Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMetropolitan Kitchen & LoungeVanilla Creme Brûlée Recipe

Vanilla Creme Brûlée Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves6

Make Vanilla Creme Brûlée Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Custard Base

Topping

Method

Preparing the Custard Base

  1. 1

    Infuse the Cream

    In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 whole vanilla bean (split and scraped) over medium heat. Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Mix the Egg Yolks and Sugar

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together 5 large egg yolks and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.

  3. 3

    Combine Mixtures

    Slowly pour the infused cream into the egg yolk mixture while continuously whisking to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

  4. 4

    Strain the Custard

    Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the vanilla bean pods and any coagulated egg bits.

Baking the Custards

  1. 5

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

  2. 6

    Prepare Ramekins

    Place 6 ramekins in a large baking dish. Divide the custard mixture evenly among the ramekins.

  3. 7

    Create a Water Bath

    Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

  4. 8

    Bake

    Carefully place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

  5. 9

    Cool the Custards

    Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled.

Caramelizing the Sugar

  1. 10

    Sprinkle Sugar

    Once the custards are chilled, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the surface of each custard.

  2. 11

    Caramelize Sugar

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

Serving

  1. 12

    Let Sit

    Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute before serving.

  2. 13

    Serve and Enjoy

    Serve the Vanilla Crème Brûlée immediately for the best texture and flavor.

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