Coffee Crème Brûlée Recipe
Introduction
Coffee Crème Brûlée combines the classic creamy custard dessert with the rich, bold flavors of coffee. This elegant treat is perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a comforting, sophisticated dessert at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and brewed coffee together until just simmering. Remove from heat and let it infuse for a few minutes.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale.
- Step 3: Slowly add a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the yolks to temper them, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Then gradually mix in the rest of the cream mixture along with the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Pour the custard into ramekins and place them in a baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins to create a water bath.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Step 6: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Step 7: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar evenly over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly brewed espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Allow the caramelized sugar to cool for a minute to harden before serving for the perfect crack.
Storage
Store refrigerated crème brûlée covered loosely with plastic wrap for up to 2 days. The sugar topping is best caramelized just before serving to maintain its crunch. If caramelized in advance, it may soften as it sits.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make crème brûlée ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the custards up to 2 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated and caramelize the sugar topping right before serving.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar?
You can place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, though a torch provides more control for even caramelization.
PrintCoffee Crème Brûlée Recipe
A delicately flavored Coffee Crème Brûlée combining the rich creaminess of traditional French custard with the bold taste of coffee. This elegant dessert features a smooth coffee-infused custard base topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, offering a delightful contrast of textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours including chilling
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Custard Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules or brewed espresso
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for caramelizing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat Cream and Coffee: In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and coffee granules (or brewed espresso) over medium heat until it is steaming hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it infuse for about 10 minutes.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: While the cream is infusing, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a bowl until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot coffee cream into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to raise the temperature gently and avoid curdling.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the remaining coffee cream, stirring continuously, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the combined custard mixture evenly into ramekins.
- Bake in Water Bath: Place the ramekins in a baking dish and add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chill: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Torch Sugar Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Let cool briefly to harden before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso or high-quality instant coffee for best flavor.
- Make sure not to boil the cream to avoid a grainy texture.
- Ensure the water bath is hot to promote even cooking of the custard.
- For a non-torch method, broil the sugared custards briefly but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead to save time.
Keywords: Coffee Crème Brûlée, Coffee Dessert, French Custard, Caramelized Sugar Dessert, Elegant Dessert, Coffee Recipe
