French Crème Brûlée
Elegant vanilla custard topped with a crispy caramelized sugar crust. This classic French dessert is creamy, rich, and features the satisfying crack of burnt sugar.
25m
6
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Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
- Hot water for water bath
Instructions
- 1
Infuse cream
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Heat cream, vanilla bean and seeds, and salt in a saucepan until just beginning to simmer. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
- 2
Whisk egg yolks
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and 1/3 cup sugar until well blended and slightly thickened.
- 3
Temper eggs
Remove vanilla bean from cream. Gradually add hot cream to egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- 4
Strain mixture
Strain custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any lumps.
- 5
Fill ramekins
Divide custard among six 4-oz ramekins. Place in a baking dish and add hot water halfway up sides of ramekins.
- 6
Bake custards
Bake for 40-45 minutes until custards are set around edges but still jiggly in center.
- 7
Chill
Remove from water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
- 8
Caramelize sugar
Before serving, sprinkle thin layer of sugar on each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden brown. Let sit for a minute before serving.
Chef's Tips
Follow the recipe steps carefully for best results. Fresh ingredients make all the difference!
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this french crème brûlée
How long does it take to make French Crème Brûlée?
This recipe takes 65 minutes total time, including 25 minutes prep time and 40 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this French Crème Brûlée recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this French Crème Brûlée recipe?
This recipe is rated as Hard difficulty level, making it best for experienced cooks.
Can I make substitutions in this French Crème Brûlée recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this french crème brûlée ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this french crème brûlée up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover french crème brûlée?
Store leftover french crème brûlée covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with french crème brûlée?
This french crème brûlée pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze french crème brûlée?
Yes, this french crème brûlée freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.