Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsWilla'sButterscotch Crème Brûlée Recipe

Butterscotch Crème Brûlée Recipe

Inspired by Willa's
Time3h
Serves6

caramel custard, crisp sugar shell

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Ingredients

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Custard Base

Topping

Method

Custard Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Cream Mixture

    In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, butterscotch sauce, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is hot but not boiling.

  2. 2

    Whisk Egg Yolks

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly pale in color.

  3. 3

    Combine Mixtures

    Once the cream mixture is hot, gradually pour a small amount into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This will temper the yolks and prevent them from scrambling. Continue adding the cream mixture slowly until fully combined.

  4. 4

    Strain the Custard

    Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or measuring cup to remove any curdled bits and ensure a silky texture.

Baking

  1. 5

    Preheat the Oven

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

  2. 6

    Prepare Ramekins

    Place six ramekins in a large baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly into the ramekins.

  3. 7

    Create a Water Bath

    Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

  4. 8

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

  5. 9

    Cool

    Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Caramelizing the Sugar

  1. 10

    Prepare for Caramelizing

    Once the custards are chilled, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each custard.

  2. 11

    Caramelize the Sugar

    Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy shell. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for about 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

  3. 12

    Set the Sugar Shell

    Allow the caramelized sugar to cool for a minute or two until it hardens into a crispy shell.

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