Description
Classic French dessert coffee crème brûlée brings elegant simplicity to sophisticated palates. Rich espresso-infused custard with caramelized sugar topping promises silky indulgence you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
- 5 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for topping)
Coffee Flavoring:
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
Seasoning:
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- Hot water (for water bath)
Instructions
- Arrange ramekins inside a 9×9 baking pan and heat oven to 300°F (150°C), positioning the rack centrally. Simultaneously, bring a large kettle of water to a boil.
- Gently heat heavy cream with sugar and salt in a saucepan, stirring periodically until sugar completely dissolves and mixture becomes smooth.
- Vigorously whisk egg yolks in a mixing bowl, then gradually introduce the warm cream mixture while continuously whisking to prevent egg curdling.
- Dissolve instant espresso powder in Kahlua, creating a rich coffee essence. Integrate this into the cream mixture, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to ensure silky smoothness.
- Distribute the custard evenly across ramekins, then carefully pour hot water into the baking pan until it reaches midway up the ramekin sides.
- Transfer the water bath to the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, monitoring until custards set with a delicate center wobble when gently nudged.
- Extract ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 4 hours.
- Refrigerate covered for a minimum of 2 hours, ensuring maximum flavor development and proper chilling.
- Before serving, generously dust each custard with sugar, tilting to create an even layer. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it transforms into a crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Serve immediately to preserve the contrast between the crackling caramel and creamy custard beneath.
Notes
- Precise water bath technique ensures gentle, even cooking for silky smooth custard texture.
- Tempering eggs slowly prevents scrambling, creating a luxurious, creamy coffee-infused dessert.
- Instant espresso and Kahlua boost deep, rich coffee flavor throughout the entire dessert.
- Extended chilling time (minimum 2 hours) allows custard to set perfectly and develop intense flavor profile.
- Kitchen torch caramelization creates a signature crisp sugar crust that cracks beautifully when tapped.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor complexity in this elegant dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Drinks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 210mg