I’ve always had a soft spot for desserts that feel a little fancy but are surprisingly simple to make at home. Crème brûlée is one of those desserts that seems to belong in a high-end restaurant, but with this Crème Brûlée recipe for two, you can enjoy it right in your kitchen. The rich, creamy custard topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust is a delightful treat that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress a special someone or simply treat yourself!
Why I Love This Crème Brûlée Recipe for Two
What I adore about this recipe is how it balances elegance and simplicity. It’s like having a mini celebration in a dish! You know those days when you just need a little something sweet to brighten your mood? This crème brûlée hits the spot. The process of making it is almost therapeutic. I love whisking the egg yolks and sugar together, watching the mixture transform into a luscious golden hue.
And let’s not forget the satisfying crack of the caramelized sugar topping. It’s that moment when you dig in with a spoon, and the contrasting textures of creamy custard and crunchy sugar come together beautifully. Honestly, it’s so good, that you might just make it twice in one week!
Key Ingredients for Crème Brûlée Recipe for Two
To whip up this Crème Brûlée recipe for two, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Heavy Cream is the star of the show. The cream gives the custard its rich and silky texture. You can use half-and-half in a pinch, but I always use heavy cream for that luxurious mouthfeel.
- Egg Yolks: You’ll need about two large egg yolks. They provide structure and richness to our custard. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try using duck eggs for a different flavor profile!
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the custard and is also used to create that signature crunchy topping. I like to use organic cane sugar for a slightly different taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth to the flavor. If you want to elevate it further, you can also use vanilla beans; just scrape the seeds from one bean into the cream.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Crème brûlée is a classic example of a custard-based dessert, but how does custard differ from pudding? If you’ve ever wondered about their unique textures and ingredients, check out our detailed comparison to learn more.
Ingredient Substitutions for Crème Brûlée Recipe for Two
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can experiment with different flavors. For example, you can infuse the cream with lavender or citrus zest for a refreshing twist. You can also replace some of the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.
How to Make This Crème Brûlée Recipe for Two
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making the crème brûlée! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be on your way to dessert heaven.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Heat Cream: In a saucepan, warm 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then remove from heat.
- Mix Yolks and Sugar: In a bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until pale and thick.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.
- Strain: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup or bowl to ensure a smooth custard.
- Pour and Bake: Divide the custard into two ramekins. Place them in a baking dish, fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins, and bake for 30-35 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Let the ramekins cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Caramelize Sugar: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize the sugar until golden.
- Serve: Allow the sugar topping to cool before digging in. Enjoy the delightful contrast of creamy custard and crunchy sugar!
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the custard while it’s baking. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Chill Well: Allowing the custard to chill properly is essential for the best texture.
Chef’s Tips & Variations of Crème Brûlée Recipe for Two
Pro Cooking Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your cream and eggs, the better your crème brûlée will taste. Always opt for high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: While vanilla is a classic, don’t hesitate to get creative. You can infuse the cream with flavors like espresso, matcha, or even spices like cinnamon or cardamom. Just remember to strain the cream after infusing to remove any solids.
If you love silky, indulgent desserts like crème brûlée, you might also enjoy making panna cotta. This chocolate panna cotta recipe is just as luxurious but requires no baking—perfect for a quick yet elegant treat.
- Chill Before Caramelizing: For the best texture, make sure your custards are well-chilled before you caramelize the sugar. This helps the sugar harden more effectively.
Dietary Modifications
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but it can still be delicious!
- Low-Sugar Options: You can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol, but be sure to check the conversion ratios, as they can vary.
Storing, Reheating & Freezing the Crème Brûlée
Best Ways to Store Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover crème brûlée (which is rare, but it happens!), here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Just remember not to add the sugar topping until you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Crème brûlée is best served cold, but if you need to reheat it slightly, place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before caramelizing the sugar. Avoid using a microwave, as it can ruin the texture.
Freezing
While crème brûlée is not ideal for freezing, you can freeze the custard without the sugar topping. Just cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then caramelize the sugar just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crème Brûlée for Two
1. Can I make crème brûlée ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custards a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, and caramelize the sugar just before enjoying.
2. What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No worries! You can use your oven’s broiler. Just place the ramekins on a baking sheet, sprinkle the sugar, and broil for about 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can easily double the recipe. Just make sure you have enough ramekins and adjust the baking time if necessary. Larger batches might take a bit longer to set.
What to Serve with This Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée is a rich dessert that pairs beautifully with lighter options. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing touch and balances the richness of the crème brûlée.
- Shortbread Cookies: The buttery crunch of shortbread complements the creamy custard perfectly.
- Coffee or Tea: A nice cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance the overall experience and cleanse the palate.
Conclusion
In summary, this Crème Brûlée recipe for two is not only a delightful treat but also a testament to the joy of creating something special at home. With its creamy custard and crispy caramelized topping, it’s a dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to impress.
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Crème Brûlée Recipe for Two
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this elegant Crème Brûlée recipe, featuring creamy custard and a perfectly caramelized topping. Perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Additional sugar for caramelizing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the crème brûlée bakes evenly.
- Heat the Cream: Next, in a saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Mix Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and thick. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a smooth custard.
- Strain the Mixture: After combining, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup or bowl. This ensures a silky-smooth custard.
- Pour and Bake: Divide the custard into two ramekins. Place them in a baking dish and fill with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool the Ramekins: Allow the ramekins to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Finally, let the sugar topping cool for a moment before serving. Enjoy the delightful contrast of creamy custard and crunchy sugar!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider infusing the cream with additional ingredients such as citrus zest or coffee.
- Ensure not to overbake the custard; it should remain slightly jiggly in the center for the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg