Craving a dessert that's both elegant and incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This Caramel Crème Brûlée recipe delivers a rich, creamy custard with a satisfyingly crisp caramelized sugar topping. It’s the perfect ending to a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or even a cozy night in. Forget those complicated, time-consuming recipes; this one is surprisingly simple, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields four servings of this delectable dessert.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 4 large egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions:
Step 1: Infuse the Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, and vanilla bean (or extract). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let the cream mixture steep for at least 15 minutes to allow the vanilla flavor to fully infuse. This step is key to achieving that rich, authentic vanilla taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and salt together until light and frothy. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling. This gentle approach ensures a smooth, silky texture.
Step 3: Bake the Crème Brûlée
Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup or pitcher to remove any vanilla bean seeds or lumps. Pour the custard evenly into four ramekins or oven-safe dishes. Place the ramekins in a larger baking dish. Pour enough hot water into the larger dish to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins (this creates a water bath, ensuring even cooking and preventing cracking).
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the custards are just set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Don't overbake!
Step 4: Chill and Caramelize
Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the custards to set completely.
Before serving, sprinkle each custard evenly with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a deep golden brown, hard crust. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can broil the custards in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Tips for Crème Brûlée Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your crème brûlée will depend heavily on the quality of your ingredients. Good vanilla extract makes a big difference!
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry, rubbery custard. The center should still have a slight jiggle when it's done.
- Patience is key: Allowing the custards to chill completely is essential for proper setting and a smooth texture.
Variations:
- Coffee Crème Brûlée: Add 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the cream mixture.
- Chocolate Crème Brûlée: Melt 2 ounces of dark chocolate into the warm cream mixture.
- Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the creamy texture and the satisfying crunch of the caramelized sugar. Happy cooking!