Crème Brûlée, also known as “burnt cream,” is a classic French dessert that is perfect for any special occasion or simply for treating yourself. This delicious dish is made with a creamy custard base and topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. The combination of the rich, creamy custard and the crisp, caramelized top creates a delectable contrast of textures and flavors that is sure to please any palate.
To make Crème Brûlée, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, plus more for the caramelized top
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 5 large egg yolks
- 2 cups of boiling water
To begin, preheat the oven to 300F. In a saucepan, combine the cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, and the vanilla bean (both the pod and the scraped seeds). Cook the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved, then remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks together. Slowly pour the cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to combine.
Next, divide the custard mixture evenly among six ramekins and place them in a baking dish. Pour the boiling water into the baking dish, so that it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Carefully transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until the custards are set but still wobbly in the center.
Once the custards are finished baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 30 minutes, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
When you’re ready to serve the crème brûlée, you will need a kitchen torch. Sprinkle the top of each custard with a thin, even layer of granulated sugar, then using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a hard, golden-brown crust. Be sure to keep the flame moving around the dish until the sugar is caramelized.
Crème Brûlée is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that will transport your taste buds straight to France. The rich, creamy custard and the crisp, caramelized top are the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a perfect way to finish a special dinner or when you want a decadent dessert to treat yourself with.