Description
A classic French dessert featuring a creamy custard base topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place four ramekins in a baking dish and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined and slightly pale in color.
- Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any lumps.
- Carefully pour the custard mixture into the prepared ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, sprinkle an even layer of brown sugar on top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, melt 2 ounces of dark chocolate and whisk it into the cream mixture before combining with the egg yolks.
- Experiment with different flavors by infusing the cream with citrus zest or spices like cinnamon or cardamom before mixing with the egg yolks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 210mg