Description
This Lavender and Honey Crème Brûlée recipe combines the delicate floral aroma of lavender with the natural sweetness of honey, creating an elegant and creamy dessert with a signature crisp caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for special occasions or impressing guests, this custard is infused with lavender, sweetened gently with honey, and finished with a crunchy brûlée crust.
Ingredients
Custard Ingredients
- 12 ounces (355 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dried organic lavender blossoms
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Granulated sugar, for caramelizing
Instructions
- Heat the Cream and Steep Lavender: Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Add the dried lavender and allow it to steep for about 15 minutes, infusing the cream with the lavender flavor.
- Whisk Eggs and Honey: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, and honey until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine and Strain: Strain the lavender-infused cream through a fine mesh sieve into the egg mixture to remove the lavender blossoms. Gently stir to combine all ingredients without creating foam.
- Pour into Ramekins and Prepare Water Bath: Divide the custard mixture evenly into individual baking dishes or ramekins. Place these into a larger baking pan, then pour in hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the dishes to create a water bath.
- Bake the Custard: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the custards in the water bath for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
- Caramelize the Sugar Topping: When ready to serve, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar by heating it until it melts and turns golden brown, creating a crisp, crunchy topping.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute, then serve immediately for the perfect contrast of creamy custard and crunchy topping.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh lavender flowers for dried, but use sparingly as fresh lavender is more potent.
- Adding about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or a teaspoon of lemon zest can brighten the flavor with a citrus twist.
- For a lighter custard, swap half the heavy cream with whole milk.
- Incorporate 1/4 cup of goat cheese into the custard for a tangy variation.
- Replace honey with lavender syrup (approx. 2 tablespoons) for enhanced floral sweetness.
- Use lavender sugar instead of regular sugar for the custard and topping for added lavender flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
