Description
The classic French dessert that combines rich, creamy custard with a crispy, caramelized sugar topping is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
- Heavy cream: 1 quart (950 ml)
- Vanilla bean: 1, split and scraped
- Vanilla sugar: 1 cup (200 g), divided (1/2 cup for custard, 1/2 cup for topping) *see note below
- Large egg yolks: 6
- Hot water: 2 quarts (1.9 liters)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
2. Heat the Cream
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, vanilla bean, and its pulp.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then remove from heat.
- Cover and let it sit for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Remove the vanilla bean after infusion and reserve it for another use.
3. Mix the Egg Yolks and Sugar
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (100 g) of vanilla sugar and the egg yolks.
- Whisk until well blended and the mixture starts to lighten in color.
4. Combine the Cream and Egg Mixture
- Gradually add the warm cream to the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
5. Pour into Ramekins
- Pour the custard mixture into 6 (7 to 8-ounce) ramekins, evenly distributing the liquid.
6. Prepare the Water Bath
- Place the ramekins in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
- Pour enough hot water into the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
7. Bake the Crème Brûlée
- Bake in the preheated oven until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center, approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature.
8. Chill the Custards
- Refrigerate the custards for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
9. Prepare to Serve
- Remove the ramekins from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.
10. Caramelize the Sugar
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (100 g) of vanilla sugar evenly on top of the custards.
- Using a kitchen torch, melt the sugar until it forms a crispy, caramelized top.
11. Final Touch
- Let the caramelized sugar sit for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow it to harden.
Notes
- Vanilla Sugar Substitute: If you don’t have vanilla sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar and add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
- Vanilla Bean Substitute: If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, adding it after the cream has been heated.
- Hot Water Bath: Ensuring the water bath is halfway up the sides of the ramekins helps the custard cook evenly.
- Using a Torch: Move the torch in a circular motion to avoid burning the sugar.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5oz
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 330mg