Classic Homemade Crème Brûlée

Name: Classic Homemade Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 5 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for the topping; A pinch of salt

A silky smooth custard topped with a crunchy layer of caramelized sugar that tastes just like a fancy restaurant dessert.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 French· August 3, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

35 minutes

Total

5 hours

Serves

Making this fancy dessert at home is honestly much easier than most people think. You only need a few simple pantry staples to get that perfect creamy texture that everyone loves.

My biggest tip for success is to be patient while the custard sets in the fridge. Letting it chill properly makes all the difference when you go to torch that sugar crust right before serving.

🧺 Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for the topping
A pinch of salt

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Heat the cream and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt together until the mixture is pale and smooth.
4
Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
5
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to ensure it is perfectly smooth.
6
Place four ramekins into a large baking dish and divide the custard evenly between them.
7
Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
8
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly.
9
Remove the ramekins from the water bath, let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least four hours.
10
Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over each custard and melt it with a kitchen torch until golden brown and bubbly.

💡 Tips

Store any leftover un torched custards in the fridge for up to three days covered in plastic wrap. Only add the caramelized sugar crust right before you plan to eat, because it will soften if it sits in the refrigerator for too long.

#dessert #french #vegetarian #gluten free

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