Crème Brûlée is the epitome of elegance and indulgence. With its creamy custard base and perfectly caramelized sugar topping, this classic French dessert will impress everyone. Follow this simple recipe to create a delightful treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
Gather these simple, yet luxurious ingredients to create a dessert that exudes sophistication and delight.
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup superfine sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions:
Follow these steps to create a perfect Crème Brûlée that will amaze your guests and leave them craving more.
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Prepare the Custard:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and vanilla bean (both seeds and pod). Heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod.
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Mix the Custard:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Gradually whisk the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, a little at a time, to temper the eggs.
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Bake the Custard:
- Pour the custard mixture into ramekins and place them in a baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
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Caramelize the Sugar:
- Sprinkle an even layer of superfine sugar over the surface of each custard.
- Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. Alternatively, you can broil the custards in the oven, watching closely to prevent burning.
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Serve:
- Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute before serving.
- Enjoy your Crème Brûlée with a spoon, breaking through the crispy sugar crust to reveal the creamy custard beneath.
- This elegant dessert is perfect for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or simply treating yourself to a bit of luxury.
Review:
"This Crème Brûlée is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The creamy custard pairs perfectly with the crunchy caramelized sugar topping. It’s an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Definitely a must-try!" - Satisfied Baker