. The creamy custard and crispy sugar top make for a perfect contrast that will have everyone coming back for more!