Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsUnion League CafeCrème Brûlée Recipe

Crème Brûlée Recipe

Inspired by Union League Cafe
Time1h 30m
Serves4

vanilla infused, almond tuile

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Ingredients

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Crème Brûlée Base

Topping

Method

Crème Brûlée Base

  1. 1

    Prepare the Cream Mixture

    In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and split vanilla bean. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, then remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Mix the Egg Yolks

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

  3. 3

    Combine Mixtures

    Remove the vanilla bean from the cream mixture and scrape the seeds into the cream. Gradually pour the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.

  4. 4

    Bake the Custards

    Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour the custard mixture into ramekins, then place them in a baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

  5. 5

    Chill

    Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Almond Tuile

  1. 6

    Preheat the Oven

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

  2. 7

    Mix the Tuile Batter

    In a bowl, mix together almond flour, granulated sugar, egg whites, melted unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  3. 8

    Shape the Tuiles

    Using a spoon, drop small amounts of batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into thin circles (about 3 inches in diameter).

  4. 9

    Bake the Tuiles

    Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Finishing Touches

  1. 10

    Caramelize the Sugar

    Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the chilled crème brûlée custards. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. Alternatively, broil in the oven for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

  2. 11

    Serve

    Serve the crème brûlée immediately with almond tuiles on the side.

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