Name: Traditional Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 5 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup granulated sugar + extra for topping; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/8 tsp salt

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Decadent creamy vanilla custard under a layer of caramelized sugar brings the flavors of France right into your home using ingredients you already have in your pantry. Heavy whipping cream, vanilla, egg yolks, and sugar make this dessert simple yet elegant.

Get Cracking

The first time I had creme brulee, I remember thinking that it was one of the fanciest desserts I had ever eaten. I felt rich. I was fascinated. A dessert I had to crack open to eat? I’ve never heard of such a thing! Crunchy bits of caramelized sugary goodness sprinkled throughout a creamy custard heaped on the spoon. Do I have you drooling yet?

After a long day of flights and settling into our apartment in the heart of Paris, we were hungry, so off we went. We checked into our reservation at a very busy local restaurant. Every table was stuffed with people and food. Trays of food were passed between chefs and waitstaff. The waiters sprinted between hungry tables as if they were training for the Olympics, passing out food to each member at the table. Chatter from each table filled the air, dancing with the spices that hung there.

Soon, our order covered the small table top, and we filled our bellies with French classics. We. Were. Stuffed. Now, I don’t know about you, but I always have room for dessert. The minute I saw creme brulee on the menu, I was flagging down the next waiter who darted past our table to put my order in.

Just as quickly as my order went in, my personal ramekin of traditional creme brulee was set in front of me. A swift whack with the spoon to the top of the glossy surface was all it took before I could dig in. Opening my dessert like a present before indulging in a French classic while in France was a dream come true.

The rest of this trip included several little ramekins filled with traditional creme brulee because it is just that good! Finally, back at home, I purchased a kitchen torch and got to work.

Why THIS Recipe?

This recipe takes ingredients you already have and perfectly blends them to create a decadent dessert. Heavy whipping cream, complemented with vanilla extract, egg yolks, and sugar, makes the custard we are all familiar with, which is then coated in a crunchy layer of caramelized sugar. With minimal effort, this recipe comes together in little to no time and is foolproof!

The Things Inside: The Ingredients

Heavy Whipping Cream – make sure to get a full-fat heavy whipping cream, as it is the star ingredient
Egg Yolks – make sure to use fresh large eggs
Granulated Sugar – any brand is great
Vanilla Extract – a high-quality brand is better here, or you can opt to use vanilla bean
Salt – any brand will do

Building The Dish: Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 325*.
Step 2
Warm the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s steaming.
Step 3
Whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a bowl until the mixture is a pale yellow. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the egg mixture, then whisk to incorporate.
Step 4
Slowly pour the warm heavy whipping cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Step 5
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps. Then divide the custard evenly between six ramekins.
Step 6
Place the ramekins in a large baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish, coming halfway up the ramekins.
Step 7
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is a little jiggly.
Step 8
Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for about two hours, or until ready to serve.
Step 9
Before serving, evenly sprinkle the remaining sugar on top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy. Let it harden for one minute before serving.

The Perfect Pairing

What better way to end your meal than with a French classic of traditional creme brulee? Whether your dinner was an American classic, a Mediterranean dish, or an Italian feast, you can enjoy a decadent dessert. Or if you prefer to keep it in the same wheelhouse, some meals straight from France are in order. Authentic French Ratatouille, a Classic Croque Monsieur Sandwich, or a savory Classic French Crepe all need a sweet sidekick.

Have Leftovers?

Creme brulee is best enjoyed fresh, but you can opt to make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days until ready to eat. Just make sure to hold off on sprinkling the sugar on top until ready to serve. Although it may be tempting, it cannot be stored at room temperature or in the freezer.

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