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✨ Easy Vanilla Crème Brûlée

A fancy dessert that’s simpler than it looks

This Vanilla Crème Brûlée is a rich and creamy dessert with a crunchy sugar top that cracks when you tap it with a spoon. It might sound fancy and complicated, but it’s actually super easy to make at home—even if you’re new to baking!

With only 4 simple ingredients and some basic steps, you can make a restaurant-quality treat in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for a date night, dinner party, or when you just want to treat yourself.

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar (for the custard)
• 1/4 cup sugar (for the topping)
• 1 kettle of hot water (for the water bath)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Preheat Oven

• Set oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Boil some water in a kettle—you’ll use it later.

2. Warm the Cream

• In a small pot, heat the cream and vanilla on the stove until it starts to gently simmer. Don’t boil it. Turn off the heat.

3. Mix the Egg Yolks & Sugar

• In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 1/3 cup sugar for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is light and creamy.

4. Temper the Eggs

• Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture a little at a time, while whisking constantly. This helps warm the eggs without cooking them.

5. Bake in a Water Bath

• Pour the custard into 4 ramekins (small oven-safe dishes).
• Place them in a baking dish or deep pan.
• Pour the hot water into the pan so it comes about 3/4 of the way up the ramekins.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still a little jiggly.

6. Cool and Chill

• Carefully remove the ramekins from the water and let them cool.
• Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

7. Caramelize the Sugar

• Right before serving, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of sugar on top of each custard.
• Use a kitchen torch to melt and brown the sugar until it turns golden and forms a hard crust.
• Don’t have a torch? Use your oven’s broiler—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
• Optional: Add berries or mint on top for a pretty finish.

🍮 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 4 ingredients
• Make-ahead friendly
• Smooth, creamy inside + crunchy sugar top
• Looks fancy, but anyone can make it!

🔥 What’s a Water Bath (and Why It Matters)?

A water bath (also called a bain-marie) is when you bake the ramekins in a pan filled with hot water. This keeps the heat gentle and even, so your custard doesn’t curdle or crack. It helps give you that smooth, silky texture every time.

💡 Pro Tips

• Use real vanilla for the best flavor.
• Whisk slowly when adding cream to eggs to avoid scrambled eggs.
• Don’t skip the chilling time—it helps the custard set.
• Sprinkle sugar right before torching so it stays dry.

🧠 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 613
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 51g
• Carbs: 34g
• Sugar: 30g

🍷 What to Serve It With

• A few fresh berries
• A sprig of mint
• A glass of dessert wine like Sauternes or Moscato
• Or just enjoy it on its own!

🎉 Final Thoughts

Vanilla Crème Brûlée might seem like a fancy restaurant dessert, but it’s totally doable at home. With just a few basic ingredients and a little care, you’ll end up with a creamy, dreamy treat topped with that signature caramel crunch.

Make it ahead, chill it, and torch it just before serving—it’s that simple! Whether it’s for a special dinner or just a treat-yourself kind of night, this dessert never fails to impress.