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–+ servings
Easy Creme Brûlée recipe in a small ramekin.

Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe

Desserts & Drinks
This Easy Crème Brûlée recipe is our go-to for an elegant dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. With just 5 ingredients and simple steps, you can create a creamy, velvety custard topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust right in your own kitchen! It’s a show-stopper that’s perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or just because you deserve a treat. Plus, everything comes together with less effort than you’d expect from such a luxurious dessert!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time & Inactive Fridge Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 4 (6-ounce) Ramekins
Calories 336 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • tiny pinch sea salt about 1/8 teaspoon
  • 4 large egg yolks at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup plus 4 teaspoons granulated sugar divided

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place 4 (6-ounce ramekins) into an 8-inch square pan. Set aside.
  • Bring heavy cream to a simmer over medium-high in a small pot. Turn off the heat.
  • Whisk in the vanilla and salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with 1/3 cup sugar for 1 minute until smooth.
  • Slowly stream the hot cream into the egg mixture and whisk quickly until combined for 1 minute.
  • Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large glass measuring cup or bowl with a spout.
  • Divide the batter between the 4 ramekins.
  • Pour hot water into the bottom of the square baking dish so it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  • Place the pan of ramekins into the oven and lightly drape a larger piece of foil over the entire pan to prevent browning on top.
  • Bake for about 35-40 minutes. The center of each creme brulee should be set with the slightest jiggle.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and transfer ramekins to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Refrigerate ramekins for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • When ready to serve, sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over each creme brulee ramekins. Swirl the ramekin to evenly distribute the sugar. Torch the top for a few seconds until caramelized and golden brown. Serve right away.

Notes

  • Don’t use boiling water in the baking dish since it can cause the custard to curdle too quickly early on in the cooking process. 
  • You can also place the ramekins on a pan under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the sugar, but it might not get as golden a color.

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal
Keyword easy creme brulee, easy creme brulee recipe
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