Crème brûlée cake

Crème Brûlée Cake – A Luxurious Tasting Delicacy

Of course, a cake that combines the creamy texture of crème brûlée with a fluffy base is a true pleasure for the senses. This recipe will not only impress but will also become the star of holiday evenings or gatherings with friends. Get ready to discover the secret of a sophisticated and delicious dessert!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 4 hours and 20 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 10-12

Necessary Ingredients

For the crème brûlée cream:
- 8 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 600 ml liquid cream
- 200 ml milk
- 2 vanilla pods

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour

For caramelizing:
- 8 tablespoons sugar

For decoration (optional, but recommended for an elegant look):
- 100 g mascarpone cheese
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
- 100 g liquid cream
- 30 g butter
- Dark chocolate (for grating)
- Strawberries (for decoration)

A Brief History

Crème brûlée, a classic dessert, is often associated with the refinement and elegance of cuisine. This creamy delight is loved worldwide, being served in both luxury restaurants and at home. Its roots are said to be found in ancient culinary traditions, where the combination of eggs, cream, and sugar was used to create rich and creamy desserts.

Preparing the Cream

1. Mix the egg yolks: In a large bowl, add the 8 egg yolks and 100 g sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to blend until it becomes a smooth paste and light yellow in color.

2. Add cream and milk: In a saucepan, heat 600 ml of liquid cream and 200 ml of milk. Add the split vanilla pods to extract the flavor. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat and gradually add it to the egg yolk mixture. Stir constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

3. Caramelize the sugar: In a tall saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of sugar over low heat. Gently swirl the saucepan in circles to ensure even melting. Once the sugar turns golden, let it cool slightly to harden on the sides of the saucepan.

4. Add the cream: Pour the egg and cream mixture into the caramelized saucepan. Ensure that the melted sugar is evenly distributed at the bottom of the pan.

5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the saucepan in a deep tray filled with hot water to create a bain-marie. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cream is set but slightly wobbly in the center.

Preparing the Base

6. Separate the eggs: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base.

7. Mix the yolks: In another bowl, mix the 6 egg yolks with 6 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture is light in color.

8. Combine the two mixtures: Using a spatula, gradually fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate them. Then add the 6 tablespoons of flour, mixing with circular motions.

9. Finalize: Pour the base mixture over the crème brûlée cream, being careful not to mix the two layers.

10. Bake: Continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the base is golden and firm.

Cooling and Serving

11. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set.

12. Decorate: If you wish to add extra flavor, mix the mascarpone cheese with the strawberry jam and liquid cream until smooth. Spread this mixture over the cooled cake.

13. Final touches: Grate dark chocolate on top and decorate with fresh strawberries for an exquisite appearance.

Practical Tips

- For a more intense vanilla flavor, you can use high-quality vanilla extract instead of vanilla pods.
- For a texture contrast, you can add toasted nuts or almonds to the mascarpone cream.
- I recommend serving the cake with a sweet wine or an espresso to balance the dessert's sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What can I use instead of liquid cream? You can use heavy cream, but ensure it has a high-fat content for a creamy texture.
- How can I tell when the cream is done? Once the edges are firm and the center wobbles slightly, it is a sign that it is baked.
- Can I make this cake a few days in advance? Yes, the cake keeps very well in the refrigerator and even becomes more flavorful as the flavors meld.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of crème brûlée cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, but this can vary depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein and calcium due to the eggs and milk, but consumption should be moderate due to the high sugar and fat content.

Possible Variations

- Add flavors: You can experiment with flavors like orange or coffee by adding citrus zest or ground coffee to the cream mixture.
- Caramel cake: Replace the caramelized sugar with a caramel sauce for added flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The crème brûlée cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will leave everyone who tastes it with a smile. Happy cooking!