Tired of the same old dessert routine? Craving something decadent, yet manageable for a cozy night in? Look no further than this delightful crème brûlée recipe, perfectly portioned for two. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen; this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time, making it the perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. This homemade cooking project is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks, and offers a luxurious treat without the fuss. Get ready to impress your loved one (or yourself!) with this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the crust)
- Optional: Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This gentle heat is key for a creamy texture.
- Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan. Add the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla bean (or extract). A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness.
Infuse the cream:
- Heat the cream mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil. The goal is to gently warm the cream and infuse it with the vanilla flavor.
Prepare the custard:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are light and slightly frothy.
- Slowly drizzle a little of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Gradually pour the remaining cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and homogenous.
Bake to perfection:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly into two small ramekins (approximately 6-ounce capacity).
- Place the ramekins in a larger baking dish. Pour enough hot water into the baking dish to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins (this creates a bain-marie, ensuring even cooking).
- Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custards are just set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Cool and caramelize:
- Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool completely in the water bath. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture.
- Just before serving, sprinkle each crème brûlée with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
- Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden brown crust. If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can broil the ramekins in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The richness of the heavy cream and the quality of the vanilla bean significantly impact the final flavor.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry, rubbery texture. The center should still have a slight wobble.
- Chill thoroughly: Adequate chilling time is essential for achieving the desired creamy consistency.
- Practice your torch technique: If using a kitchen torch, work in short bursts to avoid burning the sugar.
Variations:
- Coffee Crème Brûlée: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the cream mixture.
- Chocolate Crème Brûlée: Melt 1-2 ounces of dark chocolate into the cream mixture.
- Citrus Crème Brûlée: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the cream mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: High
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This recipe is a delightful addition to your healthy meals repertoire, best enjoyed as a special occasion dessert, offering a balanced mix of indulgence and satisfaction. Enjoy this easy and romantic dessert, perfect for sharing!