Description
This Perfect Vanilla Crème Brûlée is a silky, creamy dessert with a crisp caramelized sugar top. It’s a show-stopping yet easy-to-make treat with rich vanilla flavor and a satisfying contrast of textures.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups heavy cream (360 g)
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (55 g), plus extra for topping
- Pinch of salt
- ½ vanilla bean pod (split and scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and boil water for a water bath.
- Heat cream and vanilla in a saucepan over low heat until it begins to simmer. Do not boil.
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a bowl until pale and smooth.
- Slowly whisk in a bit of warm cream to temper the eggs, then whisk in the rest.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl.
- Divide into 4–6 ramekins and place in a baking dish. Add boiling water halfway up the ramekins.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, until edges are set and centers jiggle slightly.
- Remove from water bath, cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle 1 tsp sugar on each custard and caramelize with a torch until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Infuse with espresso powder, citrus zest, or chocolate for variations.
- Add liqueurs like bourbon or Kahlua for a boozy version.
- Straining ensures a smooth custard texture.
- Only torch the sugar just before serving for a crisp top.
- Chill for at least 4 hours for the best set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (of 6)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
