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Dessert

Classic Homemade Crème Brûlée

A rich and silky custard topped with a satisfyingly crunchy layer of burnt sugar.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 French· July 20, 2026
Classic Homemade Crème Brûlée
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
40 minutes
Total
5 hours
Serves
4

Crème brûlée is one of those fancy desserts that people think is impossible to make at home. It is actually quite simple if you follow a few basic steps, and you only need a handful of pantry staples to get that perfect result.

My top tip is to be patient while tempering your eggs. Adding the hot cream slowly prevents the eggs from scrambling, which ensures your custard stays smooth and velvety.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for the topping
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    Heat the heavy cream and vanilla bean in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and salt until the mixture is pale and thick.

  4. 4

    Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

  5. 5

    Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps.

  6. 6

    Pour the custard into individual ramekins and place them in a large baking dish.

  7. 7

    Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

  8. 8

    Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly.

  9. 9

    Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

  10. 10

    Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top of each custard and caramelize it with a kitchen torch.

💡 Tips

Store the cooled custards in the refrigerator for up to three days before adding the sugar top. For the best texture, always serve the dessert shortly after you torch the sugar so the caramel stays crisp.

#Dessert#French#Gluten Free#Vegetarian#Easy Dessert

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