Perfect Creme Brulee

There is something undeniably luxurious and satisfying about cracking the top of a crème brûlée and diving into that creamy goodness with a sweet, crunchy top. Despite its fancy reputation, this is one of the easiest desserts you can make at home with just 15 minutes of prep, followed by baking and chilling. So next time when you want to impress someone, try this elegant yet effortless dessert.

Creme brulee topped with berries.

Anytime I want a restaurant-worthy dessert, but without the fuss, I know I can rely on creme brulee. Either I make the classic version or something fancier, like white chocolate crème brûlée or pumpkin pie crème brûlée; I know it will always steal the show. This dessert combines the ideal contrast of a cold, creamy custard with a hot, crunchy, and sweet top.

I am sharing with you a few tips and tricks that I have learned through my experience making crème brûlée. First, it’s the use of heavy cream to make the custard extra rich and creamy. The water bath ensures a silky smooth finish, the correct chilling period, and the use of superfine sugar to create a glass-like caramel top that everyone loves.

This homemade treat is incredibly versatile and adaptable; stir in some espresso for a coffee flavor and a touch of Bailey’s for a boozy treat, or decorate it with edible flowers and berries for a touch of elegance. The custard is like a gastronomic canvas, waiting for you to add your touch to it. If you’re looking for a luxurious recipe that’s foolproof and effortless, you must give this one a try.

Overhead shot of ramekins with creme brulee.

Why you will love this recipe 

  • It is sophisticated and elegant: This is a perfect fancy dessert for a party, celebration, or dinner event. It looks incredible and tastes fantastic. 
  • Easy and fast: With just four ingredients that everyone has in their kitchen, my recipe is a breeze. I made sure of it. It only takes a few minutes to get it in the fridge. The hard part is waiting for it to get done, so I make it the night before. 
  • Authentic French dessert: This is a genuine French dessert, so ensure everyone is familiar with it. It’s a great way to impress the in-laws.  

What you will need

Overhead shot of creme brulee ingredients in bowls on a table.
  • Egg yolks: For the thickest and richest silky-smooth crème brulee, only use egg yolks, no whites. 
  • Fine sugar: To achieve a light and fluffy texture, fine sugar is ideal for cutting the cream and creating air pockets. 
  • Heavy cream: I prefer heavy cream over milk or half-and-half for a dessert with a creamy and rich texture.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Be sure to use pure vanilla to achieve the most natural and intense flavor, with hints of caramel and an extra floral taste, without any bitter aftertaste. 

How to make it

Whisk: First, I whisk the egg yolks and 1/3 cup of sugar in a large bowl until well mixed, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. 

Whisking egg yolks and sugar.

Heat the cream: In a medium pot, I heat the heavy cream until it simmers, stirring constantly to prevent it from boiling.

Heating cream in a sauce pan.

Combine: Then, I add the cream a little at a time so it does not cook parts of the egg. After mixing in the cream, I add the vanilla extract. Once that is done, I preheat the oven to 325°F and use a spoon to remove all the foam from the top of the custard.

Adding warm cream to a bowl of whisked egg yolks.

Bake the custard: Next, I place six ramekins into a large roasting pan and pour the custard mixture into them. After that, I fill the roasting pan with hot water about halfway up the side of the ramekins before baking them for 45 to 50 minutes. It is done when it appears set but still slightly jiggly in the center. 

Pouring creme brulee custard into ramekins.

Cool the Crème Brûlée: After that, I remove the pan from the oven and let the ramekins cool completely. Then, I remove them from the water bath and cover each one with plastic wrap before chilling them for at least four hours. I usually make mine the night before and let them chill overnight. 

Torch: When they are chilled, remove them 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle a layer of superfine sugar on top and use a torch or lighter to melt the sugar.

Crisping the tops of homemade creme brulee with a blowtorch.

Rest and serve: Then, let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. 

Ramekins with creme brulee and caramelized, glossy top.

Expert tip

What is the best sugar for creme brulee

Crème brûlée is such a refined, delicate, and decadent dessert that you want to ensure it is perfectly finished. As a general rule, sugar that is too coarse will not caramelize easily and may not caramelize evenly. Or worse, you will end up with uncooked sugar at the top of your brulee. Therefore, the best sugar for topping it off is superfine sugar because it has very tiny crystals that caramelize quickly, which is ideal for this dessert.

