Dessert

Classic French Crème Brûlée

Name: Classic French Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large egg yolks; Pinch of salt; Extra granulated sugar for caramelizing

Crème Brûlée, meaning "burnt cream," is a timeless French dessert beloved for its rich, creamy custard base and signature crisp, caramelized sugar topping. It's surprisingly simple to prepare at home, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large egg yolks
Pinch of salt
Extra granulated sugar for caramelizing

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Heat heavy cream, half of the sugar, and salt in a saucepan until simmering, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar until light. Slowly temper the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup, then pour into four 4-ounce ramekins. Place ramekins in a baking dish and fill with hot water halfway up the sides.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Remove from water bath, cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Before serving, sprinkle with sugar and caramelize with a torch.

Tips

For the best results, ensure your cream mixture doesn't boil to avoid curdling the custard.
Chill the crème brûlée thoroughly before caramelizing the sugar for a perfectly crisp topping.