A classic vanilla bean crème brûlée made with a silky custard and a crisp caramelized sugar top. This easy, restaurant-style dessert is perfect to make right at home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480g) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 5 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (80g) granulated white sugar
- Pinch of fine salt
- Granulated White Sugar for brûlée topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and salt. Heat over medium until the cream is hot and steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and slightly pale.
- Slowly pour the warm cream into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove bubbles and ensure a silky smooth texture.
- Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish and divide the custard evenly between them. The number of ramekins needed will vary depending on size. I used 6 small (4-ounce) ramekins but any will work.
- Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Do not get hot water into the custard.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers jiggle gently like set jello.
- Remove from the water bath and immediately transfer the ramekins to the fridge, and cool overnight (or at least for 4 hours).
- Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over each custard.
- Using a kitchen torch, melt the sugar until caramelized and deep amber. Let sit for 1–2 minutes to harden before serving.
Video
Notes
- Vanilla bean sugar: For extra flavor and aroma, use vanilla bean sugar in the custard and/or on the topping in place of regular granulated white sugar.
- Ramekin size: This recipe yields about 2½ cups of custard and will fill 6 (4-ounce) ramekins or 4–5 larger ramekins, depending on size and depth.
- Make ahead: The custards can be baked and chilled up to 2 days in advance. Brûlée the sugar topping just before serving.
- No torch? The sugar topping can be caramelized under a broiler, but watch closely, as it can burn quickly.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée (Silky, Rich & Restaurant-Style)
Amount per Serving
Calories
101
% Daily Value*
Fat
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Cholesterol
162
mg
54
%
Sodium
104
mg
5
%
Potassium
17
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
13
g
4
%
Sugar
13
g
14
%
Protein
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
216
IU
4
%
Calcium
20
mg
2
%
Iron
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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