Classic Crème Brûlée – Silky, Rich, and Elegantly Simple

Classic Crème Brûlée is a timeless French dessert known for its creamy custard base topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust. This indulgent treat is surprisingly simple to make at home, offering a luxurious texture and delicate vanilla flavor with each spoonful. Perfect for special occasions or an elegant finish to any meal, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dessert that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Smooth – The custard is rich yet silky, perfectly balanced in flavor.
Satisfying Crunch – The signature caramelized sugar top adds delightful texture contrast.
Classic Flavor – Infused with pure vanilla for a timeless taste.
Make-Ahead Convenience – Prepare in advance and torch sugar just before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups half-and-half or light cream
• 4 large egg yolks
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Ramekins
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place six 6-ounce ramekins in a baking dish.

2. Heat Cream
In a saucepan, gently heat the half-and-half until just simmering. Remove from heat.

3. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened.

4. Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Bake in a Water Bath
Pour custard evenly into ramekins. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish around ramekins, about halfway up the sides. Bake for 40–45 minutes until custards are just set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

6. Chill
Remove ramekins from water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

7. Caramelize Sugar Topping
Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Let sit for a minute to harden.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 210
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 17g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Even Water Bath – Ensures gentle, even cooking for smooth custard.
• Don’t Overbake – The custard should still jiggle slightly in the center when done.
• Torch Sugar Carefully – Move the torch evenly to avoid burning the sugar crust.

Why This Recipe Works

The slow baking in a water bath creates a custard that’s luxuriously creamy without curdling or cracking. The simple vanilla infusion lets the natural richness shine, while the crisp caramelized sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.

Classic Crème Brûlée is an elegant dessert that combines creamy custard and crunchy caramel in every spoonful. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, it’s a beautiful treat that elevates any meal and satisfies your sweet cravings with sophistication.