Craving an easy, economical dessert? Picture a shatteringly crisp caramel crust atop silky, velvety custard. This classic crème brûlée shines hot or cold, with all the magic happening in that final caramelization step.
Follow this straightforward recipe from a seasoned home baker to create an irresistible treat in no time.
Contents
- Ingredients for 4 people
- How to
- Result
- Bonus tip
- Cost for 4 people
Ingredients for 4 people
- 5 egg yolks
- ½ liter of liquid fresh cream
- ½ liter of milk
- 200g caster sugar
- 100g brown sugar
- 1 vanilla pod
How to
Preparation: 10 min - Cooking: 1 hour
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and caster sugar until smooth.
- Pour the milk into a saucepan.
- Split the vanilla pod in half, scrape out the seeds, and add both to the milk.
- Heat the milk gently, then pour over the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously.
- Add the cream and whisk vigorously to combine.
- Cool the mixture to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 110°C. Pour mixture into ramekins.
- Bake for 1 hour until just set and trembling slightly.
- Cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge.
- Before serving, sprinkle with brown sugar and caramelize under the broiler for a few minutes.
Result
Your crème brûlée is ready: creamy perfection under a golden caramel shell. Simple, quick, delicious, and light—ideal after a hearty meal.
This budget-friendly dessert is a crowd-pleaser and can be prepped ahead for guests.
Bonus tip
Three ways to caramelize:
- Oven broiler: Reliable results, though slightly slower.
- Pastry blowtorch: Faster, but keep the flame at a safe distance to avoid burning.
- Flambé method: Sprinkle sugar, add a few drops of alcohol, and ignite (see detailed trick online).
Cost for 4 people
- 5 egg yolks: €1.25
- ½ liter liquid crème fraîche: €2.90/liter = €1.45
- ½ liter milk: €0.71/liter = €0.35
- 200g caster sugar: €1.19/kg = €0.24
- 100g brown sugar: €2.28/kg = €0.23
- 1 vanilla pod (~4g): €1.60
Total: €1.28 per person or €5.12 for 4.
