Don’t be intimidated by this classic French dessert. It may be tricky, but even lowly college students can successfully make delicious crème brûlée.
You do need a few specialty kitchen tools, but the good news is blowtorches aren’t impossible to find (or you can use your broiler). Not to mention you can even substitute everyday coffee mugs or small jars for ramekins. Move aside, mug cakes. Mug crème brûlée is here, and it’s fancier than you.
But if you’re going to put in all the work to whip up this masterpiece, why not make your crème brûlée unique and really impress whoever you’re cooking for? (Or yourself. No shame.) Add interesting and unexpected flavors like the ones below to surprise your taste buds and spice up your life.
1. Mexican Chocolate Crème Brûlée
Photo by Sean Koetting
Rich, indulgent chocolate? Warm cinnamon? Spicy ancho chilis? How much more depth of flavor could you possibly ask for in one small ramekin? With tasty flavor combinations reminiscent of classic Mexican hot chocolate, this is the perfect dessert to heat up a chilly winter night. Just make sure not to add too much spice, or your dinner guests will be begging for milk.
2. Maple Crème Brûlée
Photo courtesy of @801cheflife on Instagram
Open your eyes: there’s so much more to maple than pancake syrup. A classic, yet somewhat under-appreciated cold weather flavor, maple is the shining star of this sweet and decadent twist on traditional crème brûlée. If you really want to go all out, top this baby with some candied bacon for the perfect marriage of sweet and savory.
3. White Chocolate Strawberry Crème Brûlée
Photo courtesy of @ilovemylife_87 on Instagram
What goes together better than sugary white chocolate and tart strawberries? Nothing, that’s what. This recipe features the fruit inside and out, so you can taste as much of the delicious flavor as your heart (and stomach) desires. Valentine’s Day may have already passed us by, but who says you can’t still enjoy this romantic dessert with your sweetheart?