Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
This Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée is a rich and elegant French-inspired dessert featuring silky smooth vanilla custard topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust. Made with real vanilla bean and creamy custard, this classic crème brûlée recipe is perfect for dinner parties, holidays, and special occasions when you want a truly impressive homemade dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean
- 5 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, for caramelizing
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh berries
- Mint leaves
- Whipped cream
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place 4 ramekins in a deep baking dish.
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and the pod. Heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth and pale.
- Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra smooth texture. Divide evenly among the ramekins.
- Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins to create a water bath.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the custards are set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over each custard.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crisp. Let the topping harden for 1–2 minutes before serving.
Notes
A water bath helps the custard bake gently and evenly for the smoothest texture.Use real vanilla bean for the richest flavor and signature vanilla specks.If you do not have a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar briefly under a broiler while watching carefully.Avoid overheating the custard to prevent a grainy texture.Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving for the best crisp texture.
Find it online: https://cookibly.com/vanilla-bean-creme-brulee/
