Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both effortlessly elegant and downright delicious, this Easy French Crème brûlée recipe is your new go-to. With just a few everyday ingredients, it delivers silky-smooth custard under a perfectly crackly caramelized sugar top — a swoon-worthy treat! Whether you're hosting friends, celebrating with loved ones, or simply treating yourself, this recipe always impresses. Let's get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe
- Simple ingredients and minimal prep for gourmet results.
- Rich, creamy texture paired with a crunchy caramelized top is truly irresistible.
- Great make-ahead dessert for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Customizable with countless flavor variations to suit your taste.
- Perfect for impressing guests while being totally beginner-friendly!
Ingredients for Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 whole vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- 5 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, plus 4 tablespoon for topping
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
How to Make Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe: Step-By-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ramekins
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place four 6-ounce ramekins in a large baking dish — this allows for even baking using a water bath.
Step 2: Infuse the Cream
Heat the heavy cream and split vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it just begins to simmer (do not boil!), remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. Discard the vanilla bean pod if using.
Step 3: Whisk the Yolks
In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and sea salt until pale and slightly thickened — about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Cream and Yolks
Slowly pour the warm cream into the yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Stir until fully combined and silky smooth.
Step 5: Strain and Portion
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to ensure a velvety custard. Pour evenly into the prepared ramekins.
Step 6: Bake in Water Bath
Pour hot water into the baking dish to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Carefully transfer to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Remove ramekins from water bath and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 2 days for an even creamier texture.
Step 8: Caramelize the Sugar Topping
When ready to serve, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over each custard. Using a kitchen torch, melt the sugar until golden and crisp, or broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
For more on the torching technique, check out Serious Eats’ kitchen torch guide.
Notes for the Best Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe
- For extra smooth custard, always strain your mixture before baking.
- If using vanilla extract, add it after heating the cream to preserve its aroma.
- Bake until just set; overbaking can cause a rubbery texture. Learn more tips from King Arthur Baking.
Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Crème Brûlée: Whisk 2 oz melted dark chocolate into the cream before baking.
- Espresso: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the cream for a coffee twist.
- Orange: Stir in 1 tablespoon orange zest for a citrusy flavor boost.
Required Equipment for Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe
- 4–6 ramekins (6-ounce)
- Large baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Kitchen torch or oven broiler
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storing Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe: Shelf Life & Tips
Cover cooled, un-topped Crème brûlée tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Only add the caramelized topping just before serving for maximum crunch. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the smooth custard texture.
Serving & Pairing Recommendations for Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe
- Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
- Pair with a glass of crisp dessert wine such as Sauternes or Moscato.
- Serve with buttery shortbread or almond biscotti for extra crunch.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe
- Let the custards cool fully before topping and torching for the smoothest texture.
- If using the oven broiler, watch closely and rotate ramekins as needed for even browning.
- Use castor sugar or superfine sugar for the topping — it melts and caramelizes more evenly. Read more at Bon Appétit’s guide.
FAQ: Easy French Crème Brûlée Recipe
- Can I make Crème brûlée in advance?
- Absolutely! You can bake and chill the custards up to 2 days ahead; just add and torch the sugar topping right before serving.
- What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
- You can use your oven broiler — just keep a close watch and rotate for even caramelization.
- How do I know when the custard is set?
- The edges should be set, while the center jiggles slightly when you gently shake the ramekin.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoon granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place 4 ramekins in a deep baking dish.
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2In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and split vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. If using a vanilla bean, remove the pod.
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3In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, ½ cup sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
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4Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a pouring jug.
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5Divide the custard mixture evenly among the ramekins. Fill the baking dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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6Just before serving, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon sugar over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until deep golden and crisp. Garnish with fresh berries if desired, and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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