There’s something utterly magical about cracking through the crisp, caramelized top of a Crème Brûlée to reveal the creamy, tender custard beneath. It’s a dessert that speaks of finesse and simplicity, yet carries an air of elegance.
I remember the first time I tasted Crème Brûlée at a quaint little Parisian bistro. It was love at first bite! Since then, I’ve been perfecting this recipe for those special occasions that call for a touch of sophistication.
- 1 quart heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- Hot water for the water bath
- Extra granulated sugar for caramelizing top
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Arrange 6 ramekins in a large baking pan.
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and the scraped vanilla bean (including the pod). Cook over medium heat just until hot. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes to infuse the cream with vanilla flavor.
Whisk the egg yolks and 1 cup granulated sugar together in a bowl until well blended and just starts to lighten in color.
Add the cream mixture slowly to the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Strain the mixture to remove the vanilla pod and ensure a smooth custard.
Pour the custard into the ramekins. Pour enough hot water into the baking pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the centers are barely set. Remove from oven and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Before serving, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of sugar on each custard. Use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar and form a crispy top. Allow the Crème Brûlée to sit for a few minutes before serving.
Final words
And there you have it, a sumptuous Classic Crème Brûlée that’s bound to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the sublime texture contrast. Thank you for following along, and I hope your Crème Brûlée turns out as delightful as mine always does. For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, stay tuned to our site. Bon appétit!
Tags
creme brulee recipe, French dessert, easy creme brulee, homemade creme brulee
