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CLASSIC VANILLA CRÈME BRÛLÉE

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
CLASSIC VANILLA CRÈME BRÛLÉE

CLASSIC VANILLA CRÈME BRÛLÉE

Indulge in this smooth and creamy classic vanilla crème brûlée, made with rich whipping cream, egg yolks, and vanilla pods for authentic flavor. Finished with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, this elegant dessert is ideal for small gatherings or a special treat.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Cook Time: 50 min
🍽️ Chill Time: Overnight (min 4 hours)
🍰 Servings: 2-4

Ingredients

  • 500 ml heavy whipping cream (unwhipped)
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 4 level tablespoons sugar + 4 teaspoons sugar
  • ½ vanilla pod (or vanilla extract)
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine the cream, vanilla pod contents, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Heat gently over low heat until sugar dissolves, but do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. (Optional) You may add other flavorings such as cardamom, orange peel and cinnamon (like in crème catalana), lemon zest, or nutmeg for variation.
  3. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks with 2 tablespoons sugar until sugar is fully dissolved. Add salt and vanilla extract if not using vanilla pods.
  4. Gradually pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to temper the eggs.
  5. Pour the custard through a fine sieve if using zest or spices, then divide evenly into 2–4 oven-safe ramekins.
  6. Place ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 130°C (265°F) for 45–55 minutes until custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  8. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar evenly on each custard. Place under a preheated grill about 10 cm from the flame until sugar caramelizes to a golden brown (1–2 minutes). Repeat with a second layer of sugar for a thicker crust.
  10. Watch carefully to avoid burning the sugar. If no grill is available, use a culinary torch to caramelize the sugar.

💡 Tips

  • Do not boil the cream to preserve its smoothness.
  • Use a fine sieve to strain the custard when adding zest or spices.
  • Keep a close eye during caramelization to prevent burning.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Elegant dinner parties
  • Romantic dinners
  • Classic French dessert lovers