Crème Brûlée

I cannot think of a more iconic, classic fancy dessert than crème brûlée. And it’s easier to make than you think! Prepare ahead of time for an impressive dessert.

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When you think of fancy schmancy desserts, crème brûlée is usually on the list. Yet it is actually easier to make than (at least I) expected. I have used this recipe many times and it always gets rave reviews. All you need to make it is heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla – preferably vanilla bean paste if you have it.

As for the tools, the only thing you really need is 4 small dishes such as ramekins. I have used both the tall round ramekins and the shallow oval ramekins for this recipe and have had success with both. And for finishing the recipe, to get the iconic “burnt cream” top, I prefer using a kitchen torch, but you can easily use your broiler.

The end result of your seemingly hard work? A decadent and rich dessert that looks fancy, just like it should be! It’s the perfect way to finish off that light alfredo dish you just ate for dinner, right? At least that’s what I did… O:-)

My favorite part is cracking the sugar layer with the side of my spoon. Makes me feel like I’m literally digging into my dessert – corny?

More crème brûlée recipes:

• Breakfast Crème Brûlée
• Eggnog Crème Brûlée with Sugared Cranberries
• Lavender Lemon Crème Brûlée
• Pear Oatmeal Crème Brûlée
• Red Velvet Crème Brûlée Cupcakes
• Red Velvet Crème Brûlée for Two
• Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Cup Crème Brûlée for Two

It’s the final day of #SummerGamesWeek 2021 hosted by Amy from House of Nash Eats! but the Tokyo Games are just starting! This week we shared over 50 recipes representing more than 25 countries competing in the Summer Games! Check out what I and my fellow Summer Games Week bloggers made this week from appetizers to drinks to entrées and desserts!

Friday #SummerGamesWeek Recipes

• Miso Salmon representing Japan by House of Nash Eats
• Pizza Bites representing the USA by Simply Inspired Meals
• Mango Sticky Rice representing Thailand by Devour Dinner
• Tofu Katsu with Tonkatsu Sauce representing Japan by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Smoked Salmon Sushi Bowl representing Japan by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Teriyaki Chicken representing Japan by Palatable Pastime
• Tomates Farcies representing France by That Recipe
• Panzerotti representing Italy by Magical Ingredients
• Salmon Florentine representing Italy by Art of Natural Living

Post updated 7/23/21, photo above is the original.

One year ago: Big, Fat Chewy Multichip Cookies

CRÈME BRÛLÉE

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Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cooking Time: 45 Minutes 45 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tsp good vanilla extract
• 3 egg yolks
• 4 Tbsp sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line the bottom of a large baking pan with a damp kitchen cloth.
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. While water is boiling, combine cream, 1/4 cup sugar and salt in saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally 4 to 5 minutes, until steam rises.
3. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks and vanilla until smooth. Slowly drizzle hot cream into yolks, a little at a time, stirring constantly, until all the cream is incorporated. Pour mixture into four 6 oz. ramekins.
4. Place ramekins on towel in baking dish, and place dish on oven rack. Pour boiling water into dish to halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover whole pan loosely with foil.
5. Bake 40-45 minutes, until centers are barely set. Chill ramekins in refrigerator 4-6 hours.
6. Before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over each custard. Use a kitchen torch* (or broiler placed 3 inches away) to brown top, 2 to 3 minutes.

Notes

*If you don't have a kitchen torch, you don't NEED one but they are definitely fun to play with. I found mine a few years ago in the hardware section at Walmart.

Source: Adapted slightly from All Recipes.

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