Perfect Crème Brulee
How To Make Crème Brulee - Crème Brulee Recipes

Ingredients:

6 egg yolks, chilled
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups whipping cream, chilled
4 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

Preparation:

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. If cooking custards in a metal pan, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of newspaper to ensure an even temperature on the bottom.

In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Add sugar and mix until dissolved; mix in cream, 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.

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.

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, but 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 a digital instant-read thermometer, inserted in the centers, it should register 170 to 175 degrees F. Begin checking temperature about 5 minutes before recommended time.

This is the type of cooking and meat thermometer that I prefer and use in my cooking. I get many readers asking what cooking/meat thermometer that I prefer and use in my cooking and baking. I, personally, use the Thermapen Thermometer shown in the photo on the right. Originally designed for professional users, the Super-Fast Thermapen Thermometer is used by chefs all over the world. To learn more about this excellent thermometer and to also purchase one (if you desire), just click on the underlined: Thermapen Thermometer.

Remove from oven and leave 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.

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 crème brulee (tilt and tap ramekins for even coverage). For best results, use a small hand held propane 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.

If you don't have a torch, place crème brulees 6 inches below the broiler for 4 to 6 minutes or until sugar bubbles and turns golden brown.

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

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

 

Additional Creme Brulee Recipes:

Creme Brulee - How To Make Perfect Creme Brulee
Very few desserts are more delicious to eat and to look at. Translated from the French, this popular dessert means "burnt cream," referring to the caramelized finish. A classic finale to a meal, creme brulee can be served slightly warm or chilled. This is one of my favorite desserts to serve at my dinner parties.

Chocolate Creme Brulee
I adapted this recipe from a recipe by Karen Krasne, creator of Extraordinary Desserts in San Diego, California. This very elegant dessert is sure to cure your "chocolate craving."

Ginger Creme Brulee
Very few desserts are more delicious to eat and to look at as creme brulee!


 

Kona Coffee Crème Brulee
These desserts are perfect for company - just bake them ahead and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve!

Lavender Creme Brulee
If you love lavender and love creme brulee, this dessert will instantly WOW you! I've served this wonderful creme brulee at many dinner parties.

Raspberry Creme Brulee
Fresh raspberries in a delicious creme brulee! What could be better?