Description
Silky French crème brûlée delivers luxurious dessert magic with minimal effort. Rich vanilla custard beneath caramelized sugar creates a classic indulgence you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dairy Ingredients:
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 6 large egg yolks
Sweeteners:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Flavoring:
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
Water:
- Hot water (for water bath)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325°F, creating an ideal low-temperature zone for delicate custard preparation.
- Gently warm the cream in a saucepan until it reaches a soft boil, then remove from heat and introduce vanilla essence, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse for a brief moment.
- Transform egg yolks and sugar into a silky, pale mixture through vigorous whisking, developing a smooth foundation for the custard.
- Carefully integrate the aromatic cream into the egg mixture using a tempering technique, slowly incorporating liquid to prevent curdling and maintain a luxurious texture.
- Strategically position ramekins within a spacious baking vessel, then strain the custard mixture into each container, ensuring an even distribution and uniform depth.
- Create a protective water bath by pouring hot water around the ramekins, establishing a gentle cooking environment that promotes even heat circulation.
- Slide the baking pan into the preheated oven, allowing the custards to cook for approximately 40 minutes until they exhibit a subtle, tantalizing wobble when nudged.
- Extract from the oven and let the custards rest briefly in their warm water sanctuary, then transition to a cooling rack to gradually reduce temperature.
- Refrigerate the delicate custards for a minimum of three hours, allowing them to set and develop their signature smooth consistency.
- Just before serving, dust the surface with a thin layer of granulated sugar and transform the top using a culinary torch, caramelizing until a golden, crisp layer forms.
- Allow the caramel to solidify momentarily, then present these elegant desserts, celebrating the dramatic contrast between crackling caramel and creamy underneath.
Notes
- Keep ramekins tightly sealed in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
- Experiment with flavor variations by infusing cream with lavender, orange zest, or cinnamon sticks during the heating process.
- Make ahead and store unbaked custards in refrigerator for up to two days before final baking and caramelizing, ensuring convenient preparation for entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg