This Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee is a classic dessert that’s delicious, easy to make, and perfect for literally any occasion! It has a rich, creamy custard, offset by a layer of hard caramelized sugar that's a delight to crack into. It’s the perfect combination of flavors - the silky custard, the aromatic vanilla bean paste, and that satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar on top!
Vanilla bean creme brulee is a classic French dessert that's absolutely perfect for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself. It’s a surprisingly easy recipe to make at home with just a few ingredients - egg yolks, organic sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla bean paste, and a bit of cane sugar for caramelizing. Plus, who can resist the joy of torching the sugar top to get that perfect caramelized finish?
What's special about this recipe is that it uses vanilla bean paste, which gives a more concentrated vanilla flavor compared to vanilla extract. Also, the recipe gives clear step-by-step instructions to guarantee that you get the creamiest custard and the crispiest sugar layer. Trust me, once you've tried making this recipe at home, you'll never want to order it at a restaurant again!
Want to learn how to make this vanilla bean creme brulee recipe? Then keep on reading.
Table of Contents
- What is Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee?
- What Makes This Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Recipe Special?
- What You Need to Make Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee at Home
- How to Make Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee (Step-by-Step)
- Tips for Making the Best Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Ever
- Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee
- Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe Card
- Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee (Classic Flavors + Easy to Make!)
- Comments
What is Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee?
Vanilla bean creme brulee is a classic French dessert that is loved worldwide for its creamy texture and caramelized sugar crust. It is a custard-based dessert made with simple ingredients like heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and of course, vanilla beans.
This recipe, however, uses vanilla bean paste which enhances the flavor even more, giving you a decadent dessert that's rich in vanilla taste.
Making vanilla bean creme brulee at home is a great idea for those who love to indulge in a luxurious dessert. It’s a dish that not only looks impressive but also tastes incredible.
The sweet, creamy custard combined with the slightly bitter caramelized sugar creates a balance of flavors that is simply irresistible. So, why not try making it yourself? You'll be surprised at how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality dessert right in your own kitchen.
What Makes This Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Recipe Special?
- Easy to make: This vanilla bean crème brûlée recipe involves straightforward steps that are simple to follow. The ingredients are basic and easy to find, making it a piece of cake to put together.
- Quick: Despite its exquisite taste, this recipe doesn't take a lot of time to prepare. The actual hands-on time is minimal, with the oven doing most of the work.
- Family favorite: With its creamy texture and rich vanilla flavor, this crème brûlée is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a delicious and classy dessert that your family will request time and again.
- Versatile: This recipe is versatile and you can easily substitute the vanilla bean paste with other flavors like almond or orange zest for a twist on the classic.
- Delicious: The combination of the velvety custard and the crunchy caramelized sugar top makes this dessert incredibly delicious. Each spoonful is a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
- Crowd pleaser: This vanilla bean crème brûlée is a showstopper! It is the perfect dessert to serve at dinner parties or family gatherings, as it is sure to impress your guests.
What You Need to Make Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee at Home
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this vanilla bean creme brulee recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Egg yolks: These are a key ingredient in any creme brulee recipe. They give the dessert its rich, creamy texture and enhance the flavor. Be sure to use large eggs for the best results.
- Organic sugar: Aside from sweetening the dessert, sugar also plays a key role in creating the signature caramelized top of creme brulee. Organic sugar is less processed and adds a subtle hint of molasses flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream: This is what gives creme brulee its silky smooth texture. A cream with a high fat content, like heavy whipping cream, is best as it won't curdle under the high heat.
- Vanilla bean paste: The star flavor of this dessert. Vanilla bean paste is a great alternative to whole vanilla beans. It gives the creme brulee a deep, rich vanilla flavor and you'll see tiny specks of vanilla beans throughout the dessert.
- Organic sugar or cane for caramelizing: This is used to create the hard caramelized top that creme brulee is famous for. Organic sugar or cane sugar works best as it caramelizes evenly and gives a beautiful golden color.
How to Make Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible vanilla bean creme brulee is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
Preparing the Vanilla Bean Custard
The first step is to preheat your oven to a temperature of 325 F. Meanwhile, fill a tea kettle with approximately 1.8 L of water and bring it to a boil.
Next, take a medium-sized saucepan and pour in some heavy whipping cream. Gradually heat the cream to the boiling point. It is crucial to stir continuously to prevent the cream from scorching.
Once you see it bubbling, remove the saucepan from the heat. At this point, stir in the vanilla bean paste to infuse the cream with a rich vanilla flavor.
Now, beat egg yolks and sugar using a hand whisker in a medium bowl until they become pale in color. This process usually takes a couple of minutes. The next step is to slowly pour the hot heavy whipping cream into the whipped egg mixture while whisking continuously.
This step is extremely important to prevent the egg yolks from cooking due to the heat of the cream. The slower you pour in the cream, the less likely the egg yolks are to get cooked. If you notice a thin layer of foam on top of the mixture, you can easily skim it off using a spoon.
Strain the mixture through a fine strainer to guarantee a smooth consistency. Next, distribute the mixture evenly between six, 4 oz. ramekins or baking glass cups. I personally prefer using baking glass cups as it allows you to see the beautiful vanilla cream.
Place the filled ramekins or baking cups into a deep and large baking pan. To create a water bath, fill the baking pan with the boiled water from the kettle, about halfway up the sides of the ramekins or baking cups.
Baking and Chilling the Custard
Now, it is time to bake! Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes at 325 F. You'll know it is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
Next, carefully remove the ramekins or baking cups from the baking or roasting pan using pot holders. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cover each ramekin or cup with plastic food wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or even better, overnight.
Caramelizing the Custard Tops
For the final touch, you'll need to caramelize the custard tops. Sprinkle heaping teaspoons of organic or cane sugar evenly on top of each custard.
Then, use a small kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar. Make sure to let the caramelized sugar harden and cool completely before serving.
Top with strawberries right before serving (due to the fruit will liquefy the caramelized sugar).
Now, your vanilla bean crème brûlée is ready to enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Ever
Preheat the oven: Make sure you preheat your oven to the right temperature (325 F) before starting. This will guarantee that your creme brulee cooks evenly and achieves the perfect consistency.
Stir constantly: When heating your heavy whipping cream, remember to stir it constantly. This prevents the cream from burning and maintains a smooth texture in your creme brulee.
Slowly pour the cream: This is crucial - pour the hot heavy whipping cream into the egg yolks slowly while whisking. This prevents the eggs from cooking and guarantees a creamy consistency.
Use a strainer: For a silky, smooth creme brulee, strain the mixture through a fine strainer before pouring it into your ramekins. This removes any lumps or bits of egg that could affect the texture.
Water bath technique: Place your filled ramekins in a ceramic baking dish and fill it with water halfway up the sides. This technique, known as a bain-marie, helps to evenly distribute the heat and prevents the custard from curdling or cracking.
Chill the custard: Once your creme brulee is cooked and cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight. This allows the custard to set properly and enhances its flavor.
Caramelize correctly: Use a small kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar on top of each custard. Let the caramelized sugar harden and cool completely before serving for the perfect, crunchy topping.
Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee
- For a truly delightful dessert, serve your vanilla bean creme brulee with a side of fresh, seasonal berries. The tartness of the berries will balance out the sweetness of the creme brulee, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
- For a cozy, comforting treat, enjoy your vanilla bean creme brulee with a steaming cup of strong, black coffee. The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the dessert, making for a delightful contrast.
- Add an extra touch of sweetness by serving your vanilla bean creme brulee with a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a dreamy creaminess to each bite.
- If you're a chocolate lover, consider drizzling a bit of dark chocolate sauce over your vanilla bean creme brulee. The rich, deep flavor of the chocolate will add a whole new dimension to this classic dessert.
- For a fun and festive twist, serve your vanilla bean creme brulee with a sprinkling of colorful edible flowers. Not only will this make your dessert look stunning, but it will also add a subtle floral note that pairs wonderfully with the vanilla.
- Vanilla bean creme brulee also makes a great dessert for a picnic or outdoor gathering. Simply pack them carefully in a cooler and serve them chilled. The refreshing coolness of the creme brulee will be a welcome treat on a warm, sunny day.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee
This delicious vanilla bean creme brulee recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Add a citrus twist: If you're a fan of a citrusy zing, this variation is for you. Simply add the grated zest of one lemon to the cream while it is heating. The lemon zest will infuse the cream with a fresh, bright flavor, adding a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy custard.
Make it chocolatey: For chocolate lovers, this variation is a must-try. Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder to the sugar and egg yolk mixture. The cocoa powder will transform the classic creme brulee into a delicious chocolate delight.
Add a touch of fruit: For a fruity variation, add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries at the bottom of each ramekin before pouring in the custard. The fruit will add a juicy, tart contrast to the sweet, creamy custard.
Try adding nuts: Try adding a teaspoon of almond or hazelnut extract to the cream for a nutty twist. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the vanilla, creating a sophisticated variation on the classic creme brulee.
Spice it up: For a warming, autumnal variation, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the egg yolk and sugar mixture. These spices will give the creme brulee a comforting, festive flavor.
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Recipe Card
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee (Classic Flavors + Easy to Make!)
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee
- 6 large - egg yolks
- ¾ cup - organic sugar
- 3 cups - heavy whipping cream (40% consistency)
- 1 teaspoon – vanilla bean paste
- ¼ cup - organic sugar or cane (for caramelizing)
- Strawberries for topping
Instructions
Preparing the Vanilla Bean Custard
- The first step is to preheat your oven to a temperature of 325 F. Meanwhile, fill a tea kettle with approximately 1.8 L of water and bring it to a boil.
- Next, take a medium-sized saucepan and pour in some heavy whipping cream. Gradually heat the cream to the boiling point. It is crucial to stir continuously to prevent the cream from scorching.
- Once you see it bubbling, remove the saucepan from the heat. At this point, stir in the vanilla bean paste to infuse the cream with a rich vanilla flavor.
- Now, beat egg yolks and sugar using a hand whisker in a medium bowl until they become pale in color. This process usually takes a couple of minutes. The next step is to slowly pour the hot heavy whipping cream into the whipped egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- This step is extremely important to prevent the egg yolks from cooking due to the heat of the cream. The slower you pour in the cream, the less likely the egg yolks are to get cooked. If you notice a thin layer of foam on top of the mixture, you can easily skim it off using a spoon.
- Strain the mixture through a fine strainer to guarantee a smooth consistency. Next, distribute the mixture evenly between six, 4 oz. ramekins or baking glass cups. I personally prefer using baking glass cups as it allows you to see the beautiful vanilla cream.
- Place the filled ramekins or baking cups into a deep and large baking pan. To create a water bath, fill the baking pan with the boiled water from the kettle, about halfway up the sides of the ramekins or baking cups.
Baking and Chilling the Custard
- Now, it is time to bake! Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes at 325 F. You'll know it is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Next, carefully remove the ramekins or baking cups from the baking or roasting pan using pot holders. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cover each ramekin or cup with plastic food wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or even better, overnight.
Caramelizing the Custard Tops
- For the final touch, you'll need to caramelize the custard tops. Sprinkle heaping teaspoons of organic or cane sugar evenly on top of each custard.
- Then, use a small kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar. Make sure to let the caramelized sugar harden and cool completely before serving.
- Top with strawberries right before serving (due to the fruit will liquefy the caramelized sugar).
- Now, your vanilla bean crème brûlée is ready to enjoy!
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