Delicious Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Recipe from Scratch

Decadent Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Recipe: A Heavenly Dessert

Welcome to your go-to easy Vanilla bean crème brûlée recipe that will impress any crowd! Originating from France, this classic dessert is known for its velvety custard and perfectly caramelized sugar topping that contrasts beautifully with its creamy texture. Imagine breaking through the crisp, caramel crust with a spoon to reveal the smooth, fragrant layer beneath—this is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, making homemade Vanilla bean crème brûlée from scratch is easier than you might think. Moreover, we’ll also explore a delicious vegan Vanilla bean crème brûlée option for those looking to indulge without dairy.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serving Size: 4-6 ramekins

Ingredients

For the Custard:

2 cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan option)
1 whole vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract)
5 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar

Ingredient Swaps:

Use almond milk or oat milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Replace egg yolks with cornstarch (1 tablespoon per yolk) mixed with almond milk for a vegan custard.

Equipment List

Ramekins (4-6, 6 oz each)
Baking dish (for water bath)
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Small saucepan
Fine mesh strainer
Kitchen torch (or broiler for caramelizing sugar)
Oven mitts
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This will ensure that your crème brûlée bakes evenly.
Prepare the Vanilla: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds using the back of the knife. Combine the seeds and the bean pod with the heavy cream in a small saucepan.
Heat the Cream: Warm the cream over medium heat, stirring gently until it is just about to boil. Remove from heat and allow it to steep, letting the vanilla flavor infuse into the cream for about 10-15 minutes.
Whisk the Yolks: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the warm cream mixture through a fine mesh strainer into the egg yolk mixture, discarding the vanilla bean pod. Whisk constantly to avoid cooking the yolks.
Pour into Ramekins: Carefully ladle the mixture into the prepared ramekins, filling each one about ¾ full.
Set Up a Water Bath: Place the ramekins into a baking dish and fill the dish with boiling water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This gentle cooking method helps create a smooth custard.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center slightly jiggles when moved. The perfect texture is crucial—when done, it should resemble a very soft gel.
Cool Down: Remove from the oven and let them cool in the water bath for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer the ramekins to a cooling rack and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Caramelize the Sugar: Once chilled, remove the custards from the refrigerator. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully melt the sugar until it becomes a golden brown crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under the broiler, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Set and Serve: Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a couple of minutes, then serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful contrast of the crunchy topping and the creamy custard!

Special Notes

The crème brûlée can be stored, covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without the sugar topping.
If the custard sets too firmly, try adding a splash more cream after it’s fully cooked. Stir gently to achieve desired consistency.
For best results, make the custard a day ahead of serving, giving it ample time to chill and set up properly.

Variations and Customizations

Gluten-Free: This dessert is naturally gluten-free, so feel free to enjoy it guilt-free!
Non-Dairy: Opt for coconut cream or almond milk mixed with cornstarch for a delicious vegan custard.
Flavor Infusions: Experiment with flavors by incorporating a few drops of almond extract, orange zest, or coffee essence to the cream mixture.
Fruit Toppings: Consider serving alongside fresh berries, which complement the rich custard wonderfully.

Nutritional Information

Estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 320
Protein: 6g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Engaging Visual Details

As you create this culinary masterpiece, envision the creamy custard as it gently clasps the spoon, smoothly gliding away from the dish. A light dusting of sugar will melt into a shiny caramel shell, glistening under the light, promising a delightful crunch. Serve your Vanilla bean crème brûlée in chic ramekins, garnished with fresh lavender or mint, elevating its elegance for any celebration. Consider adding images or video tutorials at each stage to give readers a visual guide through the process.

Conclusion

There you have it: a comprehensive guide to creating the perfect Vanilla bean crème brûlée at home! This dessert is not only a delight for the taste buds but also an impressive showstopper for dinner parties. We hope you take the plunge and try this recipe yourself. Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe! Or, get creative and share your version on Instagram by tagging us with MyDeliciousDish. Happy baking!