More tips to consider

  • Add the cream little by little, especially at the beginning. Otherwise, it may cook some parts of the egg mixture. 
  • The custard needs to be chilled for at least four hours, but I usually make mine the night before and let it chill overnight. 
  • They can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in advance. 
  • If you don’t have a torch or grill lighter, use the broiler to heat the sugar, but be careful not to let it burn. 
  • Do not cook at over 200 degrees F or set the oven higher than 325 degrees F, as this could cause the mixture to become grainy. 
  • Using milk instead of cream can also cause it to become grainy. 
  • Be sure to use a water bath to keep it from becoming curdled. 
A spoonful of homemade creme brulee.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

  • Chocolate: I like to add some chocolate to my crème brulee. Chop up some chocolate wafers or use chocolate chips as an alternative. I even have a recipe for chocolate creme brulee for you to try.
  • Fruit topping: Some fruit topping would also be delicious. Sometimes, I use my sweet and tangy strawberry sauce. It only takes four ingredients to make it. 
  • Caramel sauce: Another scrumptious way to top this crème brulee is with my decadent caramel sauce. It’s effortless to make with just three ingredients. 
  • Red Velvet Crème Brûlée: Add cocoa and red food coloring to create a red velvet crème brûlée
  • Decorate them: Make these festive crème brulee desserts by adding sprinkles, decorations, and frosting. 
A spoonful of creme brulee.

Serving suggestions:

Usually, it is recommended that the bottom of the crème brûlée be cold and the caramelized top be hot. The combination of hot and cold elements will create a great-tasting dessert with a nice contrast. To achieve a cold bottom and a hot top, follow this tip. Cool the dessert down by refrigerating it overnight. Just before serving, caramelize the top sugar layer with a blowtorch or broil for 2-3 minutes.

I love serving these crème brûlée desserts as part of a brunch spread, accompanied by my easy mimosasstrawberry scones, and individual servings of strawberry chia pudding. As a main entrée to accompany this dessert, I find that a rich and juicy dish, like a French beef bourguignon, is perfect. My favorite wines to serve with crème brulee are Chardonnay, Sauternes, Riesling, and Moscato.

Storage:

  • Refrigerate: Wrap each ramekin in plastic and then aluminum foil, and it can be kept in the fridge for up to five days.   
  • Freezing: These can also be frozen if wrapped and put in freezer bags. Then, they can be kept for about 1-2 months. 
  • Defrost: Be sure to thaw the frozen crème brulee overnight in the fridge. 
  • Reheating: Do not heat. Serve cold, but let it warm to room temperature before melting the sugar on top.   

Freezing creme brulee

  • First, foil-wrap the baked custards individually or place them in an air-tight container.
  • Then, place in the freezer for up to one to two months.
  • When ready to serve, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw until they are cold but not frozen.
  • Lastly, sprinkle with some sugar, and then caramelize the top with a blowtorch or broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Overhead shot of homemade creme brulee in ramekins.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my crème brulee grainy?

I once cooked my crème brûlée at too high a temperature, and it turned out grainy. Another time, it was cooked to 205 degrees F (only to 200 degrees), also making it grainy. It does not take much to cause this delicate dessert to become grainy. It is a very delicate cream dish, so it must be cooked to a precise temperature using low heat. Another thing to remember is the water bath. This will prevent graininess as well. Additionally, using milk instead of cream is another common mistake made by rookies. Heavy cream is the best choice for the creamiest brulee.  

How can I keep the topping from burning?

The most important thing about the topping is to use extra-fine sugar. Do not use granulated sugar because it is too grainy and will not cook evenly. Fine sugar is nice and smooth, so it will burn evenly, melting and caramelizing into a single layer as it should. If granulated sugar is all you have, put it in a food processor and grind it until it is fine dust. 

Why is my crème brulee curdled?

The best way to make sure the custard does not come out curdled is to bake it in a water bath. That’s right, water baths (or bain-maries) are not just for cheesecakes. Baking it at a low temperature in a water bath usually prevents it from curdling. However, there are certain cases when it can still curdle. For example, if the hot cream is added to the egg mixture too quickly when mixing them in the beginning, it can cook the eggs or curdle the milk. 

Can you make crème brûlée without a blowtorch?

Yes, a grill lighter can be used to make the crispy top. However, if you don’t like using these methods or don’t have a blowtorch, the best option is to use the broiler.
This is a straightforward and practical method. Before using this method, make sure the custard is cold and fully set, ideally refrigerated overnight. Then, heat the broiler to super-hot and put the ramekins just underneath. Only 2-3 minutes should be enough to get the perfect caramelization.

A spoonful of creamy creme brulee.

