Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that's as elegant as it is delicious? Look no further than crème brûlée! This classic French dessert, with its smooth, creamy custard and brittle caramelized sugar topping, is surprisingly easier to make than you might think. This Preppy Kitchen-inspired recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps, guaranteeing a restaurant-quality dessert even for beginner cooks. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields 4 servings of this delectable treat.
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
- 6 large egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
- Turbinado sugar, for topping (about 1 tablespoon per ramekin)
Instructions:
Step 1: Infuse the Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla bean (or extract). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not let the cream boil. Remove from heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the vanilla to infuse the cream. This step is key for maximizing flavor!
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and salt together until light and frothy. This helps to create a smoother, richer custard.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
Slowly drizzle a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the yolks from scrambling. This tempering process gradually warms the eggs, preventing them from curdling when added to the hot cream. Once the yolks are slightly warmed, gradually whisk in the remaining cream mixture until fully combined.
Step 4: Strain and Fill Ramekins
Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher. This removes any potential bits of vanilla bean or any lumps that may have formed. Pour the custard evenly into four small ramekins or oven-safe dishes.
Step 5: Bake the Custard
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 and preventing cracking). Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling process allows the custard to fully set and develop its rich, creamy texture.
Step 7: Caramelize the Sugar
Just before serving, sprinkle each ramekin generously with turbinado sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden-brown crust. If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can carefully broil the ramekins in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for make-ahead entertaining! Prepare the custard a day or two in advance.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a splash of coffee liqueur, orange zest, or a teaspoon of cinnamon for a unique twist.
- Portion control: Adjust the recipe to suit the number of servings you need.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 5g
This crème brûlée recipe is a fantastic addition to any dinner party or special occasion. Its creamy texture and delightful caramelized sugar topping will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your guests. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dessert!