How to Make the Perfect Classic Creme Brulee
French · Easy · 60 min · 4 servings
This creamy creme brulee is a kid friendly dessert that children love cracking through the caramelized sugar top. Parents can easily make this elegant pudding with simple ingredients that kids will request again and again.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Creme Brulee recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 5 whole egg yolks
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar for topping
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Heat the Cream
Preheat oven to 325F. Pour heavy cream into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
Whisk egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl until pale and slightly thickened. Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
Step 3: Bake in Water Bath
Pour custard into 4 ramekins and place them in a deep baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 4: Brulee the Top
Remove ramekins and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on each custard and use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize the sugar until golden and crackly.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → half and half for a lighter version
- pure vanilla extract → vanilla bean paste for extra flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Pouring hot cream too fast into eggs causing scrambled egg texture
- Overbaking the custard so it becomes rubbery instead of silky smooth
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 5g protein, 28g carbs, 32g fat, 0g fiber.
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