Recipe

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

Name: Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/4 cups egg yolks; 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped; 1/4 teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons additional sugar for topping, granulated; fresh berries for garnish, optional; mint leaves for garnish, optional; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Indulge in the rich, creamy decadence of Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, perfectly finished with a crisp caramelized sugar top.

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Notes

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée is an exquisite dessert that combines a rich, silky custard infused with aromatic vanilla bean and a delightful contrast of crispy caramel on top. This elegant treat offers an indulgent experience as you crack through the sugar crust to reveal the velvety smoothness beneath, making it a favorite for special occasions and intimate dinners alike. The harmony of textures and the harmonious blend of sweet and creamy flavors create a truly memorable dessert.
This dessert is a prime example of classic French cuisine, showcasing the simple yet refined technique of preparing a custard. The process involves careful temperature control to achieve the perfect balance of richness without curdling the eggs. The science of tempering the eggs with hot cream ensures a smooth custard, while the final touch of torching sugar creates that iconic crunchy topping, which adds a satisfying contrast to the creaminess.
Pair your Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée with a glass of Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling, both of which provide a sweet balance to the creaminess of the dessert. For a non-alcoholic option, a well-brewed iced tea with hints of lemon would complement the flavors beautifully. This dessert can be served alongside a light fruit tart or a fresh berry salad to add some brightness.
For best results, prepare the crème brûlée a day ahead of serving; chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the sugar can be torched right before serving for that coveted crisp layer. Keep any leftover crème brûlée covered in the fridge for up to two days, but remember to add new sugar just before caramelizing if you plan to enjoy it later.

Ingredients

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Servings

2 cupsheavy cream
8 tablespoonsgranulated sugar
4 tablespoonsegg yolks
2vanilla beans, split and scraped
1/4 teaspoonssalt
2 tablespoonsadditional sugar for topping, granulated
fresh berries for garnish, optional
mint leaves for garnish, optional
1 teaspoonvanilla extract, optional

Directions

Step1
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Step2
Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, sugar, and salt over medium heat until just simmering.
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Step3
Add Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean seeds along with the scraped pods for added flavor.
Step4
Whisk Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale and slightly thickened.
Step5
Combine Mixtures
Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Step6
Strain the Mixture
Strain the combined mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup to eliminate any clumps.
Step7
Fill Ramekins
Pour the strained mixture evenly into ramekins and place them in a baking dish.
Step8
Bake in Water Bath
Carefully fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Step9
Cool and Chill
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until gently set. Remove and allow to cool, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Step10
Caramelize Sugar
Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each crème brûlée and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.