Go Back
What type of cream is best for crème brûlée?-grantrecipes

Crème Brûlée

Crème brûlée is an iconic dessert characterized by its smooth custard base and a caramelized sugar topping, achieved through the perfect choice of cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups heavy cream Preferred option for the best texture and flavor
  • 5 large egg yolks Should be at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar For the custard and additional for caramelizing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor enhancement

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.
  4. Slowly drizzle the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
  5. Strain the custard mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
Baking
  1. Place ramekins in a baking dish and fill them with the custard mixture.
  2. Pour boiling water into the baking dish around the ramekins until it reaches halfway up the sides.
  3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
  4. Remove from oven and let the custards cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Caramelizing
  1. Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over each chilled custard.
  2. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
  3. Allow to cool for a minute to let the caramel harden before serving.

Notes

Using fresh cream is essential for the best flavor. Avoid ultra-processed or stabilized cream for optimal results.