Craving a dessert that’s both luxurious and satisfying? Look no further than the iconic Crème Brûlée! This French classic is a true delight for the senses, with its velvety custard base and crisp, caramelized top. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the simple steps to create a heavenly Crème Brûlée that will impress your guests or treat yourself to a delectable indulgence.
Imagine sinking your spoon into the silky custard, revealing the creamy interior beneath the crackly caramel crust. It’s a dessert that perfectly balances rich flavors and contrasting textures, making it a true masterpiece on the plate. Best of all, with our easy-to-follow instructions, you can achieve this culinary marvel right in your own kitchen, without the need for fancy techniques or expensive ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for caramelizing the top
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a baking dish or roasting pan on the oven rack.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup of sugar until well combined and slightly thickened.
3. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and slowly whisk the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture, a little at a time, to temper the eggs.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Divide the custard mixture evenly among 4-6 ramekins or oven-safe custard cups. Place the filled ramekins in the baking dish or roasting pan.
6. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish or roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath will gently cook the custards.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
8. Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, moving the flame in a circular motion until the entire surface is evenly browned and crisp.
9. Serve the Crème Brûlée chilled, with the crisp caramel shell contrasting beautifully with the creamy custard underneath. Enjoy this decadent treat!