Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe: Impress with This Decadent Dessert

Name: Easy Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided); 5 large egg yolks; 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean); Pinch of salt

By Elisa Levine

May 20, 2025

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Crème brûlée, the dessert that makes you feel like a culinary magician, has a velvety custard base topped with a glass-like shell of caramelized sugar. Picture this: you crack through that delicate crust with your spoon, releasing clouds of creamy vanilla goodness that dance on your palate. delightful dessert pairing The aroma wafts through the air, promising sweet bliss at every bite. seasonal dessert treat similar creamy dessert This Easy Crème Brûlée recipe will have you impressing friends and family without needing a culinary degree or a fancy restaurant reservation.

I fondly remember the first time I attempted to make crème brûlée for my family. The kitchen transformed into a mini cooking show, complete with my dog as an enthusiastic audience member. As we cracked through the caramelized top together, laughter filled the room, and so did the sweet satisfaction of mastering this elegant dessert. Whether it’s a dinner party or just a Tuesday night treat, crème brûlée is always the right choice to elevate any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Crème Brûlée recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions
The flavor balances rich creaminess with just the right hint of vanilla
Its stunning golden crust adds visual appeal to your dessert table
Customizable toppings can make each serving uniquely yours, whether you prefer fruits or chocolate shavings

I recall my niece’s eyes lighting up when she tasted this crème brûlée for the first time; it was a moment I’ll never forget.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Heavy Cream: Use high-fat cream for that luxurious texture; it’s key to achieving perfect custard.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar works best; it caramelizes beautifully under heat for that iconic crunchy topping.
Egg Yolks: Fresh, large egg yolks give richness and depth to the custard—don’t skip this essential ingredient!
Vanilla Bean or Extract: Opt for real vanilla beans if you can; they add an aromatic quality that elevates your dessert.
Pinch of Salt: A tiny sprinkle enhances all flavors in your crème brûlée; it’s the secret ingredient no one talks about!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Easy Crème Brûlée

How to Make Easy Crème Brûlée

For more inspiration, check out this lemon basil chicken piccata recipe.

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step is crucial for even baking; trust me on this one!

Prepare the cream mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and half of the sugar. Stir gently until just steaming but not boiling—let those delicious aromas fill your kitchen!

Whisk egg yolks: In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale and slightly thickened—this should take about 2-3 minutes! You want that beautiful golden color.

Combine mixtures: Gradually pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously. This prevents scrambling those precious yolks! Add salt and vanilla now to infuse flavor.

Pour into ramekins: Carefully pour your creamy mixture into ramekins and place them in a baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water halfway up the sides of ramekins—this water bath ensures gentle cooking.

Bake until set: Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until just set around edges but still slightly jiggly in center—don’t be alarmed by that wiggle!

Cool down: Allow them to cool at room temperature before chilling in refrigerator for at least two hours—this helps those flavors meld together beautifully!

Caramelize sugar topping: Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of sugar atop each chilled custard. Using a kitchen torch (or broiler), melt sugar until bubbly and caramelized—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

Let it set: Allow crème brûlée to sit for a minute after torching; this gives you that satisfying crack when digging in!

Serve and enjoy: Grab your spoons and dig into this delightful dessert! Watch everyone’s faces light up with joy as they experience creamy perfection! perfect brunch option.

This Easy Crème Brûlée recipe transforms any gathering into an exquisite dining experience while keeping things wonderfully simple in your kitchen! For more inspiration, check out this easy Easter dip recipe recipe.

You Must Know

This easy crème brûlée recipe balances creamy richness with a satisfying caramelized sugar crust
Perfect for impressing guests, it requires minimal ingredients and effort
The delightful contrast of textures will make this dessert a showstopper at any dinner party

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfection with easy crème brûlée, start by whisking egg yolks and sugar until pale, then slowly add hot cream while stirring. This ensures a smooth custard texture that won’t curdle.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your easy crème brûlée by infusing flavors like vanilla bean, espresso, or citrus zest. Each addition adds a unique twist that can make your dessert truly special.

Storing & Reheating

Store your prepared easy crème brûlée in the refrigerator for up to two days without the sugar topping. To serve, simply caramelize the sugar just before enjoying for that perfect crunchy finish.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best results, use fresh eggs and high-quality cream for a rich flavor
Allow the custard to cool completely before adding sugar on top for even melting
Finally, torch the sugar until golden brown for an irresistible crunch

I remember the first time I made easy crème brûlée for my friends. Their eyes lit up as they cracked through the caramelized layer, and I felt like a culinary superstar!

FAQ

Can I make easy crème brûlée ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance without topping it with sugar.

What is the best way to caramelize the sugar?

Using a kitchen torch gives you more control than using an oven broiler.

How can I avoid a grainy texture?

Ensure you strain the mixture after blending to remove any lumps before baking.

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