This Classic Crème Brûlée is the ultimate custard dessert—rich, creamy vanilla custard topped with a crackly caramelized sugar crust. Elegant yet surprisingly simple to make, it’s the perfect indulgence for dinner parties, holidays, or whenever you want to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant & Impressive – A restaurant-quality dessert you can make at home.
• Creamy & Silky Custard – Infused with real vanilla for rich flavor.
• Signature Sugar Crust – Crack through the caramelized top for that iconic texture.
• Make Ahead Friendly – Can be chilled for days before caramelizing.

Classic Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée is one of those desserts that feels both luxurious and comforting at the same time. With its silky-smooth vanilla custard and crisp caramelized sugar topping, it delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that never fails to impress. Each spoonful brings a contrast of warm, crackly sugar and cool, creamy custard, making it a truly unforgettable treat.

Though often thought of as a restaurant-exclusive dessert, crème brûlée is surprisingly approachable at home. With just a few staple ingredients—cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla—you can create a dessert that looks elegant but requires minimal effort. The key lies in gentle baking, which transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The custard base is rich yet delicate, flavored with real vanilla bean or high-quality extract. Infusing the cream with vanilla not only deepens the flavor but also fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Every bite captures that classic, timeless taste that has made crème brûlée a beloved dessert for generations.

Perhaps the most iconic element of crème brûlée is the caramelized sugar crust. That satisfying crack as your spoon breaks through the glassy surface is part of the joy of eating it. The contrast between the crisp top and creamy custard beneath is what makes this dessert so special and endlessly enjoyable.

What sets this recipe apart is its reliability. By baking the custards in a gentle water bath, the texture stays smooth and silky without curdling. It’s a foolproof method that ensures success, even for first-time bakers. Once chilled, the custards can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making them perfect for entertaining.

Caramelizing the sugar topping is the final flourish. A kitchen torch gives the best results, creating an even golden crust, but alternatives like a broiler or even a heated spoon can also do the trick. No matter the method, the result is that signature glossy caramel top.

Crème brûlée also offers endless room for creativity. While the classic vanilla is unbeatable, you can experiment with other flavors like citrus zest, espresso, or even a hint of spice for seasonal twists. Each variation builds on the same creamy base, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.

Beyond its flavor and texture, crème brûlée carries a sense of occasion. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a celebration, whether served at the end of a romantic dinner, during the holidays, or at a gathering with friends. Its elegance lies in its simplicity and the way it transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ultimately, this recipe proves that with a little care and patience, you can enjoy the magic of crème brûlée anytime. It’s a timeless dessert that never goes out of style and always leaves a lasting impression.

Servings

Makes about 6 servings.

Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
• Chill Time: 4+ hours
• Total Time: About 5 hours (including chilling)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy whipping cream, divided
• 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar
• A pinch of table salt
• 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise (or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste/extract)
• 6 large egg yolks (108 g)
• 6 to 9 teaspoons (25 to 37 g) turbinado or demerara sugar (or granulated sugar)

Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup cream, granulated sugar, and salt. Scrape vanilla seeds into the pan and add the pod. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep 15 minutes. (If using extract, skip steeping and add later.)
3. Stir in the remaining 1 cup cream to cool the mixture slightly.
4. In a bowl, whisk yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk in the warm cream mixture until fully combined. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or pitcher.
5. Arrange 6 ramekins (4–5 oz each) in a baking dish lined with a kitchen towel. Divide custard evenly among them.
6. Place the baking dish in the oven and carefully pour boiling water into the pan until it reaches two-thirds up the sides of the ramekins.
7. Bake until custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center, 25–35 minutes depending on ramekin depth.
8. Remove ramekins from water bath and let cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours or up to 4 days.
9. Just before serving, sprinkle 1–1.5 teaspoons sugar evenly over each custard. Caramelize using a kitchen torch, sweeping the flame evenly until the sugar is melted and golden brown. (Alternatively, place under a broiler or use a heated spoon.)
10. Let the sugar harden for a minute before serving.

Tips

• Use high-quality vanilla for the best flavor.
• Don’t overbake—the custards should jiggle slightly when done.
• Chill thoroughly before caramelizing for the best texture.
• For flavor twists, try infusing the cream with citrus zest, espresso powder, or a cinnamon stick.