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Coffee Crème Brûlée Recipe

5 from 109 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the remaining coffee cream, stirring continuously, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Pour the combined custard mixture evenly into ramekins.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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