Creme Brulee is one of those desserts that can make your heart sing! It's creamy and oh so luscious, and don't even get me started on that crips caramelized sweet shell. These are Heaven in every way!
It's one of the most fancy and easy desserts you'll every make with just 4 ingredients. The silky texture and rich vanilla flavor make this taste better than restaurant quality.
Grab your spoon and join me on the couch as you crack through the burnt-sugar topping and indulge yourself in that creamy custard. There will be no words, only the satisfying crunch!
Creme Brulee literally means "burnt cream." It has a creamy custard center and a hardened sugar topping which is usually granulated sugar sprinkled over the top and caramelized with a small kitchen torch. The custard can be made 2 to 3 days in advance. Making it a great party dessert.
It is generally served at room temperature in individual dishes called "ramekins." But if you don't have ramekins - ceramic bowls - you can pour your custard in a small baking dish that will fit in a larger baking dish filled with water. The cooking time will vary though.
Six - 4 oz Ramekins or custard cups. We prefer traditional ramekins because you don't have to spend as much time caramelizing the top. With less surface area the more it keeps the center from heating up too fast during the torching process.
A handheld Kitchen Torch. A small inexpensive kitchen torch will do the job and is our favorite way to caramelize the sugar.
Fine Mesh Sieve. Optional, but highly recommended. It helps to knock out bubbles and ensures the silkiest consistency.
13x9 Casserole Baking Dish. To bake the ramekins in a water bath.
You really just need 4 ingredients for creme brulee.
These simple ingredients create the most luxurious creamy custard and crackly topping.
If you don't have a torch, no problem! You can simply broil it in the oven for a few minutes. Make sure your brûlées are well chilled before putting them under the broiler. Depending on your heating element, this method can leave patches of white sugar while other parts gets caramelized.
How-to Broil. Set your oven rack to the very top near the broiler. Broil for 4-5 minutes until the sugar browns and darkens or caramelizes.
Fresh Berries and Mint leaves - These make for a beautiful presentation and a nice flavor contrast and textures.
Homemade Berry Sauce. Just before you serve, top the creme brulee with Homemade Blueberry Jam!