3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée (Printable Version)

Silky custard base topped with crisp caramelized sugar made from three simple ingredients.

# What You'll Need:

→ Custard

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 4 large egg yolks
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

→ Topping

04 - 4 tablespoons granulated sugar

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set the oven to 325°F (160°C) to warm up while preparing the custard.
02 - Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, avoiding boiling.
03 - Beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until the mixture is pale and thickened.
04 - Gradually add the warm cream to the egg yolk mixture while whisking steadily to prevent curdling.
05 - Pass the mixture through a fine sieve into a large container for extra smooth texture.
06 - Divide the custard equally into four 6-ounce ramekins.
07 - Place ramekins in a deep baking dish and pour hot water until halfway up their sides.
08 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the custards are set but slightly wobbly in the center.
09 - Remove ramekins from water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 1 hour.
10 - Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar evenly over each custard just before serving.
11 - Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden and crisp; let stand 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • You get to play with fire at the end, which is half the fun and makes you feel like a professional pastry chef
  • The ingredient list is ridiculously short for something that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant
02 -
  • Overbaking is the enemy, so pull them out when they still look slightly underdone since they continue cooking from residual heat
  • The water bath might seem intimidating but it is essential for gentle even heat that prevents the custard from curdling
03 -
  • Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into warm cream without shocking the mixture
  • Make these a day ahead since the flavor develops and the texture improves after resting overnight
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