I still remember the first time I tasted crème brûlée as a teenager visiting Paris with my family. We had wandered into a small, sunlit café in Montmartre, and the waiter placed a tiny dish before me with a perfectly caramelized top. I tapped it with my spoon, and that satisfying crack followed by the rich, velvety vanilla custard underneath instantly stole my heart. From that day, I dreamed of recreating that magical dessert at home.
Making a classic vanilla crème brûlée might sound fancy, but trust me it’s simpler than it looks. All you need are a few quality ingredients, a little patience, and a torch to achieve that perfectly caramelized sugar topping. This dessert is all about contrasts: a crisp, golden top hiding a creamy, luxurious custard. Every bite feels like a little celebration, and it’s a treat that never fails to impress guests or yourself!
Whether it’s for a romantic dinner, a special family gathering, or a moment when you simply want to indulge, crème brûlée brings a touch of elegance to any table. With this recipe, I’ll guide you step by step, sharing tips I’ve learned from years of cooking and a few little tricks that make it extra smooth and flavorful.
Ingredients for Classic Vanilla Crème Brûlée 🍮
- 2 cups (500ml) heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- 5 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
- Pinch of salt
Optional for garnish: fresh berries, mint leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions for Silky Vanilla Crème Brûlée 🥄
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This gentle temperature ensures your custard cooks evenly without curdling.
- Prepare the cream. Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both seeds and pod to the cream. Heat the cream until it’s hot but not boiling, then remove from heat. Let it sit for 10 minutes to infuse the vanilla flavor.
- Whisk the egg yolks. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until pale and creamy.
- Temper the eggs. Slowly pour the warm cream into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly and ensures a smooth custard.
- Strain the mixture. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any bits of cooked egg or vanilla pod.
- Pour into ramekins. Divide the custard evenly among 4–6 oven-safe ramekins.
- Bake in a water bath. Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish. Pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath gently cooks the custard and prevents cracking. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and chill. Remove ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Caramelize the sugar topping. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the chilled custard. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Alternatively, place under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and enjoy. Let the crème brûlée sit for a minute or two before serving so the sugar hardens completely. Garnish with fresh berries or mint if desired.
Tips for Perfect Crème Brûlée 👩🍳
- Use high-quality vanilla: The flavor of your custard depends on it. Vanilla beans give the best aroma.
- Don’t overbake: The custard should still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to set as it chills.
- Even sugar layer: Use a light, even coating for the perfect crackly top. Too thick, and it may not caramelize evenly.
- Chill properly: Chilling helps the custard set fully and enhances flavor.
Serving Suggestions 🍓
- Serve in individual ramekins for elegance
- Pair with fresh berries or a light berry coulis
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a sweet dessert wine
This dessert is a showstopper at dinner parties, yet surprisingly easy to make. It’s a little luxury that turns any day into a celebration.
Recipe Card: Classic Vanilla Crème Brûlée 🍮✨
⏱️ Time: 15 min prep + 40 min bake + 2h chill = 3h total
🧾 Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar + extra for topping
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: fresh berries, mint leaves
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Heat cream with vanilla, do not boil.
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt.
- Slowly mix in warm cream.
- Strain mixture into ramekins.
- Place ramekins in a water bath, bake 35–40 min.
- Cool to room temp, chill 2h+.
- Sprinkle sugar, caramelize with torch.
- Serve, optionally garnish with berries/mint.
📝 Notes:
- Use fresh, high-quality vanilla for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake to maintain silky texture.
- Ensure sugar layer is thin and even for perfect caramelization.
🥗 Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 20g
Short 100-Word Version for Quick Reading 📝
Classic Vanilla Crème Brûlée is a rich, silky custard topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar layer. Heat heavy cream with vanilla, then whisk into egg yolks and sugar. Strain the mixture, pour into ramekins, and bake in a water bath at 325°F until just set. Chill for at least 2 hours, then sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a torch or broiler. Garnish with fresh berries or mint if desired. This elegant dessert is simple, luxurious, and perfect for special occasions or cozy indulgence at home.