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Traditional Crème Brûlée Recipe

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A classic French dessert featuring silky vanilla custard topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust for the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Extra granulated sugar for caramelizing the tops
  • 3 ounces melted dark chocolate (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest or lemon zest (optional)
  • Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Pour the heavy cream into a medium saucepan and add the vanilla bean and scraped seeds.
  3. Heat over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer gently, then remove from heat and let infuse for 10 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until pale and creamy.
  5. Slowly whisk a small amount of warm cream into the egg mixture to temper the eggs.
  6. Gradually whisk in the remaining cream until fully combined.
  7. Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
  8. Place 6 ramekins into a deep baking dish and divide the custard evenly among them.
  9. Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the ramekins.
  10. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the edges are set and the centers still jiggle slightly.
  11. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and cool to room temperature.
  12. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
  13. Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over each custard.
  14. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
  15. Allow the topping to harden for 1 minute before serving.

Notes

  • Tempering the eggs slowly prevents curdling.
  • A water bath helps create a smooth and creamy custard texture.
  • Do not boil the cream mixture.
  • Caramelize the sugar just before serving for the crispiest topping.
  • Custards can be made up to 2 days in advance.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/traditional-creme-brulee-recipe/