Classic crème brûlée recipe that impresses every time!
A classic vanilla crème brûlée recipe that is silky, rich, and features a caramelized topping that is irresistibly crackly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3–4 tablespoons granulated sugar (for caramelized topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place 4 ramekins in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium until just steaming (do not boil). Split vanilla bean, scrape seeds into cream, and steep 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour warm cream into yolk mixture while whisking gently to avoid scrambling.
- Strain custard for an ultra-smooth texture, then divide evenly among ramekins.
- Pour hot water into baking dish halfway up ramekins (water bath).
- Bake 30–35 minutes until edges are set but center slightly jiggles.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight).
- Sprinkle an even layer of sugar on top. Torch until deeply golden and caramelized. Let sit 2 minutes to harden.
Notes
- Don’t overbake — center should wobble slightly.
- Chill completely before torching.
- If no torch, broil carefully for 1–2 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g