Classic Crème Brûlée

Classic Crème Brûlée: A Decadent Delight

Crème Brûlée is the epitome of elegance, a dessert that feels indulgent and refined, yet is surprisingly simple to make at home. With its creamy custard base and a perfectly crisp, caramelized sugar top, this classic French treat is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. Whether you’re looking to elevate a dinner party or simply treat yourself, this Crème Brûlée recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/3 cup sugar
• Pinch kosher salt
• 1/2 vanilla bean
• 6 large egg yolks

For Topping:

• 6 teaspoons demerara sugar (or coarse white sugar)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Adjust your oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat it to 300°F.

2. Prepare the Cream Mixture

• In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt.
• With a paring knife, carefully split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the cream mixture. Toss the vanilla pod into the pan as well.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar fully dissolves.
• Once it reaches a boil, remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes. This step infuses the cream with the rich flavor of vanilla.

3. Set Up the Baking Dish

• Lay a white kitchen towel at the bottom of a large baking dish or roasting pan. Arrange four 4- to 5-ounce ramekins on the towel, spacing them evenly.

4. Prepare the Water Bath

• Bring a kettle or large saucepan of water to a boil. This will be used for the water bath, which helps the custards cook evenly.

5. Combine the Egg Yolks and Cream

• After the cream has steeped, stir in the remaining 1 cup of cream to cool the mixture slightly.
• In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are broken up and well-combined.
• Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the warm cream mixture into the yolks to temper them, then gradually add another 1/2 cup of cream. Continue whisking in the remaining cream until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.

6. Strain and Pour

• Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a 2-quart measuring cup or a clean bowl. This step ensures a silky smooth texture by removing any bits of egg or vanilla pod.
• Pour the strained mixture into the prepared ramekins, dividing it evenly among them.

7. Bake the Custards

• Carefully place the baking dish with the ramekins on the oven rack. Pour the boiling water into the baking dish until it reaches about two-thirds up the sides of the ramekins. Be careful not to splash water into the custard.
• Bake the custards until they are just barely set in the center, about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they slightly jiggle in the center when nudged.

8. Cool and Chill

• Transfer the ramekins to a wire rack and allow them to cool to room temperature, which takes about 2 hours.
• Once cooled, place the ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 4 days.

9. Caramelize the Sugar

• When ready to serve, uncover the ramekins. If condensation has formed on the custards, gently place a paper towel on the surface to absorb any moisture.
• Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of demerara sugar evenly over each custard. Tilt and tap the ramekin to ensure an even layer of sugar.
• Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar by moving the flame across the surface until it forms a crisp, golden crust.

Final Touches

Once you’ve achieved the perfect caramelized top, your Crème Brûlée is ready to enjoy! Break through the crisp sugar with your spoon and savor the creamy, vanilla-infused custard below.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes + chilling time
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: 310 kcal

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Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Classic Crème Brûlée recipe offers a straightforward approach to mastering a dessert that never fails to impress. The combination of rich, velvety custard and the satisfying crack of caramelized sugar makes it a dessert experience that’s as delightful to create as it is to eat. Enjoy!

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