Crème Brûlée Recipe
Soft and creamy vanilla Malagasy crème brûlée
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Ingredients
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Custard Base
For Topping
Method
Preparation of Custard
- 1
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- 2
Step 2: Infuse Cream
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean along with the vanilla pod. Heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes.
- 3
Step 3: Whisk Egg Yolks
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- 4
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Remove the vanilla pod from the cream, and slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the yolks from cooking.
- 5
Step 5: Strain Mixture
Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a large jug or bowl to remove any curdled bits.
Baking
- 6
- 7
Step 7: Water Bath
Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This will ensure even cooking.
- 8
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- 9
Step 9: Cool
Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Caramelizing Sugar
- 10
Step 10: Prepare for Caramelizing
Once chilled, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over each custard.
- 11
Step 11: Caramelize Sugar
Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you don't have a torch, place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- 12
Step 12: Cool and Serve
Let the crème brûlée sit for a few minutes until the sugar hardens, then serve immediately.
