Vanilla Creme Brulee
Indulge in the timeless elegance of Vanilla Crème Brûlée, a creamy, custard-based dessert crowned with a golden, caramelized sugar crust. This classic French delight is infused with the intoxicating aroma of real vanilla bean, lending it a luxurious depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with its silky smooth texture. Simple ingredients like heavy cream, egg yolks, and a touch of sugar come together to create a dessert that feels both indulgent and approachable. The traditional baking technique—slowly cooking the custards in a water bath—ensures their perfect, custard-like consistency. Finished with a dramatic torching or broiling of sugar to create that satisfying crackly top, this dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a sophisticated indulgence. Make it ahead of time for a stress-free, restaurant-quality dessert served right at your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 whole Vanilla bean
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
- 4 large Egg yolks
- 1 pinch Salt
- 4 teaspoons Granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream with the vanilla bean (split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the cream, then add the pod as well). Heat over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat, cover, and let it steep for 15 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
Remove the vanilla bean pod from the cream mixture, then slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.
Divide the custard mixture evenly among four ramekins. Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center when gently shaken.
Carefully remove the ramekins from the baking dish and let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
When ready to serve, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crispy crust. Alternatively, you can broil the ramekins under the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden for about 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2026 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 178.1 g | 228% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.4 g | 512% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1218 mg | 406% | |
| Sodium | 331 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.1 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.8 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 93 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 106 mg | 2% | |
*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.
