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5-Ingredient Classic Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

Classic Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée: The True 5-Ingredient Recipe

  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: ~55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

At its core, crème brûlée literally translates from French to “burnt cream.” It is a baked custard dessert consisting of a rich, egg yolk and cream base that is baked until just set. What truly sets it apart—and gives it its name—is the distinctive preparation after it’s chilled. A layer of sugar is sprinkled over the cold custard and then rapidly caramelized using a culinary torch or a hot broiler, forming a hard, brittle, and deeply flavored glass-like shell.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 vanilla bean

  • 5 large egg yolks

  • ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the cream

    • Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.

    • In a saucepan, combine cream, vanilla seeds, and the pod.

    • Heat over medium until just steaming (do not boil).

    • Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Remove pod.

  2. Prepare the custard base

    • In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and smooth.

    • Slowly whisk the warm cream into the yolks (a little at a time) to avoid scrambling.

  3. Bake

    • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

    • Place ramekins in a baking dish and divide custard evenly among them.

    • Pour hot water into the dish halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

    • Bake 35–40 minutes, until edges are set and centers jiggle slightly.

  4. Chill

    • Remove ramekins from the water bath.

    • Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight).

  5. Brûlée the sugar

    • Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar on top.

    • Torch until caramelized and glassy (or broil briefly, watching closely).

    • Let sit 1–2 minutes to harden.

Notes

For best results, use real vanilla bean for the richest flavor, but high-quality vanilla paste works beautifully too. Crème brûlée can be made a day ahead—just torch the sugar topping right before serving to keep that signature crackly crust. For a subtle twist, try infusing the cream with a strip of orange zest or a pinch of espresso powder.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ramekin (~150 g)
  • Calories: ~320 kcal

Keywords: 5-ingredient crème brûlée, true crème brûlée recipe, French vanilla custard, classic vanilla custard, crème brûlée without starch

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Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/classic-vanilla-bean-creme-brulee-the-true-5-ingredient-recipe/