Delight in Luxurious Crème Brûlée: The Perfect French Dessert Experience!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, split)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for caramelizing)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Heat the Cream:
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and vanilla extract (or vanilla bean) over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the cream and add the pod.
- Whisk the Egg Yolks:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt until pale and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from cooking. If you used a vanilla bean, remove the pod before adding the cream.
- Strain the Mixture:
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.
- Pour into Ramekins:
- Divide the mixture among 4-6 ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Place the ramekins in a baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool:
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Caramelize the Sugar:
- Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, you can place them under a broiler for a minute or two—watch closely to avoid burning!
- Serve:
- Allow the caramelized sugar to cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your homemade crème brûlée!
Tips:
- Make sure the sugar layer is even and thin for the best results.
- You can infuse the cream with other flavors like citrus zest or coffee for a twist.
Enjoy your delicious crème brûlée!