As anyone who’s tasted this heavenly dessert can attest, crème brûlée is a true indulgence, one that transports the taste buds to a realm of creamy, custardy bliss. And as it turns out, making this classic French treat is surprisingly simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a willingness to exercise some patience and finesse.
To start, you’ll need:
– 1 quart heavy cream
– 6 egg yolks
– ¾ cup sugar, divided
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Extra sugar for caramelization
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. While it’s warming up, heat the cream in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, ½ cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine. Be careful not to add the cream too quickly, as it can cause the eggs to curdle.
Once the cream and egg mixture are fully combined, divide it evenly among six ramekins or custard cups. Place the cups in a large baking dish and fill the dish with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the cups. This creates a makeshift water bath, which helps to prevent the custards from cracking and ensures an even, silky texture.
Carefully transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custards are set but still jiggle slightly in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least two hours (or up to two days) to allow the custards to fully set.
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top of each custard, using your fingers or a sugar shaker. Using a kitchen torch or broiler on high, caramelize the sugar until it’s golden brown and bubbling, with a satisfying crunch when you break through the surface.
And there you have it—the crème brûlée from the fabulous world of Amélie, ready to delight your senses with its rich, velvety texture and delicate sweetness. As you savor each spoonful, you might just find yourself transported to a Parisian café, where the simple pleasures of life are savored with childlike wonder and delight. Bon appétit!