Creme brulee –Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite desserts: Crème Brûlée! This classic French treat is indulgent and delicious, with its creamy custard base topped off with a crisp layer of caramelized sugar. Perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a sweet moment at home, let’s dive into the delightful world of making this delectable dessert.
Crème Brûlée
As you prepare to embark on this culinary adventure, just picture that satisfying crack of caramelized sugar as you dive into the creamy custard beneath. Here’s a beautiful image of what’s waiting for you!
Ingredients
To make a heavenly Crème Brûlée, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own Crème Brûlée at home:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and the seeds from the vanilla bean (or the vanilla extract). Heat the mixture until it’s just about to simmer, then remove it from the heat. Allow it to infuse for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Once combined, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl to ensure it’s smooth.
- Divide the custard mixture among ramekins, filling each one about 3/4 full.
- Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the custards are set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool. Then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
- When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the custard in each ramekin. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it becomes golden and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can place them under a broiler for a short time – just keep a close eye on them!
- Allow the sugar crust to harden for a minute or two, then dig in and enjoy!
Whether for a special occasion or just an everyday treat, making Crème Brûlée is always worth the time and effort. Enjoy your cooking, and savor every spoonful of this elegant dessert!