If you’ve always dreamed of making an elegant French dessert at home, this Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe is about to become your go-to treat. Imagine a luxuriously smooth vanilla custard tucked beneath a perfectly crackly caramelized sugar top—a contrast of creamy and crisp that never fails to delight. With just a handful of staple ingredients and a few simple techniques, this classic recipe truly lives up to its name. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy finale, this Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe brings the magic of French patisserie right into your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Custard:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
How to Make Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Infuse
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream with your split vanilla bean (seeds and all) or vanilla extract over medium heat. As soon as the cream just begins to simmer, pull it off the heat. If you’re using a vanilla bean, let it steep for about five minutes for that extra boost of flavor, then fish out and discard the pod. At this stage, your kitchen will already smell amazing!
Step 2: Whisk the Yolks and Sugar
In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Whisk them together vigorously until the mixture becomes pale yellow and slightly thick—this aerates the custard, lifting the final texture from good to wow-worthy. A sturdy whisk really makes this step more enjoyable and effective.
Step 3: Tempering the Custard
Next, the all-important step: tempering. While whisking constantly, gradually pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures your custard stays velvety smooth. Take your time—the gentle approach here pays off big time!
Step 4: Strain and Pour
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Why strain? It removes any overcooked egg pieces, so only the silkiest custard makes it to your ramekins. Divide the mixture evenly among 4 to 6 ramekins, depending on your preferred portion size.
Step 5: Bake in a Water Bath
Place the filled ramekins in a large baking dish. Pour hot water into the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins—this gentle water bath, or bain-marie, ensures the custards bake evenly without curdling. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, just until the custard is mostly set with a subtle jiggle in the center. Resist overbaking; a little wobble means a dreamy texture later on.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!). This waiting period lets the custard finish setting—essential for that signature spoonable silkiness.
Step 7: Caramelize the Sugar Top
When you’re ready to serve, evenly sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar over each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and bubbly—this takes just a minute or two. If you don’t have a torch, pop the ramekins under a broiler but keep a watchful eye to avoid burning. Let the sugar harden for a minute before digging in and enjoying that unmistakable crack!
How to Serve Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh mint, a few juicy berries, or even a dusting of powdered sugar can make your Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe look as stunning as it tastes. The contrast of bright fruit against creamy custard not only elevates the appearance, it also adds a pop of freshness with every bite.
Side Dishes
This brûlée shines all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp almond biscotti, a slender tuile cookie, or a delicate shortbread for dipping. A tiny serving of macerated berries on the side provides acid and color, complementing the sweetness and creaminess of your Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins are classic, but you could just as easily prepare mini versions in espresso cups or vintage teacups for a charming twist. For special occasions, try serving your Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe in a shallow, wide dish—a beautiful way to maximize that coveted caramelized topping. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavor infusions like a strip of orange zest or a splash of your favorite liqueur in the cream for your own signature spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe, simply cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The custard keeps its rich texture for up to three days, though it’s best to caramelize the sugar crust right before serving to maintain that perfect crackle.
Freezing
You can freeze baked, un-topped crème brûlée for longer storage. Let them cool completely, cover well, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then sprinkle on the sugar and caramelize just before serving. Note that texture may be a touch less silky after thawing, but the flavor remains lovely.
Reheating
Crème brûlée is meant to be served cold, but if you’d like to take the chill off before caramelizing, just let the ramekins sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can upset the custard’s delicate balance and soften the sugar topping.
FAQs
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No torch? No problem! Place the sugared ramekins under a hot oven broiler, watching closely to prevent burning. Rotate as needed for even caramelization, and make sure to chill the custards well before broiling so they don’t overheat.
Can I use something other than vanilla?
Absolutely! Infuse the cream with orange zest, a cinnamon stick, a splash of espresso, or even a favorite liqueur to put your own unique spin on this Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe. Just be sure to strain any solids before baking.
How do I know when the custard is done baking?
Check for a set edge with a slight jiggle in the center—think soft-set rather than fully firm. The custard will continue to set as it cools and chills, so pull it from the oven before it looks completely solid.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become even creamier. Simply wait to brûlée the tops until just before serving for that crisp, warm sugar crust.
Why do I need a water bath?
The water bath ensures the custard bakes evenly and gently, guarding against curdling or overcooking. This low, moist heat is the secret to the silky, luxurious texture every Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe is known for.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the perfect Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe, you’ve just found it. Simple, impressive, and downright irresistible, it’s a dessert that feels special every single time. Grab your ramekins, get ready to torch that sugar, and treat yourself (and your lucky guests) to a sweet French classic that never goes out of style!
Print
Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of this Easy Crème Brûlée recipe. A classic French dessert that combines a velvety custard base with a crisp caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a decadent sweet treat.
Ingredients
ScaleFor the Custard:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare the Cream: Heat the heavy cream and vanilla bean in a saucepan until simmering; let it steep.
- Mix the Egg Yolks: Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Combine: Slowly pour cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Strain and Pour: Strain the mixture and divide into ramekins.
- Bake: Place ramekins in a water bath and bake until set.
- Chill: Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Caramelize: Sprinkle sugar on custards and caramelize with a torch.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can infuse the cream with orange zest or liqueur.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can broil the sugar topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 265mg
