Classic Creme Brulee

Name: Classic Creme Brulee
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups heavy whipping cream; 9 large egg yolks; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Brown sugar

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 25 min. + chilling

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

With a caramelized topping and custardy filling, a creme brulee recipe will always bring an air of elegance to any dessert menu.

Ingredients

4 cups heavy whipping cream
9 large egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Brown sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°. In a small saucepan, heat cream until bubbles form around sides of pan; remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until blended but not foamy. Slowly stir in hot cream. Stir in vanilla.
Place eight 6-oz. broiler-safe ramekins in a baking pan large enough to hold them without touching. Pour egg mixture into ramekins. Place pan on oven rack; add very hot water to pan to within 1/2 in. of top of ramekins. Bake until centers are just set (egg mixture will jiggle), 25-30 minutes. Immediately remove ramekins from water bath to a wire rack; cool 10 minutes. Refrigerate until cold.
Place ramekins on a baking sheet; let stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Preheat broiler. Sprinkle custards evenly with 1-2 teaspoons brown sugar each. Broil 8 in. from heat until sugar is caramelized, 4-7 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 551 calories, 50g fat (29g saturated fat), 402mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.

My favorite dessert is this creme brulee recipe. Recently I was at a party where the guests finished preparing their own desserts by "broiling" the sugar on their portions with a small torch. What a great idea! —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California

Recipe Creator