Description
A classic French dessert with a creamy custard base topped with a crispy caramelized sugar layer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place four ramekins in a baking dish and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and vanilla extract over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and pale.
- Gradually pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly 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 into the ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins, creating a water bath that comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of brown sugar evenly over each custard. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy top. If you don’t have a torch, place the ramekins under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Allow the caramelized sugar to cool for a minute before serving.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, add 2 ounces of melted dark chocolate to the cream mixture before combining with the egg yolks.
- Experiment with different flavorings by infusing the cream with citrus zest, coffee, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 200mg