Crème Brûlée

by Erin

I cannot think of a more iconic, classic fancy dessert than crème brûlée. And it’s easier to make than you think! Prepare ahead of time for an impressive dessert.

Homemade Crème Brûlée

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When you think of fancy schmancy desserts, crème brûlée is usually on the list. Yet it is actually easier to make than (at least I) expected. I have used this recipe many times and it always gets rave reviews. All you need to make it is heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla – preferably vanilla bean paste if you have it.

As for the tools, the only thing you really need is 4 small dishes such as ramekins. I have used both the tall round ramekins and the shallow oval ramekins for this recipe and have had success with both. And for finishing the recipe, to get the iconic “burnt cream” top, I prefer using a kitchen torch, but you can easily use your broiler.

Easy Vanilla Crème Brûlée

The end result of your seemingly hard work? A decadent and rich dessert that looks fancy, just like it should be! It’s the perfect way to finish off that light alfredo dish you just ate for dinner, right? At least that’s what I did… O:-)

My favorite part is cracking the sugar layer with the side of my spoon. Makes me feel like I’m literally digging into my dessert – corny?

More crème brûlée recipes:

Crème Brûlée Recipe

It’s the final day of #SummerGamesWeek 2021 hosted by Amy from House of Nash Eats! but the Tokyo Games are just starting! This week we shared over 50 recipes representing more than 25 countries competing in the Summer Games! Check out what I and my fellow Summer Games Week bloggers made this week from appetizers to drinks to entrées and desserts!

Friday #SummerGamesWeek Recipes

Post updated 7/23/21, photo above is the original.

One year ago: Big, Fat Chewy Multichip Cookies

Homemade Crème Brûlée

CRÈME BRÛLÉE

Print
Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tsp good vanilla extract
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 4 Tbsp sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line the bottom of a large baking pan with a damp kitchen cloth.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. While water is boiling, combine cream, 1/4 cup sugar and salt in saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally 4 to 5 minutes, until steam rises.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks and vanilla until smooth. Slowly drizzle hot cream into yolks, a little at a time, stirring constantly, until all the cream is incorporated. Pour mixture into four 6 oz. ramekins.
  4. Place ramekins on towel in baking dish, and place dish on oven rack. Pour boiling water into dish to halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover whole pan loosely with foil.
  5. Bake 40-45 minutes, until centers are barely set. Chill ramekins in refrigerator 4-6 hours.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over each custard. Use a kitchen torch* (or broiler placed 3 inches away) to brown top, 2 to 3 minutes.

Notes

*If you don't have a kitchen torch, you don't NEED one but they are definitely fun to play with. I found mine a few years ago in the hardware section at Walmart.

Did You Make This Recipe?
I want to see! Tag me on Instagram at @TheSpiffyCookie and hashtag it #TheSpiffyCookie.

Source: Adapted slightly from All Recipes.

Did you make this recipe? I want to see! Tag @THESPIFFYCOOKIE on Instagram and hashtag it #THESPIFFYCOOKIE

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Tracey November 15, 2011 - 8:15 pm

Not only have I never made creme brulee, I’ve never even tried it in my 30 years of existence! How is that even possible?

Reply
spiffycookie November 15, 2011 - 8:15 pm

Get to it lady!

Reply
janet@fromcupcakestocaviar November 15, 2011 - 3:36 pm

Ahhh, one of my favorite desserts. You’re right; it’s not as difficult as people seem to be and so worth the time spent stirring hehe

Reply
Sook November 15, 2011 - 2:29 pm

Oh that sounds really good right now!

Reply
Steph@stephsbitebybite November 15, 2011 - 1:12 pm

Whoa! Seeing this made me realize that I have never made creme brulee! Can you believe that?!! Looks like I now have an awesome recipe to use :)

Reply
spiffycookie November 15, 2011 - 1:19 pm

Gasp! You really need to, and I would totally not mind you trying this recipe out ;-)

Reply
Miriam @ Overtime Cook November 15, 2011 - 10:44 am

Oh wow, this is the ultimate impressive dessert.

And it’s kind of scary how badly I want a kitchen torch, lol. I’m a little odd, I guess.

Reply
spiffycookie November 15, 2011 - 10:45 am

Impressive and easy to make!

And I am more than a little odd myself. I get excited to make creme brulee to use the torch more than to eat it!

Reply
Baker Street November 15, 2011 - 10:29 am

I love crème brulee! Yours is done to perfection! Lovely picture too! :)

Reply
Jennifer @ Mother Thyme November 15, 2011 - 10:00 am

What a lovely dessert! Perfect to serve when entertaining over the holidays!

Reply

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