Perfect Creme Brulee Recipe | What's Cooking America (2024)

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Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

40 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Author: What's Cooking America

• 6egg yolks,chilled
• 6tablespoons granulatedsugar
• 1 1/2cupsheavy creamor whipping cream, chilled
• 1vanilla bean(split and scraped) or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4tablespoons granulatedsugar(for topping)

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Adjust oven rack to center position. Butter six (1/2 cup) custard cups or ramekins and set them into a glass baking dish.Tip: Place a non-stick baking mat (called a silpat) or a tea towel on the bottom of your baking dish to both insulate and keep the ramekins firmly in place.

2. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Add sugar and mix until dissolved; mix in cream and vanilla, then pour mixture into prepared ramekins or custard cups. Bring the water for the water bath to a light simmer on top of the stove; carefully pour hot water into the baking pan to come half-way up the sides of the custard cups. NOTE: The most common mistake people make in baking a custard is not putting enough water in the hot-water bath. The water should come up to the level of the custard inside the cups. You must protect your custard from the heat.

3. Definition of Water Bath or Bain-Marie (bahn mah-REE) - A hot water bath or bain-marie are used to cook custards and baked eggs in the oven without curdling or cracking, and also used to hold sauces and to clarify butter. Water baths are most often used for egg-based dishes. The proteins in the eggs are very heat sensitive and only need to be warmed to cook thoroughly. They will start to get firm at only 145 degrees. Cooking them with a slow, gentle heat keeps the eggs soft and smooth.

4. Bake approximately 30 to 40 minutes (25 to 30 minutes for shallow fluted dishes) or until set around the edges but still loose in the center. The cooking time will depend largely on the size of the ramekin or custard cup you are using and the altitute you are at. Begin checking at a half hour and check back regularly. When the center of the custard is just set, it will jiggle a little when shaken, that's when you can remove it from the oven. If using adigital instant-read thermometer, inserted in the centers, theinternal temperatureshould register approximately 170 to 175 degrees F. Begin checking temperature about 5 minutes before recommended time.

5. High Altitude Cooking: Custards with a water bath will often need additional water during the baking time. Also your custards will need a longer cooking time because the altitude causes the water to evaporate faster.

6. Remove from oven and leave the creme brulee in the water bath until cooled to room temperature. Remove cups from water bath, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 4 days.

7. Finishing the Creme Brulees: Finish the custards right before serving.

8. When ready to serve, uncover ramekins or custard cups. If condensation has collected on the custards, place paper towel on surface to soak up moisture. Sprinkle approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar over each creme brulee (tilt and tap ramekins for even coverage).

9. For best results, use a small hand held butane torch. Hold the torch 4 to 5 inches from the sugar, maintaining a slow and even motion. Stop torching just before the desired degree of doneness is reached, as the sugar will continue to cook for a few seconds after flame has been removed.

10. If you do not have a torch, place creme brulees 6 inches below the broiler for 4 to 6 minutes or until sugar bubbles and turns golden brown.

11. Refrigerate creme brulees at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve within 1 hour (30 to 45 minutes), as topping will deteriorate.

    

12. Makes 6 servings (depending on size of custard cups).