Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar (for topping)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and vanilla bean (split and scraped) over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any lumps.
- Divide the custard mixture evenly among ramekins (about 6-8 depending on size) and place them in a baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of sugar evenly over the top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the crème brûlée sit for a few minutes to cool and harden the sugar topping before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or a few tablespoons of espresso to the cream mixture.
- Make sure the ramekins are evenly spaced in the baking dish for even cooking.
- If using vanilla extract, add it after removing the cream from the heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg