Prep time
5 mins
Total time
Serves
Level
Easy
A beginners authentic French Crème Brulée recipe with only 4 ingredients. Here’s your classic creamy dessert that is simple, homemade and irresistible. Anyone can do this!
About the recipe
CRACK! I remember diving into that glass-like caramel candy topping and tasting that dreamy vanilla custard, it was my first French crème brûlée at a restaurant in France. It was 2008 and I was visiting my future husband, so I have to admit, the emotions were high, both for my soon-to be Frenchie and this authentic crème brûlée. Since then, spoiled me, hasn’t known anything but the best, so my standards are high.
Ok, even though I’m a little snobby on crème brûlée recipe standards, it’s actually of benefit to you because I present the easiest classic French crème brûlée recipe to make in your own home! This homemade custard treat is restaurant-quality and a famous authentic French dessert recipe that you can’t miss! Just pretend that you have your own French kitchen at home, imagine it!
Crème brûlée in French literally means “burnt cream” which is a classic dessert made of egg yolks, sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. The key exciting feature is the burnt top, which is created by literally burning the sugar topping with a torch. Think about candy (bon bons) on top of a rich, creamy French custard dessert. The crème brûlée’s hard caramel crust cracks with a spoon. To die for!
Let’s put aside everyone’s horrible French imitation accents for a moment. The way you say crème brûlée is “krem broo-lay”. Make that “r” sound a bit “spitty” and be light on the “y” at the end. You got it! I give you permission to laugh at yourself!
This classic crème brûlée recipe is SO for beginners. Why? Because making this restaurant-style custard vanilla dessert is actually really easy! Most recipes call for vanilla bean pods, to which extra steps go along with it, but this authentic French recipe uses vanilla extract, to which I know we all have at home! Oh yeah, and it’s just 4 simple ingredients, so it’s fool-proof, and it’s the perfect crème brûlée recipe for beginners. Can’t beat that!
The answer is yes! But, the real question is, who wouldn’t want a blow torch?! It makes you feel like a French crème brûlée dessert queen (or king!). You can go three routes for this homemade crème brûlée recipe.
1. Get a blow torch: If you make this classic French vanilla custard dessert once, trust me, you’ll make it again and get your money’s worth! Plus, this version will give you the most little bubbles and pretty lacy look with that irrestistible candy caramel topping
2. A cigarette lighter: This will take longer to burn the sugar on top but it will work.
3. The kitchen broiler: Heat that broiler up nice at hot, put the French crème brûlée directly under the broiler and babysit it like a thief will come and take it any minute! Five seconds too long under the broiler will result in charcoaled French crème brûlée. (Don’t cry!) This method works but there is a lot less wiggle room for good results.
C’mon who can resist a classic vanilla French crème brûlée? No one, that’s simple. This classic custard dessert is a sign of elegance and sophistication that is known worldwide. Once you learn to make this authentic French crème brulee recipe, there is no turning back. Your family, friends, and neighbors will want you to make it again!
Other Easy French dessert recipes like it
Love those creamy classic French desserts? Try these and you’ll be swooning too!
The Perfect French Meal Combo
Because French crème brûlée is a heavy creamy dessert I usually like to pair it with a lighter meals or sides. Here are some simple French recipes that crème brûlée pairs with:
French Crème Brûlée
A beginners authentic French Crème Brulée recipe with only 4 ingredients. Here’s your classic creamy dessert that is simple, homemade and irresistible.
- Total Time: 5-6 hours (including resting time)
- Yield: 4-6 people depending on the size of the ramekin dish 1x
Ingredients
1/3 cup (75 grams) white sugar
550 mL of heavy whipping cream, or 30% fat cream (crème entière)
6 egg yolks
¾ teaspoons of vanilla extract (¾ cuillère à café)
some extra sugar to powder the top.
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C)
2. Whisk the eggs yolks, sugar, and vanilla extra together.
3. Add the cream and whisk again.
4. Recommended – transfer the mixture to pour spout (possible measuring cup) to insure easy pouring.
5. Place the ramekins in a baking tray.
6. Add the mixture into the ramekins just about to the top of each ramekin.
7. Place the tray in the oven when the correct temperature is reached.
8. Add water to the tray so that the water surrounds the ramekins until the water reaches a height of about 1/3 – 1/2 the way up the ramekin dish. This helps the crème brûlée to cook evenly and to not dry out.
9. Cook for about 1 hour to 1 1/4 hour depending on the type of oven the temperature times will vary. The crème brûlée is cooked when only the center wiggles a bit.
10. Remove the ramekins from the oven and let the crème brûlée cool.
11. Place the crème brûlée in the refrigerator and cover the top with seran wrap or aluminum foil.
12. Cover the tops of the crème brûlée will sugar. Shake the sugar to all sides of the ramekin to be sure the crème brûlée is completely covered with a thin layer of sugar.
13. Just before serving, caramelize evenly the crème brûlée with a torch by slowly moving around the crème brûlée in a circular motion. Don’t forget the rim of the crème brûlée. To be sure not to burn the crème brûlée go slowly.
14. Et voilà! You just made your first authentic homemade French crème brûlée with just 4 simple ingredients! Dive in, or “crack” in and enjoy this creamy world famous French dessert!
Notes
-
For those who are patient (I know it’s difficult!), it’s best to prepare the crème brûlée in the evening so that it is ready for the next day. This way the crème brûlée will be able to settle better, plus I feel the taste is even more delicious when we wait!
- Cut the fat: If you’re looking for a little less fat, substitute the heavy cream in for coffee creamer or whole milk. It will have about 2/3 less fat. The crème brûlée will be less creamier and less of a thick custard, but it will still be an irresistible French dessert!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten-Free
