Elevate your dessert game with this decadent Whiskey Crème Brûlée, a sophisticated twist on the classic French treat. Featuring velvety vanilla bean-infused custard with a touch of rich whiskey, this indulgent dessert combines creaminess with a subtle warmth that’s perfect for impressing guests or savoring a special moment. Baked to silky perfection in a water bath and finished with a signature caramelized sugar crust, this recipe delivers a satisfying contrast of textures in every spoonful. Ready in under an hour (plus chilling time), this luxurious dessert is surprisingly simple to prepare and serves as the ultimate crowd-pleaser for dinner parties, date nights, or holiday celebrations. Whether you torch the sugar topping for a dramatic flair or broil to golden perfection, this Whiskey Crème Brûlée is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a deep baking dish where your ramekins will fit snugly and allow for a water bath.
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and split vanilla bean (or vanilla extract). Heat over medium heat until the cream begins to steam but does not boil. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the vanilla to infuse.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and pale in color.
Slowly pour the warm cream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Stir in the whiskey until fully incorporated.
Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pouring jug to remove any lumps and the vanilla bean residue.
Divide the custard evenly among four ramekins. Place the ramekins into the prepared baking dish and carefully pour hot water into the dish until the water reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins (this is the water bath).
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the custards are set but still jiggle slightly in the center when shaken.
Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for best results.
When ready to serve, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown or white sugar evenly over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crisp layer. If you don’t have a torch, you can broil the ramekins under a hot oven for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Allow the sugar to cool and harden for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your decadent Whiskey Crème Brûlée!
Calories |
2583 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 187.1 g | 240% | |
| Saturated Fat | 105.6 g | 528% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1587 mg | 529% | |
| Sodium | 206 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 154.1 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 151.0 g | ||
| Protein | 16.2 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 140 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 114 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.