Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsAnnie Gunn's RestaurantVanilla Bean Cream Crème Brûlée Recipe

Vanilla Bean Cream Crème Brûlée Recipe

Time2h
Serves6

with Fresh Berries

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Ingredients

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Crème Brûlée Base

Topping

Fresh Berries

Method

Crème Brûlée Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Vanilla Cream Base

    In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and split vanilla bean (scrape the seeds from the pod and add both the seeds and pod to the pan). Heat over medium heat until just simmering, then remove from heat and let steep for 15-20 minutes.

  2. 2

    Mix the Egg Yolks and Sugar

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.

  3. 3

    Combine Mixtures

    Once the cream has steeped, remove the vanilla bean pod and gradually pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture while continuously whisking to prevent the eggs from cooking.

  4. 4

    Strain the Mixture

    Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any curdled bits.

  5. 5

    Pour into Ramekins

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Divide the custard mixture evenly among 6 ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

  6. 6

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

  7. 7

    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.

Brûlée Topping

  1. 8

    Caramelize the Sugar

    Once you are ready to serve, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar on top of each chilled custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust.

Serving with Berries

  1. 9

    Prepare the Berries

    While the sugar is caramelizing, rinse the mixed fresh berries under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.

  2. 10

    Serve

    Once the sugar has caramelized and hardened, serve the crème brûlée immediately topped with fresh berries.

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