Crème Brûlée (French Vanilla Custard) Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and adore silky, indulgent desserts, let me introduce you to the magic of the Crème Brûlée (French Vanilla Custard) Recipe. This classic French dessert is a creamy custard infused with real vanilla, topped with a beautifully caramelized sugar crust that cracks delightfully with each spoonful. The contrast between the smooth custard and the crisp, sugary shell is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because you crave something elegant and comforting, this Crème Brûlée is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crème Brûlée (French Vanilla Custard) Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are few but each plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor. From the luscious cream to the fragrant vanilla, every component comes together to create a dessert that’s truly magnificent.

• 2 cups pure cream (heavy cream): Provides richness and the smooth base for your custard.
• 1 vanilla pod or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste: Adds authentic vanilla flavor, making the custard fragrant and aromatic.
• 5 egg yolks: Give the custard its silky texture and help it set beautifully.
• 1/4 cup caster sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the vanilla.
• 2 tsp caster sugar: For that iconic crisp caramelized topping on the brûlée.

How to Make Crème Brûlée (French Vanilla Custard) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Vanilla Infusion

Start by splitting your vanilla pod down the middle and scraping out the tiny seeds with a knife—this is where the real flavor magic is. Place both the seeds and the empty pod into a saucepan with your cream to infuse. This step is crucial because the slow heat helps release the vanilla’s deep, aromatic essence into the cream.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream

Simmer the cream gently over low heat for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the stove and let it sit with the lid on for an hour. This soaking time really helps intensify the vanilla flavor. If you’re using vanilla bean paste, you can skip this step and just let the cream cool down to lukewarm. Don’t forget to fish out the pod and skim off any skin that forms on top.

Step 3: Prep Your Oven and Ramekins

While your cream infuses, preheat the oven to 130°C (265°F). Set your ramekins in a deep baking tray—the kind where you can pour hot water around them later. This water bath will give your custard the gentle heat it needs to cook evenly without curdling or cracking.

Step 4: Boil Your Water

Boil enough water to pour into your baking dish and come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. The water bath is key to that ultra-smooth texture — it keeps the custard from getting too hot too fast as it bakes.

Step 5: Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a clean bowl, gently whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. It’s important not to over-whisk because you want to avoid bubbles that can mar the glossy finish of the custard.

Step 6: Combine Cream and Eggs

Slowly add the warm vanilla cream into your egg mixture, stirring gently to combine everything smoothly. Use a ladle to distribute the custard evenly into each ramekin, ensuring a consistent texture in every serving.

Step 7: Set Up the Water Bath

Carefully pour the boiling water into the baking tray so it reaches about halfway up the ramekins. Be cautious not to splash water into the custard. This step creates the perfect moist heat for baking your custards gently.

Step 8: Bake the Custard

Bake your custards for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re aiming for a set custard that still has a slight wobble when you gently shake the ramekin. This wobble means your custard will be silky smooth and not overcooked.

Step 9: Chill Thoroughly

Remove ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. Chilling helps the custard develop its full flavor and perfect texture.

How to Serve Crème Brûlée (French Vanilla Custard) Recipe

Garnishes

Though Crème Brûlée (French Vanilla Custard) Recipe is spectacular on its own, a sprinkle of fresh berries, a few mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar around the edges make the presentation pop and add complementary fresh flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a light fruit salad or a crisp biscuit to balance the richness of the custard. A glass of sparkling wine or a sweet dessert wine can also elevate your experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try using colorful or uniquely shaped ramekins to personalize each serving. For a fun twist, add a small dollop of flavored whipped cream or a dash of cinnamon under the caramelized sugar topping for an unexpected flavor layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Crème Brûlée is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days. Keep the custard covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors and drying out.

Freezing

This creamy custard doesn’t freeze well because the texture can become grainy after thawing. It’s best to prepare just the right amount or store any leftovers in the fridge.

Reheating

Since this custard is served chilled, there’s no need to reheat it. For the perfect caramelized topping, sprinkle sugar on top and use a kitchen torch right before serving to get that classic crackly crust.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla pod or paste?

Yes, you can substitute with vanilla extract in a pinch, but using a vanilla pod or bean paste gives a richer, more authentic vanilla flavor that really makes this recipe special.

What if I don’t have ramekins? Can I use another dish?

While ramekins are ideal, you can use any oven-safe dishes, but the custard’s thickness and cooking time might vary. Just make sure the water bath allows even heating around each dish.

Why did my custard curdle or crack?

This usually happens if the oven temperature is too high or if you bake the custard too long. Using a water bath and baking at a low temperature helps prevent this problem and keeps it smooth and creamy.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This traditional recipe relies on heavy cream and egg yolks for texture and richness, so vegan or dairy-free versions require special substitutions like coconut cream and plant-based custard thickeners, which change the flavor and consistency.

How do I achieve the perfect caramelized sugar crust?

Sprinkle a thin, even layer of caster sugar over the chilled custard and caramelize using a kitchen torch for the best control and even browning. An under-the-broiler approach is riskier and can heat the custard too much.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Crème Brûlée (French Vanilla Custard) Recipe. There’s something incredibly satisfying about cracking through that caramelized sugar to find the smooth, velvety custard beneath. With just a handful of simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a dessert that feels truly special—perfect for treating yourself or impressing your loved ones. Give it a go and let the creamy, dreamy flavors sweep you away!

Print