Whether you have a date, a dinner party, or are just looking for a new dessert challenge, this easy crème brûlée recipe is perfect! This creamy, sweet, and delicious dessert offers a flavorful vanilla treat for all ages. Crème brûlée may take some time to make, but you won’t regret it.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
1 quart heavy cream
1 vanilla bean
NOTE: Vanilla beans can be found in the spice section of most grocery stores.
1 cup sugar
6 large egg yolks
Hot water
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Pour the heavy cream into a pot.
3. Split and scrape the vanilla bean, then add to the heavy cream.
Photo by Andrew Zaky
Photo by Andrew Zaky
4. Bring heavy cream and vanilla to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
Photo by Andrew Zaky
5. Let the mixture cool for 15 minutes.
6. In the meantime, separate egg yolks and put them in bowl. Check out this Spoon University article on how to separate egg whites with an empty water bottle.
Photo by Andrew Zaky
7. Then, add 1/2 cup of sugar to the bowl. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture becomes a lighter color.
Photo by Andrew Zaky
8. Pour the heavy cream mixture into the egg yolk and sugar mixture. Pour a little at a time and keep stirring.
Photo by Andrew Zaky
9. Now, pour this combined mixture into the ramekins. Then, place ramekins into a baking pan.
NOTE: Pour the mixture into ramekins in the sink with all the ramekins touching each other.
Photo by Andrew Zaky
10. Pour the hot water into the baking pan so that it fills halfway up the ramekins.
11. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the crème brûlée is set.
NOTE: You can tell it’s done if the sides don’t move and the center still trembles a little bit when ramekin is poked
12. Take the crème brûlée out of the oven, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.
13. When ready to serve, sprinkle sugar over the crème brûlée. The sugar should cover the surface of the crème brûlée. Pour excess sugar from one ramekin to the next or into the trash.
14. Use a propane or butane torch to melt the sugar. Read the safety precautions included with your torch before using!
NOTE: You can find a torch at most hardware stores for $20-30. You can also melt the sugar by using the oven broiler by placing ramekins on the top shelf of the oven, 4-6 inches from the heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until sugar is melted.
Photo by Andrew Zaky
Enjoy!