More creamy desserts:

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Creme brulee topped with berries.

Perfect Creme Brulee

Crème Brûlée is a luxurious French dessert that can be effortlessly made at home with just four ingredients and 15 minutes of preparation.
5 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Keyword: Creme Brulee
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 259kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 egg yolks
  • 1 cup fine sugar divided
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract ore the seeds of a vanilla bean

Instructions

  • Add the eggs to a large bowl, add 1/3 cup of sugar, and whisk until well-mixed. Stop to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
  • Add heavy cream to a medium saucepan, stir, and heat it until hot, simmering lightly; do not boil. Remove from heat.
  • Pour in the hot cream gradually, mixing it slowly and continually. Add the cream little by little, especially at the beginning. Otherwise, it may cook some parts of the egg mixture. Stir continuously until thoroughly combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Use a spoon to scoop and discard the foam accumulated on top of the custard mixture.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Place 6 (7 to 8-ounce) ramekins into a large roasting pan. Pour the custard mixture into the ramekins.
  • Pour hot water into the pan, filling it roughly halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  • Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 45-50 minutes. The crème brûlée is done when it looks set but still just slightly jiggly in the middle.
  • Once cooked, remove the roasting pan from the oven and let the creme brûlée cool in the pan before transferring to the fridge.
  • Remove the ramekins from the roasting pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
  • When ready to serve, remove the crème brûlée from the refrigerator 30 minutes before browning the sugar on top. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over each crème brûlée. Using a torch, melt the sugar to form a crispy top.
  • If you don’t have a torch, you can broil the crème brûlée to melt the sugar. Keep an eye on it to make sure you don’t burn it.
  • Allow the crème brûlée to sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

What is the best sugar for creme brulee

Crème brûlée is such a refined, delicate, and decadent dessert that you want to ensure it is perfectly finished. As a general rule, sugar that is too coarse will not caramelize easily and may not caramelize evenly. Or worse, you will end up with uncooked sugar at the top of your brulee. Therefore, the best sugar for topping it off is superfine sugar because it has very tiny crystals that caramelize quickly, which is ideal for this dessert.

More tips to consider

  • Add the cream little by little, especially at the beginning. Otherwise, it may cook some parts of the egg mixture. 
  • The custard needs to be chilled for at least four hours, but I usually make mine the night before and let it chill overnight. 
  • They can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in advance. 
  • If you don’t have a torch or grill lighter, use the broiler to heat the sugar, but be careful not to let it burn. 
  • Do not cook at over 200 degrees F or set the oven higher than 325 degrees F, as this could cause the mixture to become grainy. 
  • Using milk instead of cream can also cause it to become grainy. 
  • Be sure to use a water bath to keep it from becoming curdled. 

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 268mg | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 133mg | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 480IU | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 0.6mg
5 from 13 votes

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22 Comments

  1. This is my all-time favorite dessert. Whenever I go to a restaurant and they have this I ask for it every single time. I cannot wait to try to make this.

  2. I am drooling. This is one of my favorite desserts. I admit, I’ve never tried to make it at home. I really should, so I can have it more often.5 stars

  3. I never imagined attempting to make creme brulee at home, but you’ve made it look much easier than expected. I even have a torch! I cannot wait to give this a try.5 stars

  4. Creme Brulee is a classic dessert and so delicious! Love the tip about using the broiler to caramelize the top if a blow torch isn’t handy. Thanks for sharing this recipe!5 stars

  5. Not only have I never made this dish at home, I have not had it at a restaurant, either! I need to remedy that!

  6. This is my all time favorite dessert. I have such high expectations for this dessert. First the sugar must break like glass. Second the custard must be cold while the sugar is still hot. Third, the custard must be creamy, not thick. Yours looks like it would make the mark!5 stars

  7. I love creme brulee! Your recipe is so festive and fabulous. I can hardly wait to make some for my husband and I.5 stars

  8. omg-yummmm! This looks so good! I love creme brulee but have never thought about making it myself. Totally want to try now!

  9. I’ve always wondered about creating creme brulee. It’s never been my strong point. More so the whole torching thing.5 stars

  10. Oh, this is what I’m talking about. I never thought I could make creme brulee at home. It’s easier than I would have thought!5 stars

  11. These look so pretty and packed with delicious flavors. I’m saving your recipe to make them for a weekend brunch soon.5 stars

  12. I’ve always been intimidated by making creme brulee because it seemed so complicated. Your recipe finally made it feel achievable and I was able to pull it off. So fun, and tasted great too.5 stars