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Crème Brûlée with cream, eggs and sugar — France recipeFranceFrance
Sweet Dishes

Crème Brûlée

🌿Vegetarian⚡Quick

Crème brûlée is an exquisite French dessert that combines rich vanilla cream with a crunchy caramel crust — the pinnacle of French pâtisserie.

⏱️
33
Minutes
👥
4
Servings
🔥
600
kcal
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IngredientsInstructionsCommentsRelated Recipes

Key Ingredients

heavy creameggssugarvanilla extract

What you'll need

Ingredients

How to make it

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Combine cream, seeds and pod in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and let stand for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Preheat the oven to 150°C. Whisk yolks with sugar and a pinch of salt until pale. Slowly pour in warm cream, stirring constantly. Strain through a fine sieve.

  3. 3

    Pour cream into ceramic molds. Place molds in a deep baking tray and pour hot water up to the middle height of the molds. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cream is slightly jiggly.

  4. 4

    Cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

  5. 5

    Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the surface. Caramelize with a cooking torch or under the grill until a golden crust forms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can replace a torch for crème brûlée?

Without a torch, the caramel crust can be made under the oven broiler: place the ramekins with sugar under a fully preheated broiler for 2–3 minutes, making sure the cream doesn't overheat. The result is slightly less precise, but quite acceptable.

Why won't crème brûlée set?

Most likely the cream was underbaked (the center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid) or it contains too much sugar. Bake at 150°C in a water bath until it reaches a 'jelly wobble' consistency.

Can crème brûlée be made without vanilla?

Yes — vanilla can easily be replaced with vanilla extract (1 tsp) or vanilla sugar. You can also use lavender, orange zest, cinnamon, or cardamom — steep them in hot cream for 15 minutes and strain.

How far in advance can crème brûlée be prepared?

Baked crème brûlée (without the caramel crust) keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make the caramel crust just before serving — otherwise it will soften.

How to get a perfectly even caramel crust?

Spread a thin, even layer of fine sugar (no more than 2mm). Keep the torch moving in circles at a distance of 3–5 cm — don't linger in one spot. Let the crust set for 30 seconds before serving.