Burnt sugar cream

Crème brûlée is a classic dessert, beloved for its sweetness and flavor, that has brought joy to the tables of many generations. It is a simple and versatile recipe, perfect for making the most of fresh eggs. This version of crème brûlée is rich and velvety, with a fine texture that melts in your mouth. Let's discover together how to prepare this delight!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 80 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

- 10 large eggs
- 1 liter of whole milk
- 1 packet of Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 10 tablespoons of granulated sugar (plus 5 tablespoons for caramelizing)

A bit of history

Crème brûlée, also known as "crème caramel" in some parts of the world, is a recipe that has been cherished over time for its simplicity and exquisite taste. While its basic recipe has remained constant, each family adds a personal touch, whether it’s the type of sugar used, the extracts added, or the presentation style. Its preparation usually involves the art of caramelization, which gives it a unique charm and a delicious contrast between the creamy texture of the custard and the crunchy caramel crust.

Preparing crème brûlée

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform mixture. The eggs should be fresh, and whole milk is ideal for greater creaminess.

Step 2: Caramelizing the sugar
In a small saucepan, place the 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar and heat over medium without stirring until it turns into a golden caramel. This is a crucial step, so be careful not to let it burn, as it will turn bitter. Once the sugar is caramelized, quickly pour it into a baking dish, swirling the dish to evenly coat the bottom. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Preparing the mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the 10 eggs with a whisk, adding the 10 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Add the milk, vanilla extract, vanilla sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well with the whisk, ensuring no lumps of cornstarch remain.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the caramelized sugar in the baking dish. It’s important to do this slowly to avoid mixing the caramel with the custard.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the baking dish in a larger tray and add hot water to the tray until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish (this is called a "bain-marie"). Bake for about 80 minutes or until the custard is firm but still slightly wobbly in the center.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
Once the custard is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. When you’re ready to serve, run a knife along the edges of the dish to loosen the custard. Then, carefully invert the custard onto a serving platter so that the caramel is on top.

Chef's tip

If you want to add a personal twist to the recipe, try enhancing the custard with additional flavors, such as cinnamon or lemon zest. You can also experiment with different types of sugar for caramelizing, such as coconut sugar, which will add an exotic touch.

Ideal pairings

Crème brûlée pairs wonderfully with a strong coffee or espresso, as well as with a fragrant herbal tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream alongside this dessert creates a perfect combination, bringing a pleasant contrast between the warm custard and the cold ice cream.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use skim milk?
Whole milk is preferred for a creamier texture. However, you can use skim milk, but the custard will be less rich.

2. Can I replace the eggs?
For a vegan version, you can use a mixture of banana puree or silken tofu, but the texture and taste will be different.

3. What should I do if the custard hasn’t set?
If the custard hasn’t set after baking, you may need to bake it a little longer, but be careful not to dry it out.

Nutritional values

This crème brûlée recipe contains approximately 220 calories per serving. It is a good source of protein due to the eggs and also has some healthy fats from the milk. However, considering the sugar content, it is recommended to enjoy it in moderation.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Every spoonful of this crème brûlée will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!