Burnt sugar cream

Crème brûlée – a classic, elegant, and delicious dessert

Who doesn't love a dessert with a smooth texture and an inviting taste that brings a smile to your face? Crème brûlée is exactly that type of dessert. With a long history, this sweet treat has been enjoyed by generations, bringing unforgettable childhood memories. Whether served on a quiet evening at home or at a festive table with friends, crème brûlée always impresses with its simplicity and refinement.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 liter of milk
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon (preferably organic to avoid pesticides)

Step 1: Preparing the milk

Start by bringing the milk to a boil in a large saucepan. Make sure to use high-quality milk, preferably whole, which will add a rich and creamy flavor to your dessert. Meanwhile, you can take care of caramelizing the sugar, a step that will turn your dessert into a masterpiece.

Step 2: Caramelizing the sugar

In another saucepan, add 5 tablespoons of sugar and place it over medium heat. Be careful not to stir the sugar, but let it melt gradually. When the sugar turns golden and has a liquid consistency, use a wooden spoon to spread it evenly on the sides of the saucepan. This trick will ensure that every bite has that unmistakable caramel flavor. Once caramelized, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Preparing the egg mixture

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the remaining sugar (7 tablespoons) until frothy and airy. Adding the vanilla sugar will enhance the dessert's aroma, so don't forget it! Then, gradually add the warm milk (make sure it's not hot to avoid cooking the eggs) and the lemon zest. Mix well until everything is homogeneous.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients

Once the egg mixture is homogeneous, carefully pour it into the saucepan with the caramelized sugar. Be careful not to spill the caramel on the sides, as you want it to remain even and form a delicious crust.

Step 5: Baking

Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the saucepan in a larger tray, filling the tray with hot water halfway up the saucepan (this is called a 'bain-marie' and helps the cream bake evenly). Bake the crème for 40-50 minutes or until firm, and the top forms a nicely browned crust. Test with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, your dessert is ready!

Step 6: Cooling

When the crème is baked, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This cooling will help firm up the texture and enhance the flavors.

Serving and suggestions

When ready to serve, you can decorate it with a bit of whipped cream or slices of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries for a delicious contrast. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce on top to further enhance the flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I enhance the flavor of the crème brûlée?
You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even orange essence to the egg mixture.

2. What should I do if the crème hasn’t set?
Make sure you baked it long enough and that the oven temperature was correct. Additionally, it might help to bake it a bit longer in the bain-marie.

3. Can I use sugar alternatives?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or artificial sweeteners, but the taste and texture may change.

Nutritional benefits

This crème brûlée recipe is rich in protein due to the eggs and provides calcium from the milk. It is a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

Creative variations

If you want to bring a touch of innovation, you can try adding melted chocolate to the egg mixture or using coconut milk for a vegan version. You can also replace the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Perfect pairings

Crème brûlée pairs wonderfully with a black espresso or a sweet wine, which can amplify the dessert's flavors. Also, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside will add a contrast of temperature and texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy preparing this classic delicacy, which is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones!