Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMax's Oyster BarVanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe

Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe

Inspired by Max's Oyster Bar
Time2h
Serves6

Vanilla Bean, Sugar Crust, Pumpkin White Chocolate Biscotti

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Vanilla Crème Brûlée Ingredients

Pumpkin White Chocolate Biscotti Ingredients

Method

Vanilla Crème Brûlée Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Cream

    In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the cream, adding both the seeds and the pod. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Whisk the Egg Yolk Mixture

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

  3. 3

    Combine the Mixtures

    Remove the vanilla pod from the cream mixture. Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.

  4. 4

    Bake the Custard

    Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour the custard mixture into ramekins 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 for 30-35 minutes or until the custards are set but still jiggle slightly in the center.

  5. 5

    Chill the Custards

    Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  6. 6

    Caramelize the Sugar

    When ready to serve, sprinkle a thin layer of additional sugar over the top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, place under a broiler for a few minutes until the sugar melts and turns golden.

Pumpkin White Chocolate Biscotti Directions

  1. 7

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 8

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.

  3. 9

    Combine Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth and well combined.

  4. 10

    Form the Dough

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips.

  5. 11

    Shape the Biscotti

    Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet.

  6. 12

    First Bake

    Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

  7. 13

    Slice and Second Bake

    Using a serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces. Place the slices cut-side down back onto the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp.

  8. 14

    Cool and Serve

    Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack before serving alongside the crème brûlée.

More from Max's Oyster Bar