Immerse yourself in the indulgent flavors of Classic French Crème Brûlée. This timeless dessert offers a luxurious experience with its velvety smooth custard base and a crisp, caramelized sugar crust that cracks beautifully under the spoon. Infused with the aromatic essence of vanilla, each bite is a perfect blend of creamy richness and sweet, crunchy delight. This recipe yields six delightful servings, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet indulgence.
Why You'll Love This:
Crème Brûlée is the epitome of elegance and simplicity. The creamy custard, made from rich cream and eggs, paired with the contrasting caramelized sugar topping, creates a dessert that is both sophisticated and comforting. The vanilla bean adds a depth of flavor that elevates this classic to new heights. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe is straightforward and delivers a restaurant-quality dessert right from your kitchen.
Perfect Occasion:
This Classic French Crème Brûlée is perfect for special occasions such as dinner parties, romantic dinners, or holiday celebrations. Its elegant presentation and rich flavor make it an excellent choice for impressing guests. It’s also an ideal dessert for a luxurious weekend treat, adding a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Decoration Tips:
For a perfect presentation, ensure the sugar layer on top is evenly caramelized to achieve that signature crack when you break into it. Garnish with fresh berries, a sprig of mint, or edible flowers to add a touch of color and freshness. Serving the Crème Brûlée in attractive ramekins can also enhance its visual appeal, making it not just a dessert but a work of art.
Ingredients:
- 6 egg yolks
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 250 ml milk
- 90 g sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
- 40 g brown sugar (for the topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 140°C (284°F).
- In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, and the seeds from the vanilla bean. Heat until it just begins to boil, then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture is pale and thick.
- Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to combine.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or foam.
- Pour the mixture evenly into six ramekins.
- Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of brown sugar over each custard and caramelize with a kitchen torch until the sugar is melted and forms a crispy top.
Enjoy this luxurious Classic French Crème Brûlée, a perfect balance of creamy custard and caramelized sugar that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.