Gratin of Blueberries with Vanilla
Indulge in the luxurious simplicity of a Gratin of Blueberries with Vanilla—a dessert that harmonizes juicy, fresh blueberries with creamy vanilla-infused custard, topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. This elegant dish is prepared by gently layering vibrant blueberries with a luscious custard made from heavy cream, egg yolks, and real vanilla bean for an authentic, aromatic flavor. Finished with a crisp brûlée topping, this gratin offers an irresistible contrast of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether served in individual ramekins or a show-stopping centerpiece dish, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining, requiring just a sprinkling of caster sugar and a quick caramelization before serving. With minimal prep and a stunning presentation, this blueberry gratin is a delightful combination of sophistication, ease, and heavenly taste.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh blueberries
- 200 milliliters heavy cream
- 1 whole vanilla bean
- 4 large egg yolks
- 80 grams granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar (for caramelization)
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease four small ovenproof gratin dishes or a single large one with the teaspoon of unsalted butter.
Evenly divide the blueberries among the gratin dishes or layer them in the single dish. Set aside while you prepare the custard.
Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod to the cream.
Heat the cream gently over medium heat until it is just about to simmer. Remove the vanilla pod and set the cream aside to cool slightly.
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.
While whisking constantly, slowly pour the slightly cooled cream into the egg mixture. Continue whisking until everything is well combined to form a custard.
Pour the custard over the blueberries, dividing it equally among the dishes, or covering the layer of blueberries in the larger dish.
Place the gratin dishes on a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the custard is just set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Remove from the oven and allow the gratins to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to fully set and chill.
Before serving, sprinkle the caster sugar evenly over the top of the custard. Use a kitchen blowtorch to caramelize the sugar until a golden, crisp layer forms. If you don’t have a blowtorch, place the gratins under a preheated grill for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of the crisp caramel topping, creamy vanilla custard, and juicy blueberries.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1622 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.4 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.1 g | 246% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 948 mg | 316% | |
| Sodium | 104 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 179.2 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.2 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 156.9 g | ||
| Protein | 14.2 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 124 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 493 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
