Jul 09 2026

Crème Brulée Recipe

Time3h
Serves4

Make Crème Brulée Recipe in just 3h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Desserts

Method

Crème Brûlée Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare equipment and preheat

    Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Arrange a rack in the center and place a large roasting pan in the oven to create a water bath.

  2. 2

    Infuse and season the cream

    In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat just until steam begins to rise, then remove from heat. Do not let it boil.

  3. 3

    Whisk yolks with sugar

    In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the yolks lighten in color and the mixture is smooth.

  4. 4

    Temper the yolks

    Slowly pour about one-third of the hot cream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper. Then whisk in the remaining hot cream.

  5. 5

    Strain and portion

    Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any curdles. Divide evenly among 4 ramekins.

  6. 6

    Water bath bake

    Place the ramekins in a baking dish. Pour hot water into the dish until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the custards are just set with a slight wobble in the center.

  7. 7

    Chill the custards

    Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) to fully set.

  8. 8

    Caramelize the tops

    When ready to serve, sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar evenly over each custard. Use a culinary torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a glossy, golden crust, about 1-2 minutes per ramekin. Alternatively, broil under high heat for 1-3 minutes watching closely.