Description
Silky Classic Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee marries French culinary elegance with rich, creamy perfection. Caramelized sugar shatters like delicate glass, revealing a luxurious custard beneath that whispers sweet indulgence for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 cups (473 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
Flavoring and Topping:
- 1 vanilla bean
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for topping)
Seasoning:
- 1 pinch of kosher salt
- Hot water (for water bath)
Instructions
- Arrange ramekins inside a spacious baking vessel, positioning them securely for even heat distribution. Ignite a kettle to prepare scalding water for the water bath technique.
- Craft a luxurious cream foundation by gently heating heavy cream with granulated sugar and a whisper of kosher salt. Stir periodically, ensuring sugar melts completely and infuses the liquid with sweetness.
- Separate egg yolks into a capacious mixing vessel, creating a velvety golden base. Temper the yolks by gradually introducing the warm cream mixture while whisking vigorously to prevent curdling.
- Carefully dissect the vanilla bean, revealing its precious inner seeds. Extract the aromatic essence by scraping along the pod’s length, then incorporate these fragrant specks into the silky custard mixture.
- Meticulously strain the custard through a fine mesh, eliminating any potential lumps and ensuring a supremely smooth texture. Distribute the liquid evenly among ramekins, creating uniform vessels of delicate goodness.
- Establish a gentle water bath by carefully pouring hot water halfway up the ramekin sides. Slide the baking vessel into a preheated oven, allowing the custards to gently set with a subtle wobble at their center.
- Once baked, extract the ramekins and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Seal with protective wrap and refrigerate, letting the flavors meld and intensify for several hours or up to two days.
- Moments before serving, sprinkle a delicate layer of sugar across the custard’s surface. Employ a kitchen torch to transform the sugar into a glimmering, crisp caramel shell that shatters dramatically upon first touch.
- Present immediately to capture the ephemeral moment when the crackling caramel meets the luscious, chilled custard beneath.
Notes
- Select high-quality vanilla beans for an intense, authentic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
- Strain the custard mixture carefully to ensure a silky-smooth texture without any lumpy egg bits.
- Use a kitchen torch for precise caramelization, moving quickly to create an even golden-brown top without burning the sugar.
- Refrigerate the custards for at least 4 hours to allow them to set completely and develop a rich, cre
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 200mg