What is Crème Brûlée?
Crème Brûlée is baked custard topped with granulated sugar which is blow torched to burn and caramelize. As you crack the crystalized crystal sugar with a gentle snap the creamy custard oozes out. At every spoon you get a little crunch from the burnt sugar with creamy custard! It is this contrast of texture that makes it Crème Brûlée so delightful and divine.
You need just 5 basic ingredients
Heavy CreamSugarEggVanilla extractpinch of salt
Crème Brûlée is always prepared in individual size portions, and a shallow ramekin is the best choice. WATCH THE VIDEO Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Add ¼ cup of the warm milk to the egg yolk and whisk as you pour. This will temper the egg yolk. Then pour rest of the warm cream and whisk to mix everything. Strain the custard and pour it in ovenproof individual bowls. (VERY IMPORTANT STEP) The cast will be baked in the oven on a water bath. Place the bowls in a deep casserole. Cover the individual bowls with an aluminum foil. Pour hot water to the casserole until it reaches halfway through the bowls. Bake at 325 F for 40 minutes. Then place the bowls in the refrigerator for a few hours to set. Just before serving, add the sugar on top and caramelize it.
How to caramelize the sugar without a blow torch?
Once you cool, the baked custard in the refrigerator for few hours. Sprinkle a layer of sugar on the custard and place the bowls on a cookie sheet. Place the cookies’ sheet on the top rack of the oven and broil for 5 minutes. Do keep an eye as you broil, as it might take more or less time to caramelize the sugar.
Can you make Crème Brulé eggless?
YES! Instead of egg, you can thicken the heavy cream by using corn flour instead. Eggless crème Brulé doesn’t need to be baked. You can pour the strained custard in the individual bowl and let it set in the refrigerator. Add sugar and caramelize it before serving.
Crème Brûlée is a delightful dessert which a beautiful texture contrast between silky card and crystallized burnt sugar. I kept the flavor simple here with vanilla extract, but you can use your choice of flavors here.
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