Crème brûlée is a traditional French recipe that, although it looks similar to crema catalana, differs from it in several aspects: crème brûlée is made with cream instead of milk and is cooked in the oven and not in a saucepan, so the preparation and final texture are different.
To prepare crème brûlée, only egg yolks are used, so we can freeze the whites for future preparations such as meringues or other preparations.
To achieve an exquisite flavor , we'll infuse the cream with a vanilla pod, splitting it open to remove the seeds. We can then use the pod to flavor sugar; it will come in handy to have it ready for other recipes.
Next, we'll bake the crème brûlée at a low temperature to achieve its characteristic smooth texture. Then we'll let it cool and finally create a caramelized sugar topping. To do this, we'll use a kitchen torch or blowtorch. If you don't have one, you can caramelize the sugar without a torch by placing the ramekins under the oven's broiler, but keep a close eye on them as the sugar will caramelize very quickly.
To present this recipe, we used small, shallow ramekins of 150 ml and about 9 cm in diameter, to achieve the perfect balance of cream and crunchy caramel in every bite. You can double or triple the recipe quantities depending on the number of ramekins you want to prepare.
To enjoy it at its best, we will serve the crème brûlée cold and, if possible, after resting overnight in the refrigerator, which is when it tastes its best.
Recipe Information
- Preparation time : 5 minutes
- Cooking time : 30 minutes
- Total time : 35 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Servings : 2
- Category : Pastry
- Type of cuisine : French
- Calories per serving (kcal) : 466
Ingredients of crème brûlée
- Half a vanilla pod
- 180 ml of whipping cream (with 35% fat content)
- 3 medium egg yolks
- 50 g of sugar (40 g for the cream and 10 g for the caramelization)
Necessary utensils
- 2 ramekins
- Baking tray (for the water bath)
- Kitchen torch (optional)
How to make crème brûlée
Preheat the oven to 150°C. Remove the seeds from half a vanilla pod by cutting it in half and scraping the inside.
Heat 180 ml of whipping cream with the vanilla seeds in a saucepan over low heat; the milk should not boil.
Beat 3 medium egg yolks with 40g of sugar.
Pour the hot cream over the egg yolks while whisking to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
We divide the mixture among the ramekins. We place the ramekins in a larger container and pour in hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins, to bake the crème brûlée in a water bath.
Bake for 30 minutes. At this point, you'll see that the cream is still runny in the center. Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the cream sets properly.
After this resting time, sprinkle 10g of sugar over the surface of the small casseroles.
Using a kitchen torch or blowtorch, caramelize the surface of the sugar. If you don't have a torch or blowtorch, you can caramelize the sugar by placing the ramekins under the oven broiler, watching them constantly as the sugar will caramelize very quickly.
We serve immediately or keep in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Easy-to-prepare summary
- We remove the vanilla seeds
- We heat the cream with the vanilla
- Beat the egg yolks with the sugar
- We mix the egg yolks with the hot, flavored cream
- We divided the mixture into the small casseroles.
- We bake in a water bath at 150ºC
- We sprinkle the surface with sugar
- We caramelized the sugar
- We serve
30 Best Recipes I Love Making at Home
If you’re like me, you probably enjoy keeping a mix of easy comfort food, classic international dishes, and crowd-pleasing desserts on hand.
Whenever I want something rich and indulgent, I usually go for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And when I’m craving something fruity and comforting, I always come back to this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe.
For easy breakfasts and lighter meals, I often make these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. When I need a gluten-free pantry staple, I also like preparing this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.
When I’m in the mood for tapas and Mediterranean flavors, I usually rotate between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. I also love serving this crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe when I want something a little more special.
For hearty lunches and cozy dinners, I always recommend this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. If I want something more filling, I’ll often make this baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.
Whenever I’m craving street food or party-style dishes, I usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. I also like serving these easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe as a simple appetizer or snack.
And if I’m putting together drinks and a full menu for guests, I’ll often pair dinner with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To round everything out, I love adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing the table with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.
More Delicious Cooking Recipes for Family
Over the years of testing and refining recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best dishes combine simplicity, reliable techniques, and bold flavor.
The recipes in this collection are the ones I personally return to again and again—whether I’m cooking a quick meal for myself or preparing something special for friends and family.
For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I often make when I want something elegant but easy. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, learning how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.
When I want something fresh and simple, I usually turn to the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often recommend the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.
I also love sharing traditional dishes from around the world, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.
Air fryer recipes are another category I cook regularly because they save time while still producing great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.
For anyone avoiding wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe proves that classic baked pasta dishes can still be rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying without gluten.
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