Restaurants/Abby Singer's Bistro/Crème Brûlée Recipe

Crème Brûlée Recipe

vanilla bean custard brûlée, caramelized sugar crust, berry compote

Time2h
Serves4
Jump to Recipe
Last updated Jul 14, 2026

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Ingredients

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Crème Brûlée Custard

Caramelized Sugar Crust

Method

Crème Brûlée Custard Preparation

  1. 1

    Heat Cream

    In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and the split vanilla bean (scrape the seeds into the cream and add the pod) over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and let it steep for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.

  3. 3

    Combine Mixtures

    Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the vanilla pod and any coagulated egg.

  4. 4

    Bake the Custard

    Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place ramekins in a baking dish and pour the custard mixture into the ramekins. Add hot water to the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

  5. 5

    Cool the Custard

    Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Caramelizing Sugar Crust

  1. 6

    Prepare Sugar

    Once the custard is set and chilled, evenly sprinkle 1 cup of granulated sugar over the top of each custard.

  2. 7

    Caramelize Sugar

    Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a golden crust. Alternatively, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Berry Compote Preparation

  1. 8

    Cook Berries

    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the mixed berries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Cook until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

  2. 9

    Cool Compote

    Remove from heat and let the compote cool slightly before serving.

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