Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
There is nothing that will impress guests more than a perfectly made crème brûlée. This vanilla bean sweet treat is rich, decadent, and, honestly, simple to make. Perfect for romantic dinners at home with a loved one, holiday or birthday dinners with friends, or a special treat to enjoy while relaxing in your pajamas on the couch.
YIELDS: 4 servings TIME: 1 HOUR CHILL TIME: 12 HOURS
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar + more for the crispy coating
Pinch of salt
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
Whipped cream and/or seasonal berries to garnish.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Pre-heat oven to 300F .
Pour the heavy cream and vanilla into a saucepan and stir. Place on the stove on low heat until the cream starts to simmer (be careful not to boil or burn)
Add egg yolks, sugar, and salt to a bowl and whisk until fully combined.
Once the cream is simmering, slowly pour about a fourth of it into the egg yolk mixture while continuing to whisk. This will temper the eggs so they don't curdle. Then add the remaining cream and whisk gently until combined. Don't overmix or whisk too aggressively as that will add too many air bubbles in the mixture.
Pass the custard through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
Divide the mixture equally between 4 ramekins, filling 3/4 full.
Place the ramekins inside a larger baking tray, and carefully add boiling water to the tray, avoiding the getting water in the ramekins until the water reaches halfway up the ramekins.
Carefully lift the tray with the water and ramekins and place inside the oven.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the crème brûlées are set around the edges but still have a wobble in the middle when gently shaken - do not over bake.
Immediately transfer the ramekins to the fridge, and cool overnight (or at least for 4 hours).
The next day, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on each ramekin, and use a blowtorch to caramelize the sugar. It should become a deep brown color.
