Easy Crème Brûlée: A Luxurious Dessert Made Simple

Why You’ll Love Easy Crème BrûléeRecipe

This Easy Crème Brûlée offers all the flavor and sophistication of a traditional crème brûlée, but with a simplified approach. The custard is incredibly creamy, infused with vanilla bean flavor, and perfectly balanced by the crunchy caramelized sugar top. The beauty of this dessert is in its simplicity—there’s no need for a water bath or fancy equipment. With just a few key ingredients, you can impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or a dinner party, this crème brûlée is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)

• 5 large egg yolks

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for the topping)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Ramekins: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place 4-6 ramekins (depending on the size) in a baking dish. Set aside.

2. Infuse the Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) over medium heat until it begins to simmer. If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the cream and add the pod as well. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from burning. Once it begins to simmer, remove the cream from the heat and let it infuse for 10 minutes. If you used a vanilla bean pod, remove it after the cream has infused.

3. Mix the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until well combined and smooth.

4. Temper the Egg Yolks: Gradually pour a small amount of the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. Slowly add the rest of the cream to the egg mixture, continuing to whisk gently until fully combined.

5. Strain the Custard: Pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any egg solids or vanilla bean remnants. This will ensure a silky smooth texture.

6. Pour the Custard into Ramekins: Divide the custard evenly among the prepared ramekins.

7. Bake: Place the ramekins in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. You can check doneness by inserting a knife into the custard—it should come out clean when ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in a grainy texture.

8. Cool and Refrigerate: Let the crème brûlée cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. Then, refrigerate the ramekins for at least 2 hours, or until well-chilled.

9. Caramelize the Sugar: Before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Let the crème brûlée sit for a few minutes to allow the sugar topping to harden, then serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 40-45 minutes

• Chill time: 2 hours

• Total time: 3 hours

Variations

• Flavored Crème Brûlée: Add other flavorings to the cream, such as orange zest, coffee, or lavender, to give your crème brûlée a unique twist.

• Chocolate Crème Brûlée: Stir in 2 ounces of melted dark chocolate into the cream before heating to make a decadent chocolate version.

• Fruit Topping: Instead of caramelizing sugar, you can top your crème brûlée with fresh berries or fruit compote for a fresh and tangy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover crème brûlée in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the sugar topping separate, as it will lose its crunch when stored.

• Reheating: If you’d like to reheat the crème brûlée, it’s best to do so without the sugar topping. You can reheat it in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make crème brûlée without a torch?

Yes, you can caramelize the sugar under a broiler. Just sprinkle the sugar over the custard and place the ramekins under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the crème brûlée in advance. After baking and cooling, refrigerate the custard for up to 2-3 days. Caramelize the sugar right before serving.

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean. Use about 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for the recipe.

What if my custard curdles while cooking?

If the custard curdles, it may be due to overheating. Make sure to heat the cream gently and whisk the egg yolks slowly when adding the hot cream. If the curdling happens, you can try straining the custard through a fine-mesh sieve.

Can I make crème brûlée without egg yolks?

Egg yolks are essential for the creamy texture of crème brûlée, so it’s not recommended to make it without them. However, you can experiment with egg substitutes like silken tofu or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.

Can I use skim or low-fat cream for this recipe?

For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use heavy cream. Skim or low-fat cream will not give the custard the same richness and creaminess.

How can I prevent the custard from being too runny?

Make sure you bake the crème brûlée long enough for it to set, but be careful not to overbake it. The custard should still jiggle slightly in the center when done.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?

You can use light brown sugar or demerara sugar for a different flavor and texture on top, but granulated white sugar is the most common and creates the classic crunchy caramelized topping.

How long does crème brûlée last?

Crème brûlée will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container and keep the sugar topping separate.

Can I make a larger batch of crème brûlée?

Yes, you can double or triple the recipe, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as larger portions may require a little extra time in the oven.

Conclusion

This Easy Crème Brûlée recipe delivers all the luxury and decadence of the classic dessert with minimal effort. The creamy custard and the satisfying crack of the caramelized sugar topping are the perfect way to end any meal. Whether you’re new to making crème brûlée or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress your guests. Treat yourself to a classic French dessert, and indulge in the sweetness of homemade crème brûlée today!