Description
Silky smooth classic vanilla bean creme brulee reveals French culinary artistry with its elegant custard base and caramelized sugar crown. Delicate vanilla notes and rich cream create a luxurious dessert that delights discerning palates and elevates any dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract)
Topping Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 325F (163C), ensuring an accurate temperature for optimal custard texture.
- Gently heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges, avoiding boiling.
- Split the vanilla bean, extracting the fragrant seeds, and infuse them into the warm cream, allowing the flavors to meld before removing from heat.
- Vigorously whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, voluminous consistency.
- Gradually incorporate the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, homogeneous custard base.
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate any potential lumps or coagulated particles.
- Distribute the silky custard evenly among four ramekins, positioning them within a deep baking dish.
- Fill the baking dish with hot water, creating a water bath that reaches midway up the ramekin sides.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a set exterior with a subtle center wobble, indicating perfect custard consistency.
- Allow ramekins to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight to achieve optimal chilling.
- Just before serving, generously dust brown sugar across the custard surface and caramelize using a kitchen torch until a golden, crisp layer forms.
- Permit the caramelized sugar to harden briefly, then serve the creme brulee immediately to maintain its characteristic crack-able top.
Notes
- Use high-quality vanilla beans for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Temper the egg mixture carefully by pouring cream slowly to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Select ramekins with consistent thickness to ensure even baking and custard texture.
- Achieve the perfect water bath by using hot water that reaches exactly halfway up the ramekin sides for gentle, even cooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 280 mg