Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step by Step Instructions:
Step 01: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Step 02: Heat the Cream
- In a saucepan, warm the heavy cream.
- Heat it until it almost simmers, then remove it from the heat.
Step 03: Mix the Egg Yolks and Sugar
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar.
- Mix until smooth and pale.
Step 04: Combine Cream and Egg Mixture
- Gradually add warm cream to the egg mixture.
- Whisk constantly as you pour.
- If using vanilla bean, add seeds and pod now.
- If using vanilla extract, add it here.
Step 05: Strain the Mixture
- Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve.
- This removes lumps and creates a smooth custard.
Step 06: Prepare the Ramekins
- Place your Emile Henry dishes in a baking dish.
- Carefully fill each dish with custard, leaving space at the top.
Step 07: Create a Water Bath
- Pour hot water into the baking dish.
- Fill it until the water reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Step 08: Bake
- Carefully place the baking dish in the oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- The custards should be set but still jiggle slightly in the center.
Step 09: Cool and Chill
- Remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Let the ramekins cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 10: Caramelize the Sugar
- Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top of each custard.
- Use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar until golden and crispy.
- If you don’t have a torch, broil the ramekins for a minute or two.
- Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the sugar cool for a minute.
- Serve your Emile Henry Creme Brulee immediately.
- Enjoy the satisfying crack of the topping as you dig into the creamy custard!
Servings and Preparation Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours or overnight
- Total Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Serves: This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on the size of your ramekins. You can easily double the recipe if you’re serving a larger group!
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make your Emile Henry Creme Brulee turn out perfectly:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cream and real vanilla beans if possible. This will enhance the flavor of your dessert.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your cream is heated just enough to dissolve the sugar and warm the egg yolks. Avoid boiling it, as it can affect the texture.
- Strain the Mixture: After mixing the custard, strain it through a fine sieve. This step removes any lumps and ensures a silky-smooth texture.
- Baking in a Water Bath: Place your Emile Henry dishes in a larger baking pan filled with hot water. This method helps cook the custard gently and evenly, preventing it from curdling.
- Chill Well: After baking, let the Creme Brulee cool before refrigerating it. Chilling it for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop and the texture to set.
- Brulee Just Before Serving: For the best texture, caramelize the sugar topping just before you serve the dessert. This keeps the sugar crispy and fresh!
